24 Hours in Whitstable

Whitstable is a delightful fishing port on the North Coast of Kent, just 25 minutes outside of the medieval city of Canterbury. It is well known for its delicious fresh seafood, especially the world famous Whitstable oyster, and its beautiful beaches where water sports are abundant.

Our Marketing Coordinator Abi spent 24 hours in Whitstable this summer and here’s a guide of what she got up to during her stay. Whether you’re visiting Whitstable for the day or staying in one of our charming seaside cottages, make sure you have a read of the itinerary below for the top things to do during your visit. 

Start your day at Tankerton Slopes and enjoy a coffee on the beach, watching the early rising windsurfers crash over the waves. You might even be tempted to get in the water yourself.

Take a short walk along the coast to Whitstable Caste which is a hidden gem amongst the trees. It started life as a residence for the Pearson Family in the late 1790s and its beautiful gardens and interior is now a fantastic place to wander around. Meet The Reluctant Gardener in the grounds and enjoy tea a slice of cake in the Orangery Tea Rooms.

Head to Whitstable Harbour which is full of history and bursting with character and peruse the stalls that line the port. Buy seaside inspired gifts, local food and drink, and ask the friendly locals about their fishing heritage. Watch the fishermen go about their work with an ice cream in hand - you’re on holiday after all!

After a busy morning of exploring head to The Lobster Shack where the view rivals the seafood as the best thing about the restaurant. Of course the staff at the shack recommended the oysters when Abi asked them what the tastiest thing on the menu was, and she can confirm that they were pretty good! Make sure you watch out for the cheeky seagulls as you enjoy your lazy lunch break watching the world go by out to sea.

After lunch take a stroll along the beach and watch the kids (and adults) as they try their hand at crabbing. Buy some crabbing lines and a bucket in the town nearby and have a go yourself - you’ll be amazed at how much you can catch! Go for a swim, relax on the beach with a book, have a snooze - Whitstable will bring back the most wonderful childhood memories of summer holidays at the seaside.

After a day at the beach head back the way you came and watch the sun setting over the horizon with dinner at The Hotel Continental. Sit out on the veranda and enjoy eating al fresco with uninterrupted views of the red sky. If you haven’t had enough of seafood by dinner, the Mussels with fries come highly recommended.

When it's time to go home, head back to your little holiday cottage - Pebblesea is great for groups and Teal Cottage is perfect for families - and rest up for another day of exploring the local area tomorrow! Perhaps a trip to nearby Canterbury is on the agenda...