Looking for the best things to do in Whitstable Kent? This guide is filled with the top sights and activities in Whitstable, from walking along the seafront, rich maritime history, delicious oysters to Instagram worthy candy-coloured beach huts. A Whitstable day trip has all the makings of a relaxing day by the sea.
Whitstable is a coastal town famous for its native oysters, but there is so much to discover in this quirky Kent seaside town. With direct trains from London taking only 70 minutes, this makes Whitstable the perfect beach trip from London. Plus it’s a massive foodie destination too.
Why Whitstable? The ‘Gram’ Made me do it!
The facade of Wheelers Oysters bar on Instagram made me visit Whitstable, but the friendly smiling locals and calming pebble beachfront makes me want to return for more of this quaint British seaside town. And next time, I’ll bring friends!
I would be lying if I said that I wanted to explore more of the English seaside towns and their pebbly beaches. I’m Jamaican and grew up playing in miles of golden sand and turquoise blue waters. So I’ve always side-eyed the pebble beaches of the U.K.
I scoffed snarkily, when my English friends would invite me on trips to Brighton, Margate, Ramsgate or Hastings, and said that I would take them on a trip to Seven Mile Beach in Negril, rated one of the best beaches in the world. But after seeing the picturesque pink facade of the Wheelers oyster bar on Instagram, I caved you guys. And I tell you my FOMO was at fever pitch with wanting to visit this place and visit I did.
And I can say that a day trip from London to Whitstable was worth the ‘hype’. And this is from a girl that side-eyes most things she sees on Instagram. If you’re looking for more on London or planning a trip to the Big Smoke then read my London travel tips guide.
If you’ve been wondering where to go in Whitstable, worry not! I’ve got you covered. This quiet seaside resort should be at the top of your list if you’re a stressed-out Londoner. It makes for the perfect day trip to Whitstable, with lovely shops, great food, and a fantastic bit of British seaside.
Where is Whitstable Kent?
Whitstable is a seaside town on the North coast of Kent in South-East England. It’s famous for its ‘Native Oysters – Whitstable oysters’ which were collected from beds beyond the low water mark from Roman times until the mid-20th century. Whitstable is located about 7 mies from the cathedral city of Canterbury where you can see Canterbury Cathedral. There is even an annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, which takes place in July.
How to Get to from London to Whitstable Kent
Whitstable is a small town located in Kent, so makes it a perfect option for a day trip from London to Whitstable. High-speed trains from London St Pancras International to Whitstable take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The South East of Whitstable in Kent is 30 miles from the port of Dover. There are also trains from London Victoria to Whitstable Railway that take 80 minutes. For a slightly quicker journey, I opted for London St Pancras train station. I booked my train ticket via Trainline at £20 return, but tickets can cost up to £30 if booked last minute. Once in Whitstable, it takes just a short walk about 10-15 minutes to reach the beachfront.
Here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know on how to get from London to Whitstable by train, car or bus.
Day Trip to Whitstable from London by train | Things to Do in Whitstable Kent
1. Wander Along Whitstable Seafront – Whitstable Beach
One of the best things to do in Whitstable is a walk along the seafront. From colourful beach huts, pubs, and pebbles to piles of glistening oyster shells, there is so much to see along the waterfront. Whitstable beach is popular for activities in Whitstable like windsurfing and sailing with the Whitstable Yacht Club.
The Whitstable Yacht Club is located on the north coast of Kent where the Thames Estuary meets the North Sea. The main draw to Whitstable is its pebble beach separated by groynes to stop erosion every 40 or so metres.
When I visited the Whitstable beaches during the early morning, the tide was low, and I mean low enough for you to walk out onto the exposed mud and look at the seabed. Which I was kinda bum about. However, after a quick shandy in a cute trailer cafe, where I stayed for about an hour, I perked up.
Walking back to the seafront of Whitstable beach, I could see that the tide had risen and all at once it was as if everyone in Whitstable was taking a dip in the sea.
Young families with chunky little babies having their ‘first’ – dressed in their first swimming costumes and dipping into the ocean for the first time. There were also little barbecues on the go everywhere, with enticing smells wafting up into the sea air. It was hard to not just lay on the beach with a cold drink from the Old Neptune Pub and enjoy the cool fresh sea air and sun. You can’t have it all.
The Old Neptune Pub is the U.K.’s only pub on the beach, and it’s wonderful to sip on a cold beer while watching the sea lap the shore. The sea is also surprisingly warm, so don’t be afraid to dip your toes in on your day trip to the Whitstable beaches, UK.
2. Instagram Worthy Colourful Whitstable Beach Huts
Whitstable’s beach huts are everywhere on the ‘Gram,’ and you can snag yourself some cute shots by then. Facing the seafront, to your left, you have small but beautifully decorated huts. And if you keep walking for five/ten minutes, you’ll find a plethora of beach huts all lined up in rows with stunning sea views.
Each one is different with their brightly coloured stripes and décor. These tiny beach huts sell for several thousand pounds, and there are constantly waiting lists to buy them too. They’re expensive but cheaper than flats in London. Plus, they’re just so much cuter!
