My favourite 19 things to see & do on a sunny day in Whitstable
My favourite things to do and see in Whitstable, including must-see attractions, where to eat and shop, hidden gems and experiences that make Whitstable a perfect destination for a sunny day out by the sea.
I’ve always enjoyed my day trips to Whitstable and over the last 25 years had the opportunity to see how Whitstable has changed from a quiet seaside and fishing town to a busy upmarket town with independent shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s nice to see that despite that, Whitstable still keeps it’s quirky charm and easy going atmosphere.
Whitstable is perfect place to try fresh oysters, browse art and crafts shops at the harbour, enjoy sitting on the beach, walk through the narrow streets.
Oh, and by the way, Whitstable is great even out of season, not just during the summer holidays. Last time I visited it was early October and as you can see from my pictures, it was still a fabulously sunny day!
In this practical travel guide, I’ve included my 19 favourite places to see and things to do in Whitstable to help you to plan your next day by the sea.
1. Whitstable Harbour & Oysters Industry
When I arrive at Whitstable, I usually first head over to the Whitstable Harbour. It’s still a working harbour and there are both fishermen and leisure boats here.
You might have already heard, that Whitstable is famous for oysters and the oyster industry has been around since the Roman times when in the nearby Reculver Roman Fort and Richborough Fort people also fished for oysters.
And since the 1850s, the town has been sending oysters to a Billingsgate fish market in London. The oldest oyster fishing company is called the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, which has been at harbour since the 1400s – that’s over 600 years!
Fishermen from the town still use the harbour today, and when you visit, you can see, hear, and taste the local fish and oysters.
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2. The Whitstable Harbour Market
Staying in the harbour for a little longer, carry on walking until you see small huts, which is the Whitstable Harbour Market. This is a lively open-air market, where you can buy locally-made produce, including arts, crafts, and fine foods. It’s a fantastic place to explore if you’re looking for special gifts, handmade items, or delicious local produce.
Everyone is very friendly here and you have the opportunity to chat with the artisans who sell their products there.
The market huts are open on weekends and bank holidays during the low season and every day during the summer months. The opening hours can vary, but it generally operates from around 10 AM to 5 PM.
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3. Browse the independent shops on the Harbour & High Street
To get to the High Street, you first need walk through Harbour Street, which is full of wonderful independent shops, art galleries and handmade gift shops. I love that I can always find something different here and new every time I visit.
The Whiting Post is a charming boutique with a curated selection of vintage and contemporary clothing, accessories, and homeware.
Frank is a contemporary gallery and shop featuring art, ceramics, textiles, and jewelery from local and international artists. It’s a great place to find unique, handmade gifts and art.
The Cheese Box is a specialty cheese shop offering a wide range of locally sourced and international cheeses. They also sell accompaniments like chutneys, crackers, and wines.
Ruskin is a stylish shop offering homeware, gifts, and accessories with a focus on Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. It’s perfect for finding minimalist and elegant items.
Valentine’s Vintage is a vintage shop specializing in clothing, accessories, and home decor from the 1920s to the 1980s. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves retro and vintage styles.
Flory & Black a boutique offering an eclectic mix of home decor, gifts, and accessories. They focus on unique and often handmade items that add character to any home.
Honey Kanes is traditional sweets shop with wide selection of sweets, chocolates, and pick-and-mix options. The shop has a bright and cheerful atmosphere with colourful display, which is impossible to resist! Perfect for both children and adults to visit and indulge in their favourite treats.
The Clothes Horse a boutique offering a range of stylish, contemporary women’s clothing and accessories. It’s known for its friendly service and carefully selected pieces.
The Whitstable Shop is a shop that celebrates all things Whitstable, offering local products, souvenirs, and gifts. It’s a great place to find something to remember your visit by.
Harbour Books is an independent bookstore with a wide range of books, including local interest, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. They also host author events and book signings.
Oyster Stores (5 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AP) is a quirky shop offering a variety of antiques, collectibles, and curiosities. It’s a fun place to browse and find unique items with a story.
