Tips for a trip to the English coastal town of Whitstable: Travel Guide

Just an hour from the hustle and bustle of London is the seaside town of Whitstable, known for its specialty oysters, annual Whitstable Oyster Festival and excellent seafood cuisine. But Whitstable offers more than just good food.

Eskigaste takes you to the best shops, quaint pubs, historic harbours, a humble Michelin star restaurant and hours of shingle beach strolls.

“Hip” is how the English describe Whitstable in Kent. The fishing town is embedded in the hilly landscape of southern England. It became a popular tourist destination in the 1830s when the first rail links opened to larger cities like Canterbury. But between trendy cafes, indie shops selling sustainable crafts, industrial luxury accommodation and street art, Whitstable retains the original charm that has attracted holidaymakers since the 18th century.

The approximately 32,000 inhabitants of Whitstable enjoy the beautiful location with spectacular views and – as you would expect in a fishing village – always fantastic seafood. So it’s no surprise that countless tourists and Londoners flock to Whitstable every year. Find out the top tips for a great stay here.

Whitstable Harbor – bustling harbor in the centre

Those traveling to Whitstable must visit the centrally located harbour. Before Whitstable became a popular tourist destination, it was all about the fish trade and the harbor is still active today. Many fishing boats, fish stalls and restaurants: there is always something going on here.

If you want to see more of the harbor life in Whitstable, you don’t have to make a big effort: the “Harbour Market” is not far from the harbor bay. About 40 small cottage stalls sell all kinds of art, food and souvenirs here. Details of opening hours can be found on the Whitstable Harbor Market website. In summer there are also a number of pop-up shops.

Fantastic beach promenade

Another highlight is walking along the kilometer-long beach. The promenade leads to the shingle beach on one side and the colorful beach huts and cottages typical of England on the other. Those who make it along the coast path to Tankerton will come across beautiful cottages where tourists and locals alike stop for picnics in the summer.

Those who enjoy bird watching should check out the Whitstable Shore Circular walk. A leisurely route leads here past the golf course, beach and restaurants, while you can see many rare species of birds up close. However, seagulls are the most common sights.

Comfortable shopping experience

Whitstable follows the motto: “Small is beautiful”. Accordingly, instead of Zara or H&M, there are many antique, second-hand, souvenir and art shops. It’s a bit more expensive than you’re used to, but the small shops offer a very special shopping experience.

Food: the best addresses

A thriving café culture means you never have to look far for the next spot to refuel in Whitstable. But Whitstable isn’t just famous for its cafes, it’s the oysters that draw many tourists, along with a number of other seafood dishes. The town is home to a Michelin-starred oyster restaurant: the Whitstable Oyster Company. Wheelers Oyster Bar is also popular, known for its pink façade, which is also a popular photo backdrop for many. By the way, the oysters are available everywhere, so don’t worry if you can’t get a seat in the hot spots.

And of course, it wouldn’t really be England if you didn’t enjoy a pint at a classic English pub. Recommended: the Old Neptune Pub – located directly on the water, you can watch the sunset here with the Whitstable beer “Oyster Stout”.

Arrival and stay

Whitstable has its own small railway station, which has been used by tourists from London since the 1830s. Within a very short time (approx. 1:15 hours) you can arrive directly at the coast from London by train. Many tourists also come to Whitstable from Canterbury, here trains take almost 45 minutes, by car you can arrive in 20 minutes.

Frequent train services make Whitstable the perfect day trip from the city to the coast. So do most Londoners who head to Whitstable in the summer. A leisurely break from the hustle and bustle of the big city makes Whitstable a must on any longer trip to London.

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