3. Whitstable Harbour
Despite a thriving oyster trade, Whitstable only gained an Harbour in 1832, when a port was built alongside The Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, known as the “Crab and Winkle line”, which carried coal between London and Canterbury.
After visiting the colourful Whitstable beach huts walk towards Whitstable Harbour area. Whitstable is known for the Whitstable oysters, and in July, they celebrate with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival. Which is a celebration of all things oyster that culminates with the crowing of an Oyster King and Queen. Visiting the harbour eating oyster and taking boat trips from Whitstable is one of the best things to do in Whitstable during the summer months.
There you’ll find the working harbour that is predominantly used by whelk and oyster fishermen and is home to several good restaurants and shacks. Just like the colourful beach huts, you’ll find brightly coloured fishing boats of the Whitstable fleet moored around the harbour.
As previously mentioned, Whitstable is famed for its oysters which were first discovered by the Romans two millennia ago.The oysters have been harvested by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery company since the 1400s.
4. Whitstable Boat Trips
Another cool thing to do in Whitstable is doing a boat trip, which means you can explore this stunning area of Kent coastline. The harbour based Whitstable boat tours provides three options, including short 20-minute journeys across Whitstable Bay, and one-hour excursions to the iconic Maunsell Sea Forts built during the Second World War to use as a coastal defence or seal watching.
Note: A part of Whitstable beach is owned by Whitstable Oyster Fishery company.
Address: Harbour Market Whitstable, The South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent, CT5 1AB
Opening Hours: 10 am — 4 pm (Thursday – Sunday only)
5. Explore Whitstable Harbour Market
Along the harbour, you’ll also find the Harbour Market, which features about 35 traders selling everything from coffee and ice cream to handmade jewellery and artwork. Harbour Market is an open-air market that showcases British made locally created goods and fine art.
6. Do Some Whitstable Water Sports
If you’re feeling brave, watersports are a wonderful way to have fun at the British seaside. You can also do some water sports closer to Whitstable Harbour. At Oyster Coast Watersports, to the east of the harbour, you can hire kayaks and paddle-boards by the hour.
One of my top tips for visiting Whitstable beach would be to arrive early. Because if you visit on a lovely day, by midday the beach will be packed. The seafront and the beach huts are two of the top places to visit during a Whitstable day trip.
Top Tip Whitstable Tide Times: Swimming is only possible two hours each side of high tide. This is because the sea retreats by up to a kilometre at low tide to expose the muddy (though oyster-packed) seabed. Get information about high tide times from the BBC Tide Tables.
7. Admire Whitstable Street Art
Being a seaside town, Whitstable has an artsy, relaxed vibe. I passed by several unique and quirky art as I was walking along Whitstable’s Harbour Street and peeking down the side streets. I discovered several of the stencil art/paste up pieces designed by Unify, a street artist known for his work around London (including in the Shoreditch art scene).
You’ll also see street art by Catman, Kent’s own Banksy. You’ll find ‘Drink Local’ on Harbour Street. There is some interesting local art at the Fish Slab Gallery in Oxford Street. Which was once a fishmongers’ and the marble slab still intact on your day in Whitstable.
I hope you like my list of things to do in Whitstable Kent.
8. Explore the Alleys of Whitstable
Look for the quirky smuggler’s alleys. Smugglers used these as an escape route when trading in illegal tobacco and spirits. Also check out Squeeze Gut Alley, that gradually gets narrower as you go further down the alley. But be wary, you need to be able to fit through its narrowest end!
9. Visit Whitstable Castle
After relaxing on the seafront and exploring the town centre, why not discover Whitstable Castle. The castle is another thing to see during a Whitstable day out. The original name for Whitstable Castle is Tankerton Towers.
It’s a small castle that is 10 minutes’ walk from Whitstable Harbour. Originally constructed in the 1790s, and developed and improved by successive inhabitants over the years, the castle is found at the top of the small hill to the east of Whitstable’s harbour.
You can look over Tankerton beach from the grounds. The Castle’s tower is its oldest feature, built of brick and flint, with the adjoining extension wing constructed in Georgian Gothic style. The Castle also houses a popular tea room for afternoon tea, and it has wonderful events occasionally, so keep an eye on their website.
Address: Whitstable Castle and Gardens, Tower Hill, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BW
Opening Hours: Gardens: 7am – sunset; Tearooms: 10am – 5pm
Price: free
10. Visit The Tankerton Beach
Still wondering what to do in whitstable? Then visit the famous Tankerton Beach. The Tankerton Beach is a long shingle beach which is overlooked by colourful huts and contains a promenade, with swimming in calm water. The Tankerton beaches lay beneath the Tankerton slopes on the eastern end of Whitstable and is one of the best attractions in Whitstable.
At low tide it is possible to walk right out to sea on a natural causeway known as ‘The Street’. At this state of tide there is a fair bit of sand and a few rockpools are revealed to see on your day in Whitstable Kent.
11. Go Shopping Along Harbour Street
The first thing you’ll realise when wandering through Whitstable Town centre and along its high street is that the place is filled with independent shops. Lining the High Street (aka Harbour Street), you’ll find antique shops, cafes and bric-à-brac shops. Which is a great way to spend a couple of hours on your visit to Whitstable.