The Harbour Garden Cafe (South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Whitstable, CT5 1AB) is primarily a café, but it also sells a selection of plants, garden accessories, and gifts. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and pick up something for your garden.
Gatefield Sounds (19 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB) is an independent record store offering a diverse selection of vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia. It’s a haven for music enthusiasts and collectors.
4. Whitstable Beachfront and West Beach
Whitstable Beachfront and West Beach run sort of parallel to Whitstable High Street and you can get to them through quirky back streets and narrow house passageways that were used by smugglers.
The beaches are mostly stony, with pebbles and shingle covering the shore, although there are some sandy patches that appear when the tide is low. West Beach, which is a bit further away is a great place for a peaceful stroll and it’s often less crowded. The beachfront also has plenty of seafood restaurants and cafes where you can try local specialties like oysters.
If you want to have a swim, then you might like to know that high tides at Whitstable are at approximately 3:18 AM and 3:53 PM, which is when the water is closest to the shore.
Low tides are at approximately 9:50 AM and 9:57 PM (that’s when you need to walk a long way to get into the water). The stones are quite large and it can be tricky to walk on them, so it’s worth taking a swimming pool shoes if you have any.
5. Tea & Times Tea Room
I found this place a while ago and every time I visit Whitstable I always end up having a tea here. Tea & Times Tea Room is a cozy place which has homemade cakes, scones, and pastries and great tea and coffee.
You can also have delicious traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes. There is always friendly atmosphere and I love the mismatched furniture and colourful decor.
6. Whitstable Oyster Farm
The Whitstable Oyster Farm has a long history of growing oysters going back to the 1400s. The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, which manages the farm, is actually one of the oldest oyster companies in all of Europe.
The oysters grown at Whitstable Oyster Farm are called “Whitstable Native Oysters”. The farm uses traditional methods to cultivate and harvest the oysters, a process that takes about 5 years from start to finish.
The oysters from the farm are sold to restaurants and markets, and you can also come to the farm to learn about the oyster growing process. Every year, the town of Whitstable celebrates its oyster farming history with a special Oyster Festival.
When it’s a low tide, you can see the oyster beds in the sea as they stretch out far into the water.
7. Whitstable Community Museum & Gallery
This is a lovely little museum, where you can learn more about the town’s history. It opened in 1985 and has been run by the local community with help from Canterbury City Council.
The museum has lots of interesting things to see, like an old fire engine from 1867, a whelk boat from 1948, and even a locomotive from 1830. These displays help tell the story of Whitstable’s past, including its fishing and oyster industries, which the town is famous for.
- Location: 5A Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB
- Opening Times: Thursday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM School Holidays: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: Adults: £3.00, Children (Under 16): Free
8. Whitstable Castle and Gardens
Whitstable Castle is not exactly a castle, more like a large manor house, but it’s still a really cool place to visit in Whitstable. The castle was first built around 1790, by a guy named Charles Pearson, a wealthy London businessman, who called his new place the Tankerton Towers.
In 1835, the property was purchased by Wynn Ellis, a successful silk merchant and politician, who carried on expanding and improving the castle.
After Ellis’s death, the castle changed hands several times. In 1921, it was bought by Albert Mallandain, a paper manufacturer, who continued to develop the gardens and the surrounding estate. The castle and its grounds were eventually acquired by the Whitstable Urban District Council in 1935, who opened it to the public.
The gardens around the castle are lovely to walk around or relax in and in summer there are lots of different events held there, like summer fairs, food festivals and art displays. There are lovely tearooms in the castle and they do nice afternoon tea.
9. Tankerton Beach
Only a short walk from the centre of Whitstable and you get to Tankerton Beach. It has bright and colourful beach huts and pretty views across the sea.
The beach has it’s name from the time, when the area was part of Tankerton Manor, owned by Elizabeth Radford. The beach become popular in the late 1800s, when travel by train made day out by the sea easier.
