10 Best Things To Do In Whitstable On A Day Trip Or Weekend Break | Anywhere We Roam
With world-renowned oysters, a buzzing yet relaxed harbour market and a thriving art scene, Whitstable is the star of the Kent coast. Enjoy a day trip or a weekend getaway with our guide to the best things to do in Whitstable.
In the Middle Ages, Whitstable served as a port for pilgrims making their way to Canterbury.
Today, modern pilgrims descend on Whitstable for its most famous export, seafood.
Whitstable has been known for its oysters since Roman times. A reputation that has not abandoned the port since.
Rustic shacks sell fresh oysters and lobster straight from the water, washed down with local ales. Not to be outdone, Michelin-starred dining makes good use of Whitstable’s prized seafood.
Food aside, the relaxed independent vibe, progressive art scene and lovely harbour make Whitstable a hot spot for Londoners looking for an escape.
Our guide covers all the best things to do in Whitstable in an order that maps out a perfect day trip.
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MAP | THINGS TO DO IN WHITSTABLE
All the great things to do in Whitstable are on our map below.
In the morning you should be able to cover most of the icons in red.
In the afternoon choose between strolling through Tankerton, taking a boat tour or hitting the beach. All these things are marked in brown.
Suggested brunch, coffee, lunch, and pub stops are in purple.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
1 – MORNING COFFEE & BRUNCH
Before exploring Whitstable, start the day with a morning coffee fix.
Blueprint Coffee & Books specialises in cookbooks and children’s illustrated books. They also serve coffee from Ozone Roastery with milk from local cows.
Garage Coffee Roasters is just across the street. These specialty coffee roasters now have four stores spread across Kent from Canterbury to Margate. Their line-up of coffee changes so you can try something different every time.
For a hearty brunch, we recommend Farm & Harper. This independent family-run café serves locally sourced food in a relaxed setting. They’re located right on the high street.
2 – WANDER WHITSTABLE HIGH STREET
Many of England’s high streets have succumbed to lines and lines of chain stores, but not Whitstable. It has maintained a delightfully unique and independent character.
Shops and boutiques sell local wares. Colourful stores stock the freshest-looking vegetables. Of course, you don’t have to wander too far to find some local seafood.
It’s great to just stroll along the high street popping into whatever takes your fancy. But here are a few things we recommend:
- Whitstable Museum and Gallery – This interesting gallery houses the world’s oldest railway locomotives and tells the history of the town.
- Fishslab Gallery – An art gallery showcasing a regularly rotating collection of local artists.
- Chappell Contemporary – A cool gallery focusing on limited edition prints.
3 – WHITSTABLE HARBOUR MARKET
The excellent Whitstable Harbour Market is spread around the town’s working harbour and it’s one of the best things to do in Whitstable.
Pop-up sheds sell hand-crafted goods including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and furniture. There’s also a diverse range of art on offer from local and national artists.
The main reason to come here is the food. Pick up a tub of cockles, mussels or welks. Alternatively, head to the Oyster Shed and try the famous Whitstable Oysters.
4 – EAST QUAY
Continue around the eastern side of the harbour from the market and you’ll arrive at East Quay.
This is the home of the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company which traces its roots back to 1793 when it was set up by an Act of Parliament.
The company produces 4 million Pacific rock oysters a year. They are grown on beds with Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status and they are unique in their provenance and quality.
Whitstable’s fame for oysters, however, is much older. The Romans were sending them home to their families as far back as 80 CE.
Today the bustling area sees boats heading in and out to sea as lobster pots line the dock. Perched on the end of the quay is the Lobster Shack. Grab a bench on the dock with the waves crashing all around you and sip a beer or glass of wine.
5 – LUNCH
An unmissable thing to do in Whitstable is to try the local oysters. Enjoy them fresh from the harbour in a shack or try a fine dining experience.
The Forge – This painted wooden shack often has a queue snaking round the corner. The menu changes regularly but is best known for its oysters.
Wheelers Oyster Bar – Founded in 1856, Wheelers Oyster Bar has been a stalwart of Whitstable for almost two centuries. Set on the High Street, its pink exterior conceals a tiny restaurant with olde world charm. Wash lunch down with one of their own craft beers.
Whitstable Oyster Company – This Michelin Guide restaurant is housed in a former oyster store and is famous for their seafood. On a sunny day, try and get a seat on the pretty outside terrace just behind the beachfront promenade. Book in advance on weekends and summer holidays.
6 – BOAT & OYSTER TOURS
The fishing industry is the beating heart of this charming seaside town. A great thing to do on a day trip to Whitstable is a boat tour out to one of the oyster farms.
