Whitstable

Travel Guide

Whitstable Beach as well as a small group of people
Whitstable Castle and Gardens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace
Whitstable showing a small town or village
Whitstable Beach which includes a pebble beach
Whitstable Beach
Work up an appetite with invigorating coastal walks then dine on oysters and gourmet seafood at this seaside resort in the southeast of England.

The tranquil seaside town of Whitstable is a popular weekend destination for London escapees trading in the big city bustle for peace, fresh sea air and delectable seafood. Stroll along promenades and pebbled shores, paddle in the cool waters and try a few of those sweet and briny native oysters for which this town is so well known.

Oysters have been harvested in Whitstable since Roman times, although the industry really flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It went into decline in the 20th century, but has experienced a revival in recent years.

There are several places where you can try these tasty mollusks. Purchase them fresh from the Whitstable Fish Market or at the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar. Better yet, plan your visit for the July Oyster Festival when they are served at restaurants, bars and stalls throughout town.

A pleasant way to see Whitstable is on foot. Amble along the main stretch of West Beach and continue east to Tankerton Slopes where pastel-colored beach huts line the shore. If the tide is low, walk along the Street, a strip of shingle that extends into the water and offers good views of the town. Another good trek is the coastal Saxon Shore Way.

Rent a bike to explore farther afield. Cycle along the Crab and Winkle Way following the old rail course from Whitstable to Canterbury. The route first carried Victorian tourists here and passes through an area of ancient woodland.

Back in town, tour the Whitstable Museum and Gallery. Exhibits are devoted to local topics, including the oyster industry and famous former residents such as the actor Peter Cushing. He starred in several horror movies and the original Star Wars. Wander the town center where old-fashioned shops, retro ice-cream emporiums and characterful pubs add to the town’s appeal.

Whitstable is about a 2-hour drive from London. Regular train services leave from the capital and buses depart from Canterbury. Sample seaside living and mouthwatering seafood at this picturesque resort.

Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental
3 out of 5
29 Beach Walk, Whitstable, England
The price is €203 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€203
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Whitstable. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (347 reviews)
Lovely hotel with very poor parking situation…
"Check-in was fine, but the parking situation is horrid! The hotel is a beautiful old seafront hotel which has been nicely updated. The dinner in the dining room was delicious as was the breakfast buffet. My room was well appointed and had all the luxuries that one would want. They did not have a ..."

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2025

Hotel Continental
Marine Hotel
Marine Hotel
3 out of 5
Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable, England
The price is €140 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€140
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Whitstable. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (665 reviews)
"A wonderful hotel with easy parking outside, lovely rooms, friendly staff, a good restaurant and a fabulous breakfast! We will be back!"

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2025

Marine Hotel
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Blean
Stay at this vacation home in Whitstable. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and a hot tub. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and Church of St Cosmus & St Damian ...
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Blean
Stay at this vacation home in Whitstable. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and a hot tub. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and Church of St Cosmus & St Damian ...
Stunning Detached Spacious House with Hot Tub
Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Whitstable
Stay at this vacation home in Whitstable. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Perfect weekend spot
"Fantastic property for a weekend in Whitstable. Ideal location for exploring this gorgeous town. Very clean and well equipped. Thank you"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Shapelesslodge.com
Shapelesslodge.com
Whitstable
Stay at this vacation home in Whitstable. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and All Saints Church are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Long weekend
"Compact space with some storage and kitchenette and shower room. Ok perhaps for an overnight stay. But needed more room for longer stay."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2024

Shapelesslodge.com
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Whitstable

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you like oysters, seafood and a lovely small high street then it’s perfect!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

My heart has stayed in Whitstable, it’s a place that I love.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely town, great shops & restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Full of amazing pubs, antique shops and quality places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What an amazing little town. So much to see and a lovely feel to the place. Will definitely be returning. Can recommend the East Kent pub too - lovely owner and great pub.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great lively community and working harbour. Great for fresh fish and seafood.