If you are like me, thinking wouldn’t it be lovely to have one of these cute beach huts, let me tell you that these can easily fetch prices as high as £65 K! I know, because I looked them up. A slightly more ‘affordable’ huts are on the West Beach (from £35 K) or you can have a second row huts on Tankerton Beach for £45K. For now, I think, I’ll just have to sit on the pebbled beach and bring my own homemade sandwiches with me!
MORE KENT BEACHES
10. The Street at Tankerton Beach
If you come to Tankerton Beach at low tide (approx. 10 am in the morning or 10 pm at night) you will be able to see ‘The Street’. This is a natural pebble and shingle path that stretches about 200 metres into the sea.
The path is wide enough for a few people and you can safely walk into the sea and back and you can get some amazing photos there.
The best time is to arrive in the morning after 9 – 9.30 am which should give you at least 2 hrs of low (ish) tide. Once you see the tide coming in, please go back, as the path can quickly get covered by the sea and you’ll end up with wet shoes.
11. The Peter Cushing Pub
There is another lovely building that surprised me, when I visited few years back – it’s the The Peter Cushing pub. It was originally built as the Oxford Cinema in the 1930s and designed in an Art Deco style. When it closed down JD Wetherspoon bought the building and transformed it into a pub and opened it as The Peter Cushing on August 23, 2011 .
The name is after famous actor who lived in Whitstable for many years and was well-known for his roles in horror films. The pub has kept much of the original cinema’s Art Deco charm and you can find film posters and more information about Peter Cushing displayed inside.
12. The Crab & Winkle Railway Walk
The Crab and Winkle Way, originally the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, opened in 1830. It was built by George Stephenson, it was one of the earliest passenger railways in England. The line was only 6 miles long and connected Canterbury to the port of Whitstable.
It had the first steam-hauled passenger service and the world’s first railway tunnel. The tunnel was a very tricky section of the railway. On the very first day, they found out that the steam locomotive chimney won’t fit into the tunnel as it was a bit too high!
And since in those days, the carriages were completely open, once the train went through the tunnel, all the passenger’s faces were blackened by the coal soot! They had to stop the train and allow everyone to wash their faces in the stream before continuing.
Anyway for all this fun, this railway must have been, the trains sadly stopped running in 1953 and the route was gradually transformed into a cycle and walking path. If you choose to walk it you can get bus back from Canterbury to Whitstable or get a train back to London or Thanet.
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13. Take a boat trip
One of my favourite days in Whitstable was also a day, when I took a boat trip from the harbour to the Maunsell Forts and Herne Bay Pier. This was a whole day trip on the historic Greta ship, but you can also take shorter trips starting from only 30 minutes.
All boat trips start from the main Whitstable Harbour. You can buy your tickets for the shorter trips directly from the boat company huts, but the whole day trips are best pre-booked as they easily sell out.
Whitstable Boat Trips Company
- Seal Watching Trips: Visit the local seal colonies.
Cost: Approximately £30 per person.
Length: Around 1.5 hours. - Maunsell Sea Forts Trips: Explore the historic World War II sea forts.
Cost: Approximately £40 per person.
Length: Around 2 hours. - Whitstable Bay Trips: Enjoy a scenic tour of Whitstable Bay.
Cost: Approximately £20 per person.
Length: Around 1 hour.
2. Whitstable Boat Tours
- Seal Safari: See the seals up close in their natural habitat.
Cost: Approximately £25 per person.
Length: Around 1.5 hours. - Maunsell Forts Adventure: Visit the historic sea forts.
Cost: Approximately £35 per person.
Length: Around 2 hours. - Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise.
Cost: Approximately £30 per person.
Length: Around 1.5 hours.
3. Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips
- Seal Safari: A trip to see the local seal colonies.
Cost: Approximately £25 per person.
Length: Around 1.5 hours. - Harbour and Bay Cruise: A short cruise around the harbour and bay.
Cost: Approximately £15 per person.
Length: Around 30 minutes.
