Whitstable - a fisherman’s village
If you’re looking to experience an authentic, English coastal town, where life slows down and you enjoy the sunset of an English summer by the sea with a cold, local beer – Whitstable is the place.
Whitstable is an authentic seaside town located on the north coast of Kent. It is a charming place that retains that same coastal character that first drew holidaymakers there in the mid-18th century. Famous for its oyster trade and long pebble beaches, loved for its seafood and soothing atmosphere.
What to see and do
It's no surprise that the harbour is a bustling part of Whitstable, and is a fully-fledged working harbour. Simply enjoy watching fisherman set sail, a wander around the harbour village and explore Whitstable Fish Market. A chat with the locals is also recommended as the stories of old, English fishermen are so very adventurous.
Continue walking along the sea front before turning left up to Harbour Street that is lined with quirky and unique shops to explore. The street really shows that the town still retains the charm of times gone by.
Some shops that I recommend you stop by
Sundae Sundae
The perfect little store to buy a postcard to send home to your loved ones. And rumor has it that they have the best ice cream in town!
Cheese Box
For all you cheese lovers, don’t miss out on this fantastic shop, specializing on British cheese only. You can take away in small boxes and enjoy outdoors, or there are two seats indoors. Make sure to chat with the owners, their knowledge about cheese is superb!
Wheelers Oyster Bar
If not to eat, at least make sure to stop and have a look. Wheelers Oyster Bar was founded in 1856 and to this day still serves fresh seafood and organic produce. The pink building really stands out in the middle of Harbour Street.
Where to eat in Whitstable
No surprise that there are tons of places in Whitstable that serve fresh seafood, and you can choose to sit at a restaurant or buy from a stall on the beach. Whatever you choose, you will most likely leave with a very happy belly!
Whitstable is most famously known for its oyster trade and they are a delicacy here, coming fresh from the sea. Note that oyster season runs from September until April.
Wheelers Oyster Bar
As mentioned earlier; this iconic and old pastel pink-painted townhouse serves up fresh oysters in its miniature parlor as well as regularly changing seafood classics. If you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere, they also do picnic boxes.
Ossie’s Fish Bar
Why not try some traditional and proper British fish & chips when in Whitstable? Because let’s face it; a trip to the British seaside would not be complete without a big bag of battered cod and chips. The best one is said to be Ossie’s Fish Bar, and can be brought down to be enjoyed on the beach.
Another famous fish & chips shop that has been in business since 1962 is VC Jones. Eat in at simple tables or takeaway to eat your spoils on the beach, just don’t miss out!
The Whitstable Oyster Company
If you want that little extra, this seafood restaurant offers some of the very best oysters, fish and seafood in the city. The restaurant is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the company's oyster grounds. The prices are a bit higher, but most definitely worth it.
Crab & Wrinkler
Located in the working harbour, you can enjoy the freshest seafood. Seasonal shellfish platters are a firm favourite, while international dishes like prawn tikka masala are popular too.
The Forge
The Forge is a little shack that has a few picnic tables out front and deals in paper plates stacked up with plump oysters, fish & chips and doughnuts (yum yum)!
Enjoy Whitstable beach
Sandy beach lovers may be a bit disappointed by the pebbly stretch of coastline, but being a seaside town, Whitstable has plenty of nice beaches and is the perfect place for a dip in the ocean. Whitstable beach sits at the end of town and is a long stretch of coastline that is divided into several different sections by large wooden breaks, also known as “groins”. The best beaches are said to be Tankerton Beach, West Beach, Reeves Beach, The Smack and Long Beach. Personally, I stuck close to the city centre, which again can be a busy spot. It really depends on what you prefer and have time for. Make sure to not miss the cute cottages and colourful beach huts, stretching all the way to Tankerton.
End the day at the local pub
Make sure to end your day with a pint of local ale (or in my case pimms), sitting right on the pebbles with your toes dunked in the sea. How many pubs have you visited in England that are actually ON the beach, right? The amazing Old Neptun pub has the perfect locations and serve the best pints, while enjoying the view of the sea.
How to get there
Trains to Whitstable from London depart from St. Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Whitstable station is very close to the beach and you can walk to the sea front in around 10 minutes. Check out Trainline for the best deals.
Lots of love from Henriette Sophia
