Whitstable Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town with plenty of charm and character. With the sea a stone's throw away, a working harbour with artisan shops and a bustling high street with independent shops, there is plenty for everyone.
220 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable
Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town with plenty of charm and character. With the sea a stone's throw away, a working harbour with artisan shops and a bustling high street with independent shops, there is plenty for everyone.
Have a look at our separate guidebook on Canterbury for more detailed information
The historic City of Canterbury is a traditional and varied city. Boasting a part-complete original city wall (you can walk along it), parks, punting along the rivers, museums, traditional buildings, theatres and cinemas. The highlight is the stunning and historic Canterbury Cathedral but then there are also the narrow streets, wonky buildings, and the Roman museum containing an original roman pavement (there are believed to be lots of roman pavements and even a Roman Colliseum under Canterbury. If you want to come back here again then look at the suites on offer in our boutique hotel in the heart of Canterbury:
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite1
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-room2
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-room3
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite4
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite5
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite6
369 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canterbury
Have a look at our separate guidebook on Canterbury for more detailed information
The historic City of Canterbury is a traditional and varied city. Boasting a part-complete original city wall (you can walk along it), parks, punting along the rivers, museums, traditional buildings, theatres and cinemas. The highlight is the stunning and historic Canterbury Cathedral but then there are also the narrow streets, wonky buildings, and the Roman museum containing an original roman pavement (there are believed to be lots of roman pavements and even a Roman Colliseum under Canterbury. If you want to come back here again then look at the suites on offer in our boutique hotel in the heart of Canterbury:
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite1
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-room2
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-room3
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite4
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite5
https://airbnb.com/h/number8-suite6
Sightseeing
Lovely working harbour where you can sample seafood, have lunch, an ice cream and visit the artisan beach huts. There is even live music sometimes at the cafe and far end of the beach huts. Try the local oysters (only in a month that has an 'R' in it, otherwise they are imported).
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable Harbour
Lovely working harbour where you can sample seafood, have lunch, an ice cream and visit the artisan beach huts. There is even live music sometimes at the cafe and far end of the beach huts. Try the local oysters (only in a month that has an 'R' in it, otherwise they are imported).
Whilst this is a members only club. There is a cafe in the rear area that sells the best oysters, ice cream and lunches in Whitstable and its right on the sea front. You get some amazing sun sets in Whitstable so the boats and sun set offer an amazing photo opportunity. There is sailing every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting - no sailing Dec-March) and Wednesday evenings so the area is a hive of activity. Just watch out for the club's horn going off if the boats are racing from the shoreline - it will make you jump.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable Yacht Club
3-4 Sea WallWhilst this is a members only club. There is a cafe in the rear area that sells the best oysters, ice cream and lunches in Whitstable and its right on the sea front. You get some amazing sun sets in Whitstable so the boats and sun set offer an amazing photo opportunity. There is sailing every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting - no sailing Dec-March) and Wednesday evenings so the area is a hive of activity. Just watch out for the club's horn going off if the boats are racing from the shoreline - it will make you jump.
A beautiful castle and gardens and a recently refurbished play area with views over the sea and town. Sit outside at their cafe or watch the bowls club. Walk along from there to the Tankerton Slopes with the 3 rows of beachuts lining the shorefront
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable Castle & Gardens
Tower HillA beautiful castle and gardens and a recently refurbished play area with views over the sea and town. Sit outside at their cafe or watch the bowls club. Walk along from there to the Tankerton Slopes with the 3 rows of beachuts lining the shorefront
Between Whistable and Tankerton at mid-tide you can walk along a 'road' or a strip of pebbles that leads for a mile out into the sea. Just be carefull you don't get caught out by the tide!
The Street
Between Whistable and Tankerton at mid-tide you can walk along a 'road' or a strip of pebbles that leads for a mile out into the sea. Just be carefull you don't get caught out by the tide!
Visible off the beaches of Whitstable are two sets of WW2 gun forts. One is just off the Isle of Sheppey and the other is in International Waters. Two companies offer boat trips to see the forts (amazing eerie and so tall) and a separate tour to see the seals on the sandbanks. We would advise booking early. www.oystercoastwaterports.co.uk and www.whitstableboattrips.co.uk
Red Sands Fort
Visible off the beaches of Whitstable are two sets of WW2 gun forts. One is just off the Isle of Sheppey and the other is in International Waters. Two companies offer boat trips to see the forts (amazing eerie and so tall) and a separate tour to see the seals on the sandbanks. We would advise booking early. www.oystercoastwaterports.co.uk and www.whitstableboattrips.co.uk
Whitstable beach is a stony but oh so beautiful beach. We have 5m tides so you either have water lapping on the stones between the groynes or an expanse of land (and mud!). The area from The Neptune pub to the harbour is the busiest and more touristy but does have deeper swimming depths. The sea gradually slopes down and there isn't a sudden drop. From The Neptune towards the West Beach Caravan park is the same beach conditions but has more locals. Beyond the caravan park is so much quieter and shallower depths. The caravan park also has a cafe/tea rooms and even offers dog ice cream!