Shops in Whitstable to Visit
Seagulls & Flamingos
This is an interesting little shop selling every nick-nack under the sun – cards, teacups, photo frames and more.
Geoff Laurens Antiques
For antiques visit the cutest little shop selling furniture, specialising in painted furniture.
Anchors Aweigh Vintage
This is a treasure trove of vintage items from clothing, books, china and even fabrics.
Frank’s
If you’re looking for gifts, this is the place! All the things are handmade focusing on small brands, individual crafts people, sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
The Whiting Post
The Whiting Post is for lovers of colourful and quirky clothing that expresses their personality. It has a retro vibe.
Best Restaurants in Whitstable Kent | Foodie Things to Do
🍽️ Whitstable Oyster Company’s Fish Restaurant
The Whitstable Oyster Company’s Fish Restaurant, on the harbour, is an excellent upmarket place to grab some oysters and fresh seafood if you’re on the beachfront. The Oyster Company is in a former oyster store on the beach, with long rustic trestle tables, photos of fishermen and rafters. The menu changes daily with lots of fresh fish besides rock oysters. The Oyster Company is said to be one of the best places to eat in Whitstable amongst its local restaurants.
🍽️ The Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack, found at the northern end of the harbour, boasts great sea views and a simple menu. With favourites such as fish/scampi and chips and baked lobster with garlic and parsley butter, it’s no surprise that the Lobster Shack is such a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
🍽️ The Forge
The Forge is the hipster shack on the beachfront, which serves local beer and the freshest oysters. You can watch the skilled staff shuck oysters right in front of you. All oysters sold at the famous old shack are local to Whitstable and grown on the nearby sea bed. I tried out a quarter dozen of the native oysters, which were particularly delicious with a splash of hot sauce. Hot sauce makes everything better – just ask Beyonce.
Pro Tip: When there’s an R in the month, its native oyster season (rock oysters are available all year). Whitstable’s famous native oysters are at their best from September through to April.
🍽️ V.C Jones Fish and Chips
For fresh fish and chips visit V.C. Jones, with its red and white sign, there was always a queue outside when I would walk past. So I never got to try their fish and chips. If the queues are too long there, try The Pearson’s Arms.
🍽️ Harbour Street Tapas
Harbour Street Tapas is the place to experience a little taste of Spain in Whitstable. I know it’s something very different. So, if you’ve had your fill of Whitstable’s finest oysters and fish and chips, book a table here. On the menu of Harbour Street Tapas are small sharing plates, traditional Spanish paella and delicious desserts.
🍽️ Sundae Sundae
You might have seen the front of this shop on Instagram. But what’s on the inside is just as good as the outside. There is always a queue outside the door of this tiny ice cream shop, but it’s worth the wait. Sundae Sundae is a retro shop, where the ice cream is all homemade. There are quite a few flavours, but my favourite was rum and raisin. You can’t go wrong with this classic British flavour.
🍽️ Samphire
This is a family-run bistro, in the heart of Whitstable that is warm and informal. The menu is made of seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, allotments, fishermen and producers in Kent and the South East.
🍽️ Blueprint Coffee
You can grab a coffee from Blueprint coffee bar on Oxford Street. They serve an excellent range of ethically sourced coffees. It’s a part coffee shop/part book shop that you can peruse as you wait for your coffee.
🍽️ Wheelers Oyster Bar
I was really surprised how small the inside of the restaurant was, but I was determined to try the oysters there, since it felt like this Whitstable day trip would not be complete without them. Going off the recommendation of my server who has been working in Wheeler’s the last 20 years, I had six oysters.
Three wild Whitstable Native oysters and three rock oysters cooked in Guinness tempura batter (after spying a family eating them on the beach and asking where they got it from).
Man, I tell you the oysters were amazing, especially the battered ones. They had such a rich, full taste and were freshly made. If you are visiting Wheelers be sure to try them. Because they were so good, I had to have another half dozen oysters.
There is also every type of seafood you can imagine in the oyster bar, you can even build your own fresh seafood platters. Wheelers Oyster Bar is also the oldest restaurant in the town. If Wheelers is fully booked and you still what to try some delicious oysters visit The Forge next to Whitstable Harbour. The Wheelers Oyster bar is one of the best restaurants in Whitstable Harbour.
Pro tip: Wheeler’s Oyster Bar is tiny, so if you want to have dinner there make reservations in advance. It’s also BYOB, but there’s a conveniently place named ‘Offy’ across the road, where you can buy your wine from. It’s also cash-only, but an ATM is a minute away.
Final Thoughts on Whitstable Things to Do | Whitstable Day Trip
I had a great Whitstable day trip from London, but I think a weekend would be best to really enjoy all the top things to do in Whitstable and see what this little seaside town has to offer. Whether you’re driving or taking a train from London, it’s easy enough to get around.
You could also take the time to explore more of Kent. By visiting other coastal towns in Kent, like Dover or Deal, you can extend your trip and have even more fun. Just try to pick a weekend with good weather, and be sure to pack in your travel camera, so that you can have plenty of pictures for the ‘Gram to go with your wonderful memories.