CHARMING WHITSTABLE: THE PERFECT UK STAYCATION
Looking for a staycation in the UK? Or maybe you’re in the mood for a fun day trip from London, exploring the British seaside? Either way, the lively town of Whitstable can be the perfect blissful escape for anyone that loves a breezy summer stroll along the beach and the smell of salty sea air whilst devouring a delicious battered cod and chips.
Before we dive in, I’ll admit this was my first week-long UK staycation. Generally, my default has always been to find warmer waters or more imposing mountains. I spent 5 years exploring every corner of France whilst I lived in Paris but have never explored the UK in the same way.
This time around, with a global halt in travel, when a friend offered her house in return for petting her adorable cats and watering her vegetable patch for a week, I couldn’t say no!
Having spent over 3 months in quarantine in London, it felt so amazing to get out of a bustling city, be closer to nature, fresher air and enjoy a lazy afternoon (or a few) in the sun, roaming a gorgeous seaside town.
Boats and beach huts in Whitstable, UK
There’s no shortage of things to do in Whitstable. With miles upon miles of pebbled British coastline, whether you’re one for stand up paddle boarding, grabbing a cool beer at the Old Neptune or simply enjoying a pleasant sunset over the Isle of Sheppey as the waves roll in and out.
I enjoyed it so much that I’m tempted to go back and explore the rest of Kent. Whitstable had everything I wanted for a UK getaway!
I hope this post provides you with useful tips and information, including places to stay in Whitstable and some of my best picks of where to eat. At first glance, you might be tempted to spend a day and leave it at that. But as the day-trippers head back to London, summer evenings and early mornings are pure bliss as the locals claim back their pebbled shores.
Low tide in Whitstable UK
Things to do in Whitstable
Enjoy the fresh taste of oysters and mussels
I’ll admit, raw seafood isn’t really my thing. I’m one of those people who prefers eating cooked food over eating raw things. So it’s no surprise I’ve never really developed a taste for oysters.
But for you guys, who love the slippery little treats, Whitstable is famous for enjoying a feast of fresh seafood at your fingertips.
The Forge
Whitstable Oysters
There’s no shortage of places to go. If you wander along the seafront, or past the busy stands along the harbour, it won’t be long before you find yourself a cosy seafront restaurant abode. Talk of the town, The Forge and The Whitstable Oyster Company are hot picks.
And if you take a nosy down Harbour Street (just off the main High St) you can’t miss the town’s oldest restaurant, Wheelers oysters bar.
Pick up a souvenir (or two) at the Whitstable Harbour Market
Who doesn’t love a good market to ponder around aimlessly for a few hours?
Most days of the week, the market brings together the best of British local traders selling hand-crafted goods, paintings, photography, jewellery, ceramics and so much more. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift or something a little more quaint and quirky.
A few of the little beach huts will also serve you a delicious treat of burgers, fried fish and olives.
Buzzing with a chilled vibe, it’s highly likely that you’ll stumble upon it. But just in case… It’s located past Crab and Winkle on the corner of the harbour.
Oyster beds
Chill out with a drink at Old Neptune pub
If you’re travelling whilst social distancing measures are in place, don’t forget to stay two metres away from others and wash your hands regularly.
Right on the beach, the Old Neptune pub is the perfect place to pick up some grub, enjoy a live music performance and cheers to a wonderful day as the sun sets on the horizon.
Serving locally brewed beer, it’s traditional ambiance will get the locals and tourists mingling in the sunshine.
Old Neptune Pub on the beach
Whitstable beach
Take your pick of one of many pebbled beaches
It might seem bizarre to some why, as Brits, we are surprisingly very fond of our pebbled beaches.
We just are.💁🏽
And whether you’re into stand up paddle boarding or canoeing, there’s plenty of rental gear available along the seafront. Surprisingly the water was really calm and warm during my time there.
Whitstable beach front
In front of Old Neptune pub, this is probably the busiest part of the coastline, especially on weekends. There’ll be the occasional bonfire and locals gather to watch the sun go down.
West Beach
A local favourite, West Beach is well… further west of the main beach front. If you’re looking for a quieter place to relax, away from the crowds, walk down to the fisherman’s huts, around the caravan park and you’ll be spoilt for choice choosing where to perch yourself.
Continuing on a little further from the Fisherman’s huts, you’ll get a glimpse of some lavish second homes and mansions built on the seafront.
Perfect place to dip your feet or simply spend a breezy afternoon throwing pebbles into the water.
Whitstable Fisherman's huts
Seasalter beach
Take a wonderful coastal walk or morning run along Seasalter beach. Further west from West Beach, there’s a path alongside the pebbled slopes.
Very quiet and chilled out, the sunset views are amazing here.
Things to do in Whitstable | Coastal walks
The beaches along Faversham Road
If you continue west from Seasalter beach along Faversham Road towards Sportsman, the beaches have a little more sand and a heck of a lot more seaweed.