Whitstable Oyster Tour – Join a guided tour of Whitstable’s world-famous oyster farm. Learn about different stages of oyster growth and the process of harvesting. Finish up with a few freshly shucked oysters and a glass of bubbly.
Seal Safari – Take a 90-minute cruise on the vintage lifeboat “The Chieftain”. It follows Whitstable’s coastline to see seals resting on a sandbank. From July they’ll be accompanied by little pups. Sightings are almost guaranteed.
Maunsell Forts Boat Trip – About four miles off the coast of Whitstable are the Maunsell Forts. These striking Red Sands Sea Forts were built during the Second World War to protect the area from aerial and naval attacks. They successfully shot down 22 aircraft and 30 flying bombs. Today they are large rusting metallic structures that look like something out of Mad Max. This 60-minute tour on an RIB are great for photographers.
7 – TANKERTON
Just a 15-to-20-minute walk east of Whitstable is the village of Tankerton. It makes a great afternoon stroll with several good things to do and see.
On the way you’ll walk past, Whitstable Castle & Gardens (formerly Tankerton Towers).
Pop in to explore the well-kept gardens and manicured bowling lawn. Treat yourself to baked scones in the Orangery Tea Rooms.
At Tankerton, the beachfront promenade is lined with colourful huts. Grassy slopes and sandstone cliffs provide lovely views along the long pebble beach. It’s a sheltered slice of coastline, perfect for families.
8 – WHITSTABLE BEACH
Whitstable beach is a long stretch of shingle and pebble stretching between the town and nearby Seasalter.
The promenade at the back is a great place to stroll and the sea is a nice place to cool off if you’re visiting on a particularly hot day.
However, when the tide is out you’ll need to go a long way out just to the up to your knees.
9 – PINT AT OLD NEPTUNE
Rather than going for a swim, the best thing to do on Whitstable Beach is to have a pint at the Old Neptune pub.
Positioned amongst the pebbles, this historic inn oozes old-school charm. Try their own Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and watch the sun go down over the harbour.
For a wider range of craft beers and gin head to Twelve Taps. Located on the High Street they have twelve lines of craft beer, and a seasonal cocktail menu. They also distil their own Whitstable Gin. Try the beer flight of 3 small beers to get a good sample of their selection.
10 – DINNER
End your day trip to Whitstable at one of the many excellent restaurants in the town.
Samphire – This independent family-run bistro is in the heart of Whitstable High Street. Unfussy modern dining from an ever-changing blackboard. Book in advance in summer and on weekends.
Jojo’s – Excellent tapas in a wonderful location on Marine Parade above the cliffs in Tankerton.
The Sportsman – Holding a Michelin star since 2008, The Sportsman is regularly reviewed as one of the best pubs in Kent. The al a carte menu is no longer available, and they now only offer a five-course tasting menu. It’s 4 miles outside Whitstable.
WHITSTABLE DAY TRIP FROM LONDON
Whitstable Day trip by train – The fastest route to Whitstable by train is from London St Pancras Station. Direct trains leave hourly and take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
It’s also possible to get a direct train from London Victoria Station. It leaves hourly and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Whitstable train station is a 15-minute walk from the high street or harbour.
Whitstable day trip by car – It takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from central London to Whitstable. Times can vary substantially as traffic in and around London can be bad.
There are numerous car parks surrounding Whitstable harbour and more near the High Street.
IS ONE DAY ENOUGH IN WHITSTABLE?
The best things to do in Whitstable can be done in one day. This will include exploring the harbour, trying the seafood, taking a boat tour, and grabbing a pint overlooking the sea.
However, it’s a very relaxing escape with a decent beach, wonderful coastal strolls and some of the best food you’ll find in the UK.
To turn your Whitstable day trip into a weekend break, spend the second day at Canterbury which is a 30-minute drive away. This will also allow you to enjoy some of Whitstable’s great food in the evening.
WHERE TO STAY IN WHITSTABLE
Here are some hotel recommendations if you plan to extend your stay.
CONVENIENT B&B
CLIFTONVILLE HOUSE
This B&B with a helpful and informative host does a great breakfast. All the sights are within walking distance and the bus to Canterbury is right outside.
BEACHFRONT VIEWS
HOTEL CONTINENTAL
Traditional seaside hotel perched on Whitstable’s seafront. The restored rooms are clean and comfortable, and the beach and harbour are just across the road. Free parking allows you to leave your car at the hotel all day.
OUR PICK
CLIFFTOP HOTEL
THE MARINE HOTEL
Sitting atop Tankerton Cliffs on the coastal promenade, this elegant hotel with contemporary rooms has wonderful oceanfront views. It’s a 20-minute walk or taxi ride from the station and harbour.
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