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable Beach Front
14-2 Marine TerraceWhitstable beach is a stony but oh so beautiful beach. We have 5m tides so you either have water lapping on the stones between the groynes or an expanse of land (and mud!). The area from The Neptune pub to the harbour is the busiest and more touristy but does have deeper swimming depths. The sea gradually slopes down and there isn't a sudden drop. From The Neptune towards the West Beach Caravan park is the same beach conditions but has more locals. Beyond the caravan park is so much quieter and shallower depths. The caravan park also has a cafe/tea rooms and even offers dog ice cream!
A traditional pub right on the beach offering drinks and food at trestle tables on the beach. Beautiful surrounds and so much better value than some of the central Whitstable shoreline pop up cafes (apart from Keith's in the grounds of the Whitstable Yacht Club). They also do live music at the weekends and some week nights.
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Neptune
Island WallA traditional pub right on the beach offering drinks and food at trestle tables on the beach. Beautiful surrounds and so much better value than some of the central Whitstable shoreline pop up cafes (apart from Keith's in the grounds of the Whitstable Yacht Club). They also do live music at the weekends and some week nights.
Lovely house and gardens in the heart if the countryside. They have a cafe on site, otherwise the Red Lion pub in Herne is lovely
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Ephraim Gardens
Staple StreetLovely house and gardens in the heart if the countryside. They have a cafe on site, otherwise the Red Lion pub in Herne is lovely
Eating Out
There are lots of places to eat in Whitstable, but these are our favourites. There are chain restaurants such as Zizzi's and Prezzo's but the independant restaurants are really good.
The sun sets to the North in the summer so we get stunning sunsets, so enjoy them on the beach before heading in to eat!. You could also enjoy a bbq or a takeaway on the beach (please take your rubbish away with you to help keep the beach clean).
Held every other Saturday at The Umbrella Centre, this offers a gastronomic feast of local delights. To the rear of the Umbrella Centre is a secret gem of a cafe with outdoor seating and homecooked food.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitstable Fish Market
Held every other Saturday at The Umbrella Centre, this offers a gastronomic feast of local delights. To the rear of the Umbrella Centre is a secret gem of a cafe with outdoor seating and homecooked food.
The best fish and chips, ice cream and other fishy dishes at this cafe right on the sea front.
Keith's coffee hut
3-4 Sea WallThe best fish and chips, ice cream and other fishy dishes at this cafe right on the sea front.
V C Jones
25 Harbour St2nd best fish & chip shop
Features a restaurant in the old lounge in the back and a fish delicatesson/bar food in the front. Amazing food. They also do oyster platters and picnic platters to enjoy at home or on the beach (order in advance for the latter)
127 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wheelers Oyster Bar
8 High StFeatures a restaurant in the old lounge in the back and a fish delicatesson/bar food in the front. Amazing food. They also do oyster platters and picnic platters to enjoy at home or on the beach (order in advance for the latter)
Seafood restaurant with views of the harbour and the sunset
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crab & Winkle
Seafood restaurant with views of the harbour and the sunset
English restaurant with no fish and chips on the menu! Really lovely food.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Birdies restaurant
41 Harbour StEnglish restaurant with no fish and chips on the menu! Really lovely food.
Mediteranean/Meze restaurant in Tankerton with really tasty dishes. Very popular. You can only book two weeks in advance.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jojos
2 Herne Bay RdMediteranean/Meze restaurant in Tankerton with really tasty dishes. Very popular. You can only book two weeks in advance.
Small restaurant in the heart of Whitstable serving tapas dishes. There is a larger room upstairs for groups and then you can get platters of delicious foods.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harbour Street Tapas
48 Harbour StSmall restaurant in the heart of Whitstable serving tapas dishes. There is a larger room upstairs for groups and then you can get platters of delicious foods.
Michelin starred restaurant in a remote setting, nestled behind beach huts and the sea walls. Delicious food.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sportsman
Faversham RoadMichelin starred restaurant in a remote setting, nestled behind beach huts and the sea walls. Delicious food.