14. Eat at The Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack not only a popular seafood restaurant, but also the filming location of the Whitstable Pearl (more on this later…). It serves delicious fresh seafood, especially lobster, but also fish & chips and local oysters. It has amazing sea views and people are happy to queue to wait for their table – yes, the food is that good!
15. Follow in the footsteps of Whitstable Pearl (books & tv series)
I think that in the past three years, Whitstable might have got it’s fair share of people visiting, because they saw the adaptation of Whitstable Pear books and wanted to know where the TV series were filmed. I loved the series from the start and enjoyed guessing the location of every shot.
For those of you who don’t know, Whitstable Pearl is a series of detective novels written by Julie Wassmer, as well as a television series adaptation available on Acorn TV. The stories are set in Whitstable and follow the adventures of Pearl Nolan, a local restaurant owner who also runs a private detective agency.
In the books, Pearl juggles her responsibilities at the restaurant with her passion for solving mysteries. The series begins with “The Whitstable Pearl Mystery” and continues with several more titles, each with a new case for Pearl to crack.
The television adaptation is also called Whitstable Pearl and premiered on Acorn TV in 2021. The tv series stars Kerry Godliman as Pearl Nolan, who pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a detective while running her restaurant, the Whitstable Pearl (which is the Lobster Shack in a real life).
In the show, Pearl works with a local police detective, Mike McGuire (played by Howard Charles), to solve crimes in the town.
16. Take a trip to Maunsell Sea Forts
I took the trip to Maunsell Sea Forts on one summer day and it was the most amazing experience. It was a long day, but it was also so relaxing sitting on the boat and taking photos and watching the sea. As you can see from my picture, we got quite close to the forts and they are as impressive in real life as you can imagine.
On a clear day, you can also see them from the Whitstable beach, but they are of course quite far away to see any details.
The Maunsell Forts or Maunsell Sea Forts, are a group of armed towers built in the Thames Estuary during World War II. They were designed by Guy Maunsell, a British civil engineer, to help defend the United Kingdom against potential German invasion.
The forts were constructed in 1942 and consisted of several towers, each standing about 30 meters tall. They were built on concrete bases and had several floors, including a searchlight tower, a gun tower, and crew quarters.
During the war, the forts were used to monitor enemy aircraft and ships, as well as to provide anti-aircraft fire. They were manned by Royal Navy personnel and played a crucial role in protecting the Thames Estuary and the nearby coastal towns, including Whitstable.
After the war, the forts were decommissioned and abandoned. Some of them have since collapsed due to weather damage and lack of maintenance. However, a few of the forts, such as the Red Sands Sea Fort near Whitstable, are still standing and have become popular tourist attractions.
17. Take part in the Whitstable 10K run
The Whitstable 10k is a really cool running event that happens every year in May. It’s very popular and we’ve been going for few years now. It’s more like a fun run with everyone taking part from beginners to those who are really good.
In the 2023 race, a guy named Joshua Alan Teece from Central Park Athletics won and he did it super fast, in just 32 minutes and 6 seconds! The event is put together by Sporting Events UK and they work with Canterbury Harriers to make it happen.
The race takes you along the pretty Whitstable coast and every year, thousands of people come to run in the race or just to watch and cheer on the runners.
18. Have a break at cafes & tearooms
1. Tudor Tea Rooms
Address: 29 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AH
Description: A charming, traditional English tea room offering a variety of loose leaf teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches. It has a cozy atmosphere with a lovely garden area for outdoor seating.
2. Blueprint Coffee & Books
Address: 4 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD
Description: A cozy cafe that combines a love for coffee and books. It offers specialty coffee, teas, and a selection of pastries and light bites. It’s a great spot for book lovers to relax and enjoy a good read.
3. The Umbrella Café
Address: Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD
Description: A community-focused cafe that provides a welcoming space for everyone. It serves a variety of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. The cafe also hosts events and workshops.