The Sportsman is known for having some of the best food in the area, so do stop by if you made it this far!
There are some private beaches so be sure to be respectful and walk further down the beach.
Tankerton Beach
One of the more family friendly beaches, Tankerton Slopes is around a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of Whitstable or 5-10 minutes on a bike.
With many more colourful fisherman's huts, you might get a little jealous of the families who have access to them. Clean and tidy, it’s the perfect beach for a long coastal stroll. If you’re looking for a lovely pub lunch or an ice lolly or two, head up to the top of the slopes for gorgeous views along the shores.
Tankerton beach huts
Tankerton slopes
Fishermans huts
Walk out onto The Street
When the tide is low, there is a strip of land you can walk out along for around 750m as you’re walking to Tankerton Slopes.
It’s a lot of fun and something I’ve only experienced before off the coast of Thailand. With the waves coming in on both sides, you’re sandwiched onto a strip of cobbled stones and it’s pretty impressive to see how far out it goes.
The water feels cool and fresh on your toes. A great place for a puppy to have a good old splash. So much so the seagulls love it here too!
Enjoy it whilst it lasts and careful not to get stuck out there as the beach disappears when the tide rolls in.😉
The Street
So cool!
Tankerton Slopes
The street
Swalecliffe Beach
Further along the coast, down from Tankerton Slopes, if you love a realllly long coastal walk, you might find yourself at Swalecliffe Beach.
It’s a lovely and quiet area that doesn’t get too busy. Perfect for sunbathing without the crowds.
Swalecliffe beach
Get yourself some classic fish and chips
No trip to a British seaside town is complete without a healthy dose of battered cod and chips. Thankfully you’re spoilt for choice too!
My friend, a long time local of the area advised me to try out Seven Sea’s Fish bar, a local favourite and unknown to the swarms of tourists.
Well… I wasn’t disappointed! Crispy and delicious, I’ll be back again for a second round.
Whether you’re on Harbour Street or on the seafront, some of the more popular places are Ossie’s Fish Bar, The Forge and VC Jones. So go try them out and then tell me about it in the comments!
Fish and chips on the beach in Whitstable
And then go and enjoy on the beach!
Wander along to the colourful Fisherman Huts
I’ll admit, these looked pretty cool! I’ve recently been binging on the tiny house channel and it doesn’t amaze me how cosy and well equipped some of these little beach huts are!
With families enjoying an afternoon barbeque on the beach, reading the paper or taking a dip in the sea, I can’t lie that I really wanted one of these by the end of my stay!
Not to mention, there’s an undeniable lack of shade in Whitstable and a cute little fisherman’s hut would have served the ideal solution to a very bad case of sunburn!
Colourful Fisherman's huts!
Watch a spectacular sunset
I love a sunset that lights up the night in dusty hues of pink and purple. Of course, it’s no Providencia by any means but something I couldn’t miss each and every night I was there.
It’s a great time to go for a coastal stroll or simply watch the sun go down in a wonderfully spectacular fashion.
Sunset in Whitstable
Visit Whitstable Castle
On the way to Tankerton beach, stop off for some tea and biscuits at Whitstable Castle. Chill out on the lawn and enjoy some great views over the gardens.
Take a wander down Harbour street
Whether you’re looking to rummage around some souvenir shops, antique boutiques or spend a couple of hours in a cute cafe, a stroll down Harbour Street is worth it.
And you might even pick up a bargain or two.😉
Antique shop in Whitstable
Hang out by the harbour and boats
Camera ready?
Good. You’ll need it for the picturesque boats and tractors along the shore.
Where to stay in Whitstable
There are some cool and quirky places to stay in Whitstable. If you’re going during the summer months, be sure to book ahead!
The Beacon House: With views of Tankerton beach, this house has four bedrooms and is well equipped with seafront views.
Check here for prices and availability
Sea Sunset Cottage: Located on the seafront of Whitstable bay, immaculate and clean, it’s the perfect place to relax looking out onto the sea.
Check here for prices and availability
The Ness: In a perfect location, it’s an ideal place to watch the sun go down in the evening.
Check here for prices and availability
Harbourfront Cottage: Comfortable and clean within a few minutes walk to the harbour, it has all the amenities you need for a lovely stay.
Check here for prices and availability
West Beach House: A wonderful villa, perfect for couples and families.
How to get to Whitstable from London
There are direct trains to Whitstable from London leaving St Pancras International or London Victoria. If you travel off-peak,tickets are discounted!
Well, I hope you enjoyed that post! Let me know in the comments below! There are so many things to do in Whitstable that you can be kept really busy during a long weekend or even a week’s staycation.
The only tip I have for you is don’t forget the sunscreen… Because guess who got sunburned on a staycation in England?🙋🏽
Happy travels!
Planning a trip or fancy a freebie? These are some websites and services I love:
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Airbnb: For the best apartment deals!🏡
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