Top 14 Things to do in Whitstable, Kent (2023)
Whitstable is a very pretty seaside town along the Kent coast and within easy reach of London, making it a great place to stay for a long weekend or a day trip. There are so many things to see and do here, but not all will be possible in one visit, and some you may want to repeat again and again.
Whitstable is a fishing town, steeped in maritime history, with oysters having been harvested here since the Roman times. The harbour continues to be a bustling commercial centre and fishing port. Its relationship with the sea extends beyond its role as a fishing port and it has also been a popular seaside resort since the 18th Century.
As a place, Whitstable has an abundance of colour and texture, from the long pebble beaches, the historic timber-clad fisherman cottages and traditional shopfronts to the colourful beach huts.
Each aspect of the place provides artistic and creative inspiration and it is evident this has inspired others as well, as it has an active art community. This really makes it a vibrant place to visit.
Read below to find out more about Whitstable and what you can see and do on your visit. The details I’ve included are correct at the time of writing this blog post, but please check current details before your visit.
Table of Contents
1 to 2. Spending A Day at Whitstable’s Beaches
3. Wander along Harbour Street
5 to 11. Visit Whitstable’s Top Art Galleries
12. Find Whitstable’s Street Art
13 to 14. Other Places to Visit in Whitstable
Use Whitstable as a Base to Explore the Kent Coast and Countryside
1 to 2. Spending A Day at Whitstable’s Beaches
Whitstable has two beaches to choose from - West Beach and Tankerton Beach.
1. West Beach, Whitstable
West Beach is a long shingle beach that stretches over a mile and runs just south of Whitstable Harbour towards Seasalter, and is easily accessed from the town centre. It has a photogenic charm that is characterised by the colourful beach huts, weatherboard cottages, groynes and fishing boats stationed on the beach.
The best things to do at West Beach include:
Relax on the Beach and paddle in the water – Being such a long beach, there are plenty of quiet places to make your own.
Walk along the sea path and try and find the famous actor Peter Cushings’ holiday home along the sea front.
Shell and stone collecting – Our girls love taking home their favourite shells and stones as a memento and painting them. Being a shingle beach, there are plenty to choose from.
Admire the beach huts – The beach huts tend to be located away from the town, at the southern part of the beach. These huts can be very colourful.
Sit on the beach and watch the sunset – West Beach is perfectly located to watch the sun go down on those lazy sunny evenings !!
Watersports – West Beach is a popular location for windsurfing, sailing and paddleboarding. Whitstable Watersports Centre, which is located at the northern end of the beach, offers tuition and hire and can be found at the Whitstable Yacht Club, 2-3 Sea Wall, Whitstable, CT5 1BX.
Crabbing – There are many great places to go crabbing along the east coast, and Whitstable is no exception. The best place is at the northern end of the beach, by Whitstable Harbour.
Have a Drink at Neppy - The Old Neptune, or “Neppy” as its lovingly known by locals, is located on the beach. With its abundance of picnic tables outside, it is a great location to people watch and see the sun go down. Neppy serves traditional English pub food and sometimes they have a BBQ. It can be found at Marine Terrace, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ.
Have oysters at The Forge – The Forge is an oyster shack at the northern end of the beach that also serves local seafood, ice-cream, donuts and beer. The Forge can be found at 1 Sea Wall, Whitstable CT5 1BX.
Fish and chips on the beach – There are a number of fish and chip options, including VC Jones and Ossie’s Fish Bar, or you could sit on the terrace overlooking the sea at Crab & Winkle (but note, Crab & Winkle is an adults only restaurant).
2. Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
Tankerton Beach is to the north west of the town centre and can be accessed by following the sea path. It is a very relaxed beach that has colourful beach huts as its backdrop.
The best things to do at Tankerton Beach include:
Relax and paddle at the beach – Like West Beach, Tankerton is a long beach with plenty of space to a find a quiet area to relax and paddle in the sea.
Stroll along the beach path and view the colourful beach huts. There is a larger collection here than at West Beach.
Walk along “The Street” - The Street at Tankerton Beach is a pebble spit that runs out to sea for approximately 800 metres. The Street can be accessed at low tide, when it is safe to walk along it.
3. Wander along Harbour Street
Harbour Street links the High Street with Whitstable Harbour and forms a key part of the town centre. It is lined with a colourful array of independent shops, with traditional shopfronts, offering all sorts from vintage fashion, books, cheese to ice-cream.
Some of our favourite shops and restaurants include:
Frank - an interesting shop that sells and displays handmade works and doubles up as a gallery space.
Anchors Aweigh Vintage - a small shop if a great array of vintage items from old toys to seaside memorabilia.
Sundae Sundae - an 'ice-cream delicatessen' that sells a range of ice-creams, lollies, chocolates and sweets.
The Cheese Box - As the name indicates, this is a specialist cheese shop.
Duma - a wonderful lighting shop with a great illuminated window display.
Honey Kanes - There is a vast range of traditional sweets to be found at Honey Kanes.
Lottie’s Sweet Creams - An ice-cream shop with an excellent range of flavours.
