Need a break from London, but don’t have the time or means to go far this summer? Whitstable might just be the place to put the wind back in your sails.
When you live in a big city it’s easy to crave the sea when summer is in full bloom. It doesn’t quite feel like summer without getting sand between your toes and dipping your feet in the cool sea at least once, does it?
Growing up in Yorkshire, my only experiences of seaside towns were Blackpool and Skegness, both of which I found loud, garish and anything but relaxing. At a young age, I assumed they were all the same but I was wrong. I discovered places like Robin Hood’s Bay and Flamborough Head that showed me you could find beaches in the UK that offered a sense of escapism and tranquility.
Now I’ve found Whitstable to add to the list too.
Oysters, oysters and more oysters!
Oysters are like marmite: people usually love ’em or loathe ’em. I can’t get enough of the slippery little seductions, and the ones I ate in Whitstable were the best I’ve had in the UK by a country mile. In fact, Whitstable is world-famous for these salty suckers.
It’s not really common to find oysters on restaurant menus here in the UK, especially as you move further away from the coast. In London we have the Wright Brothers and a few others, but they’re few and far between so Whitstable is pure heaven for oyster lovers. It’s worth taking the trip for these succulent delicacies alone. Do I sound too obsessed? Yep.
Where to go for oysters
Whitstable has bags of character and one big reason for this is the working harbour heaving with fisherman boats, carts, restaurants and stalls.
If you’re looking for the best, head over to one of the stalls and see the oysters cracked opened and served with a dash of lemon and optional tabasco right before your eyes. I stopped at The Whitstable Oyster Fishery to get my dose. They were so big and juicy and at 6 for £10 they make the perfect snack. Once you’ve guzzled them down you’ll be asking yourself how long is an acceptable time to wait before going back for more!
For dinner, I opted for a seafood platter (£50) at the The Lobster Shack. My decision to go here was partly due to the outside seating area complete with a lovely stunning sea view.
For whatever reason though, the platter took ages to arrive (I think they must have forgotten about us). When it did finally arrive, I was impressed. It looked delicious. But unfortunately it didn’t taste as good as good as it looked.
The highlights were the meaty king prawns and sea snails. However, I found the oysters disappointing. Unlike the ones at the stalls which were creamy and incredibly fresh, these fell well below par.
To give them some slack, it was super busy and I probably should’ve gone for the lobster which is clearly what they specialise in. It’s in their name after all!
The day before I had eaten lobster in Canterbury so I wanted to mix it up. (If you’re also visiting Canterbury which is only 6-miles away I recommend Chapman’s).
You should also check out Wheelers Oyster Bar, The Whitstable Oyster Company, Crab & Winkle and The Forge.
To slurp or not to slurp?
With regards to eating oysters, there’s an on-going debate how to do it. Should you use a fork or just slurp it down straight from the shell? I slurp and chew, but honestly, who cares? Though if you really want to know more, then read this guide.
Where to stay in Whitstable
There are some lovely B&Bs and a nice range of hotels too depending on your taste and budget. Here are a few highlights:
- If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary and want to stay right by the sea, these restored fisherman’s huts offer something different.
- If comfort, luxury, and contemporary design floats your boat, Oyster Shell Whitstable is about as modern as it gets in this seaside town.
- For something quintessentially British, Hotel Continental provides comfort and cosiness with views overlooking the sea.
Getting there
If you’re travelling to Whitstable by train, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to save money. You can compare prices and book online via the Trainline.com.
Soaking up the seaside vibes
If you’ve been to tropical beaches around the world, Whitstable isn’t going to leave you speechless. Most of it is pebble beach, but when the tide is low it gets sandier and easier to walk on.
It does, however, have bags of charm. At offers nice broadway, several jettys and an interesting ‘spit’ running directly out from the shoreline that looks like you’re walking on water (located eastwards nearby Hotel Continental). Make sure you pack a pair of flip flops.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the beach is walking out to the oyster racks which supply the town with the succulent delicacies it has become famous for in the UK. They’re submerged during high tide so make sure you arrive before the late afternoon to see them.
Everywhere you go you’re reminded of beach life. Brightly painted beach huts, fishing boats, ropes and knots and buoys – it’s a quintessential harbour scene that make for lovely photos in good weather.
Are you planning a trip to Whitstable in Kent?
While exploring Kent, you might also wish to check out these blog post:
- Best Places to Visit in Kent
- Walking from Dover to Deal a Stunning Coastal Route
- Guide to Canterbury – Best Things to See & Do
- London to Margate by Train – a Day at the Seaside