Shobab
24 High StEat in or takaway at this Indian Restaurant
Samphire
4 High StEnglish restaurant with a sophisticated menu.
Thai restaurant with lovely food and a garden.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thai Orchid Whitstable
82 Middle WallThai restaurant with lovely food and a garden.
Small, local cafe serving home made healthy food and delicious cakes
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Windy Corner Stores & Cafe
110 Nelson RdSmall, local cafe serving home made healthy food and delicious cakes
Cafe just off the High Street with a small covered garden (dogs accepted). All the food is delicious but a particular favourite is the homemade pies.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Howard's Kitchen
Gladstone RoadCafe just off the High Street with a small covered garden (dogs accepted). All the food is delicious but a particular favourite is the homemade pies.
A larger cafe but popular with locals and serves delicious food at the Harbour End of town.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marina Harbour Street
4-5 Harbour StA larger cafe but popular with locals and serves delicious food at the Harbour End of town.
The closest pub to The Old Schoolhouse. Outdoor and indoor seating, live music and delicious food.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Kent
72 Oxford StThe closest pub to The Old Schoolhouse. Outdoor and indoor seating, live music and delicious food.
New eat-in pizzeria which is getting rave reviews
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castellum Pizzeria
27A Oxford StreetNew eat-in pizzeria which is getting rave reviews
Thai Orchid Whitstable
82 Middle WallDelicious food and very friendly staff. We had 3 meals of veal, sea bass and livers and were savouring every mouthful.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mucini
1-3 St Annes RdDelicious food and very friendly staff. We had 3 meals of veal, sea bass and livers and were savouring every mouthful.
Sports
Offer lessons, boat trips (WW2 gun forts, seeing the seals on their sandbanks near Faversham). Hire a kayak, paddleboard, jet ski. www.oystercoastwatersports.co.uk, 01227816108
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oyster Coast watersports
Offer lessons, boat trips (WW2 gun forts, seeing the seals on their sandbanks near Faversham). Hire a kayak, paddleboard, jet ski. www.oystercoastwatersports.co.uk, 01227816108
Hire a bicycle from here or at the Canterbury branch. There is a cycle route from Whitstable to Canterbury through the woods and along the seafront from Whitstable to Herne Bay. www.kentcyclehire.com
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kent Cycle Hire
Sea StreetHire a bicycle from here or at the Canterbury branch. There is a cycle route from Whitstable to Canterbury through the woods and along the seafront from Whitstable to Herne Bay. www.kentcyclehire.com
Jet Ski World Cafe
Fort MountHire a jet ski and have fun in Margate. jetskiworld@outlook.com, 01843231703
Hire a canoe or kayak and travel on the beautiful rivers, oh and maybe stop at the Fordwich Arms for a drink along the way. www.canoewild.co.uk
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canoe Wild - Fordwich
The DroveHire a canoe or kayak and travel on the beautiful rivers, oh and maybe stop at the Fordwich Arms for a drink along the way. www.canoewild.co.uk
Punting along the historic Canterbury water ways. This company is less touristy compared to the company that operates from Westgate gardens, but the views are just as beautiful.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canterbury Punting Company
Water LanePunting along the historic Canterbury water ways. This company is less touristy compared to the company that operates from Westgate gardens, but the views are just as beautiful.
Whitstable Seasalter Golf Club Ltd
Chestfield Golf Club
103 Chestfield RdGoing out
The majority of pubs in Whitstable offer live music in Whitstable. Our favourites are The Neptune, Duke of Cumberland and Rock Lodge but The Smack Inn and the New Inn are also frequented by friends.
A local micro-pub (1 min walk from the holiday let) is the Handsome Sam who's location Airbnb doesn't seem to recognise. Very small but tasty drinks.
Our local theatre company in a traditional small theatre offering comedies, plays, musical and pantomime. www.playhousewhitstable.co.uk
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playhouse Theatre Whitstable
104 High StOur local theatre company in a traditional small theatre offering comedies, plays, musical and pantomime. www.playhousewhitstable.co.uk
A small local cinema in the nearby town has two cinemas but is charming and cheaper than the chain cinemas in Canterbury
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kavanagh Cinema
William StreetA small local cinema in the nearby town has two cinemas but is charming and cheaper than the chain cinemas in Canterbury
A small independent gin bar. Very popular
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Twelve Taps
102 High StA small independent gin bar. Very popular
An independent small and very popular micro-pub. Decorated in a gentlemans style with bench seating with delicious local beers, ales & ciders and homemade massive scotch eggs!
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Black Dog
66 High StAn independent small and very popular micro-pub. Decorated in a gentlemans style with bench seating with delicious local beers, ales & ciders and homemade massive scotch eggs!
Takeaway
Sabara Indian Takeaway
88 High StreetNomad Pizza Whitstable
76 High StCastellum Pizzeria
27A Oxford StreetFour Seasons
41 Canterbury Rd