Wheeler’s Oyster Bar - The historic and iconic pink fish restaurant is very popular - expect long long queues.
4. Explore Whitstable Harbour
Whitstable is an operational commercial and fishing harbour at the northern end of West Beach. As a working harbour it is a fascinating place to stroll around and watch the boats coming in and out, and boats moored up on the beach itself.
As mentioned above, the harbour is also a great place to try crabbing.
One of the key draws to the harbour is its market. Whitstable Harbour contains a number of artisan stalls, creating a vibrant market place. The stalls or beach huts sell a wide range of local made goods and produce, from skilled craftspeople, including paintings, drawings, prints and photography, jewellery, iron works, textiles and furniture. This is a good place for souvenirs, postcards, and prints. The best time to visit is on the weekends when more stalls / beach huts are open for trade.
The Harbour contains a number of places to eat. I have already mentioned The Forge, an oyster shack and Crab & Winkle, an adult only seafood restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. It is also worth checking out The Lobster Shack, a beach bar that serves hot and cold seafood, with local beers and wine. There are lots of other eating options here, including outdoor restaurants and take-away options. I recommend booking in advance as restaurants can get very busy, especially at weekends.
5 to 11. Visit Whitstable’s Top Art Galleries
Whitstable’s Art Galleries come with a great reputation and I wasn’t disappointed. There are a number of excellent art galleries that are well worth visiting.
5. The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre - The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre is a local arts centre that is located by the harbour in a contemporary building, that itself has drawn reference to the sites relation with the sea. The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre provides a number of art classes, covering various mediums. It also puts on films and artist talks. Their exhibitions are very diverse and feature many different artists. The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre can be found at 11 Horsebridge Road Whitstable, CT5 1AF.
6. Harbour Gallery – Harbour Gallery is located in the heart of the town, and as the name would suggest, close to the harbour. It is a gallery that sells a wide range artworks. Harbour Gallery can be found at 47 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AH.
7. Bruce Williams Studio Gallery - Bruce Williams is a local artist who has spent over twenty years as a mural artist and set painter for the film industry and BBC. He paints full-time and displays his work in the Bruce Williams Studio Gallery. His art often draws reference to the landscape and seascapes found along the coast. This gallery can be found at at 108 High Street, Whitstable.
8. Whitstable Museum and Gallery - Located at 5a Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB, this small gallery space displays a variety of mediums from local artists, including sculptures and ceramics, and paintings.
9. The View - The View is located next door to Whitstable Museum and Gallery. This space describes itself as the smallest gallery in Whitstable. It is essentially just a shopfront window, that adds interest to the streetscene. Local artists display their work within this frontage.
10. The Fishslab Gallery - The Fishslab Gallery is a small intimate space that was founded by local artists and provides a gallery space for local artists to display their work. The Fishslab Gallery can be found at 11 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB. When I last visited, the works of Naomi Watkins, a contemporary artist, which included a photographic catologue of derelict buildings and her abstract landscape paintings were on display, amongst other items.
11. Chappell Contemporary – Chappell Contemporary was established by Paula Chappell, and provides a space for upcoming and established artists to showcase their work, and includes work from artists across the country. The art on show is focused on limited edition prints, including Silk Screen Printing, Lithographs, Etchings, and Giclée. Chappell Contemporary can be found at 30 Oxford Street, Whitstable. A number of local artists had their work on display when I visited, and I was particular taken with the exhibition of Bruce Mclean, which was on show. Scottish artist, Bruce Mclean is a leading figure in British contemporary art, and his artwork is not confined to one medium, but expands across a variety, including sculpture, mixed media, prints and abstract painting.
12. Find Whitstable’s Street Art
There are lots street art murals to find in Whitstable.
The works of local street artist, Catman, can be seen on the streets Whitstable. He has sometimes been dubbed ‘Kent’s Banksy’. although his work is excellent and displays a high level of detail and social thought and is unique to him. Some of the best examples can be found along Harbour Street, High Street and Oxford Street. There are other examples of street art found throughout the town from murals to the retained traditional painted signage at the side of shops. There is an excellent tribute mural to Peter Cushing close to the train station by street artist Dream Safari.
13 to 14. Other Places to Visit in Whitstable
If time allows, there a number of other places in Whitstable that are worth exploring, including:
13. Whitstable Castle - Whitstable Castle is not actually a castle and was in fact a grand 18th century family home, formerly known as Tankerton Towers. It is now an events venue with lovely gardens, with a tea room to spend some relaxing time in. Whitstable Castle can be found at Whitstable Castle and Gardens, Tower Hill, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BW.
14. Whitstable Museum - Whitstable Museum is a small museum that explores the towns diverse past, with exhibits ranging from the World’s first steam locomotive passenger railway, historic diving equipment to the infamous Great Fire of Whitstable of 1869, which destroyed 70 buildings. Whitstable Museum can be found at Whitstable Museum, Foresters’ Hall, 5A Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1DB.