4. No.15 Harbour Street
Address: 15 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AG
Description: A delightful cafe known for its delicious breakfast and brunch options, as well as a range of cakes and pastries. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
5. Farm & Harper
Address: 27 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AH
Description: A modern cafe offering a varied menu with locally sourced ingredients. They serve everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunches and homemade cakes.
6. Revival Food & Mood
Address: 66 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1BB
Description: A health-conscious cafe that focuses on nutritious and delicious food. They offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options, smoothies, and fresh juices.
7. The Beach Cafe
Address: Beach Walk, Whitstable, CT5 2BP
Description: Located right by the sea, this cafe offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. They serve a variety of snacks, light meals, and drinks, making it a perfect spot for a seaside break.
8. Ossie’s Best Fish and Chips
Address: 7 Sea Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AN
Description: While primarily a fish and chip shop, Ossie’s also functions as a cafe, offering seating and a range of teas, coffees, and traditional British fare.
9. Tea & Times
Address: 47 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB
Description: A quaint tea room offering a selection of teas, coffees, and homemade cakes. It’s a cozy spot to relax and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
10. The Forge
Address: Sea Wall, Whitstable, CT5 1BX
Description: A beachfront cafe known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters. It has a laid-back vibe and offers outdoor seating with great views of the sea.
These tearooms and cafes provide a variety of options for visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing break with good food and drink in Whitstable.
19. Have a lunch or a dinner at restaurant
1. The Sportsman
Address: Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, CT5 4BP
Description: A Michelin-starred gastropub known for its farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes. It’s a bit outside of central Whitstable but well worth the visit for its exceptional cuisine.
2. The Whitstable Oyster Company
Address: Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, CT5 1BU
Description: A historic restaurant located right on the beach, specializing in fresh seafood, particularly oysters. It offers stunning views of the sea and a relaxed dining atmosphere.
3. Samphire
Address: 4 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1BQ
Description: A cozy bistro offering a menu of modern British dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. It’s known for its friendly service and intimate setting.
4. Birdies
Address: 41 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AH
Description: A small, family-run restaurant offering French-inspired cuisine. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere and high-quality dishes, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
5. Wheelers Oyster Bar
Address: 8 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1BQ
Description: An iconic seafood restaurant and oyster bar with a charming pink facade. It offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes in a quaint, traditional setting.
6. The Lobster Shack
Address: East Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Whitstable, CT5 1AB
Description: A casual seafood restaurant located in the harbour, known for its fresh lobster, oysters, and other seafood. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating by the sea.
7. Crab & Winkle
Address: South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Whitstable, CT5 1AB
Description: Situated in the harbour, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood dishes, including locally caught fish and shellfish. It provides great views of the harbour and a friendly dining experience.
8. Ossie’s Best Fish and Chips
Address: 7 Sea Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AN
Description: A popular spot for traditional British fish and chips. It offers a casual dining experience with both takeaway and sit-in options.
9. The Pearson’s Arms
Address: Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, CT5 1BT
Description: A gastropub offering a menu of modern British dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It has a cozy pub atmosphere and often features live music.
10. East Coast Dining Room
Address: 43 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB
Description: A contemporary restaurant offering a menu of British and European dishes. It’s known for its stylish decor and relaxed dining atmosphere.
11. JoJo’s Meze, Meat & Fish Restaurant
Address: 2 Herne Bay Road, Whitstable, CT5 2LQ
Description: A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offering a variety of meze, meat, and fish dishes. It’s popular for its vibrant flavors and friendly service.
12. Alimo Restaurant
Address: 15 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DB
Description: A Moroccan and Mediterranean restaurant offering a range of flavorful dishes, from tagines to grilled meats. It’s known for its warm atmosphere and generous portions.
13. Harbour Street Tapas
Address: 48 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AQ
Description: A tapas bar offering a variety of Spanish-inspired small plates. It’s a great spot for sharing dishes with friends in a lively, casual setting.
This blog post was originally published on 26 February 2015 and last updated on 11 November 2024
