Whitstable is like no other town by the sea. Its traditional charms, strong arts culture and rich maritime history complement Whitstable's modern appeal.  Running from the town of Tankerton in the east, to Seasalter in the west, the pebble and shingle beach is punctuated along its route by the wooden groynes, built to protect the shore from erosion. The midpoint is close to the High Street at Cushing’s View, and west from here are the most popular sections, including West Beach, which can get busy in hot weather. At the eastern end the yacht club and working harbour, where scuba diving was invented, are great places to enjoy the sea air and watch the world go by. Further east, Tankerton Slopes are a popular place for an evening stroll to take in the spectacular sunsets and admire the famous – and highly photogenic! - beach huts.

Whitstable's reputation for good food has spread far and wide and its main claim to fame is its oysters which remain an intrinsic part of this sea town's character and are celebrated every July at the Oyster Festival. Oysters and other delicacies from the sea can be enjoyed at the local restaurants and pubs or taken home from the fresh fish market at the harbour.

Shoppers can delight in the town's bohemian charm with independent craft and gift shops, galleries, delicatessens and fashion shops trading side by side with butchers and bakers. There is a thriving arts community, with theatre productions, galleries and a festival of contemporary art.

There are local, individual stores specialising in everything from cheese to cupcakes, as well as delicatessens and local butchers, bakers and greengrocers.  Part of the fun of a holiday in Whitstable is discovering all the original little shops!

When you need to relax with a drink and a meal or snack you will be spoilt for choice with a wonderful choice of cafés, restaurants and pubs.  Whitstable is one of a very few towns in the country that has a pub on the beach – The Old Neptune (turn left when you get onto the beach at the Pearson Arms and walk along the beach for a few minutes). 

Whether you take the main route through the town or enjoy haphazard progress through quiet lanes and alleyways with eccentric names such as Squeeze Gut Alley, you'll end up at the working harbour. Constructed in 1831 the harbour has an interesting history including diving, shipbuilding and fishing.

Along the coast at Tankerton, grassy slopes dip to meet the sea, inviting visitors and locals to walk along the prom and take in some bracing sea air. There's a chance too to get unsurpassed views of Whitstable's skyline from The Street, a wide ridge of shingle stretching out to sea, but only revealed when the tide is low.

With its sense of intimacy and rich character Whitstable has a special place in the hearts and minds of all who visit the town.

Whitstable railway station is on the Chatham Main Line, which runs between Ramsgate in East Kent and London Victoria. Other nearby stations on this line include Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay and Faversham.

There is a Stagecoach bus service running about every fifteen minutes to neighbouring Herne Bay and Canterbury, where many Whitstable residents go to work and shop. The A299 (known as the Thanet Way) runs between Ramsgate and Faversham via Herne Bay and Whitstable, and merges with the M2 motorway at Faversham.

Activities nearby 

Beach, Sea fishing, Golf Course, Horse Riding, Tennis Courts, Watersports, Walking, Cycle Routes, Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pools, Ten-Pin Bowling.