How to Get to Whitstable
By train - Trains to Whitstable from London depart from St Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Whitstable station is conveniently located close to the town centre.
By car – Whitstable is located off the A299, which itself can be accessed from the M2. It should take between an 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Whitstable from central London, depending on traffic.
Use Whitstable as a Base to Explore the Kent Coast and Countryside
Whitstable is an ideal base for exploring the Kent coast and countryside. Here is a list of attractions and places to visit near Whitstable along the Kent coast and countryside:
Herne Bay: Visit the charming seaside town of Herne Bay, known for its long pier, beautiful beach, and vibrant promenade. Enjoy coastal walks, visit the Herne Bay Museum and Gallery, and explore the traditional seaside attractions.
Reculver Towers and Country Park: Explore the historic ruins of Reculver Towers, a former Roman fortification, and medieval church. Take a walk along the coastal paths, enjoy the panoramic views, and spot wildlife in the adjacent country park.
Margate: Discover the vibrant coastal town of Margate, famous for its art scene and retro charm. Visit the Turner Contemporary art gallery, explore the vintage amusement park Dreamland, and relax on the sandy beaches.
Broadstairs: Experience the quintessential English seaside town of Broadstairs. Wander through the charming streets lined with independent shops and cafés, explore the picturesque Viking Bay, and visit the Dickens House Museum.
Ramsgate: Explore the bustling Royal Harbour in Ramsgate, which offers a mix of maritime heritage and modern attractions. Visit the Ramsgate Maritime Museum, explore the town's architecture, and enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Deal: Discover the historic coastal town of Deal, known for its charming conservation area and iconic Deal Castle. Take a stroll along the vibrant high street, explore the seafront, and visit the Deal Maritime and Local History Museum.
Dover: Venture to Dover and explore its rich history and iconic landmarks. Visit Dover Castle, take a tour of the Secret Wartime Tunnels, and enjoy breathtaking views of the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Sandwich: Visit the medieval town of Sandwich, known for its well-preserved historic buildings and picturesque streets. Explore the ancient town walls, visit St. Peter's Church, and discover the intriguing exhibits at the Sandwich Guildhall Museum.
St. Margaret's Bay: Enjoy the natural beauty of St. Margaret's Bay, nestled between Dover and Deal. Take a walk along the scenic coastline, admire the famous White Cliffs, and visit the South Foreland Lighthouse.
Pegwell Bay: Experience the tranquility of Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and migratory birds. Take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths, enjoy the scenic views, and explore the Viking Ship Hugin on display.
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve: Embark on a peaceful walk through Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, situated between Canterbury and Sandwich. The reserve is known for its diverse birdlife, reedbeds, and tranquil marshland.
Canterbury Cathedral: Explore the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England. Admire its stunning architecture, visit the Crypt, and attend a service or choral performance.
Canterbury Tales: Immerse yourself in medieval storytelling at the Canterbury Tales attraction. Take a guided tour that brings Chaucer's famous tales to life through interactive exhibits and costumed characters.
St. Augustine's Abbey: Discover the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Anglo-Saxon kings. Explore the peaceful grounds and learn about the history of the abbey and its significance.
Westgate Gardens: Take a relaxing stroll through the Westgate Gardens, located by the River Stour. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil riverside walks. Don't miss the historic Westgate Towers nearby.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions, walks, and natural areas to explore outside of Whitstable. Each destination offers its own unique charm and opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Interesting Facts About Whitstable
Here are some interesting facts about Whitstable to help you get to know the town before your visit:
Roman Origins: Whitstable has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It was originally known as "Witenestaple," meaning "the meeting place of the white post," referring to a landmark used for navigation.
Oyster Industry: Whitstable is renowned for its oyster industry, which dates back over 2,000 years. Oyster cultivation and harvesting have been a significant part of the town's economy and culture since Roman times.
Oyster Dredgers: In the early 19th century, Whitstable was home to the distinctive "Whitstable yawls" or "oyster dredgers." These boats were specifically designed for oyster fishing and played a crucial role in the town's maritime heritage.
Whitstable Harbour: The Whitstable Harbour, built in the early 1830s, was an essential hub for the oyster trade. It allowed easy access for the oyster boats and facilitated the export of oysters to London and beyond.
Charles Dickens' Connection: The renowned English writer, Charles Dickens, was a frequent visitor to Whitstable. He mentioned the town in his novel "David Copperfield," referring to it as "Shelter Bay."
The Crab and Winkle Line: The Crab and Winkle Line, opened in 1830, was the world's first railway line specifically built for steam locomotives. It connected Whitstable with Canterbury and contributed to the growth of tourism in the area.
World War II Defences: During World War II, Whitstable played a strategic role in the defense of the Kent coast. The town was heavily fortified with pillboxes, anti-aircraft batteries, and other defenses to protect against potential enemy invasions.
These facts highlight just a few aspects of Whitstable's fascinating history, showcasing its maritime traditions, famous visitors, and significant landmarks.
I hope you have found this post useful. If you have visited Whitstable yourself, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel something is missing from this post, please email me and let me know at [email protected]
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