Whitstable is home for us and somewhere we’re so excited to share with you.
It’s a small seaside town, full of character, where everything is close by and best enjoyed slowly. Over the weekend, there’s plenty to explore — from the working harbour and oyster history to beach walks, independent shops and quiet corners. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still find something special.
The Old Neptune Pub
No trip to Whitstable is complete without a visit to The Old Neptune—affectionately known as The Neppy. Sitting right on the beach, it’s one of the few pubs in the UK where you can quite literally have a drink with your feet in the pebbles.
It’s casual, full of character, and often has live music spilling out onto the shoreline. On a sunny afternoon (or even a wild, windy one), it captures everything we love about Whitstable—unpolished, social, and full of life.
Around this stretch of the beach, you’ll also find a mix of local hospitality spots—from relaxed seafood shacks to places serving fresh oysters, drinks, and simple plates. It’s perfect for an afternoon that turns into an evening without much planning
By the Sea & Harbour
Whitstable Harbour is still a working harbour, with both fishing and leisure boats coming and going throughout the day.
The town is well known for its oyster industry, which dates back to Roman times, with oysters historically fished from nearby coastal areas and sent to London for centuries. Since the 1800s, Whitstable has supplied oysters to Billingsgate Market, and the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company has been operating here for over 600 years.
Today, the harbour remains at the heart of the town — full of movement, history and local life. When you visit, you can see fishermen at work, hear the harbour in motion, and experience the atmosphere that has shaped Whitstable for generations.
Just beyond the harbour, you can walk along the coastline towards Tankerton Slopes, passing rows of beach huts and open views across the sea. At low tide, you may even spot The Street — a natural stretch of land that leads out into the water.
Around Town
Whitstable’s High Street and Harbour Street are full of independent shops, galleries and small creative spaces — perfect for a slow wander
You’ll find everything from homeware and books to art, vintage pieces and local makers. It’s the kind of place where you can always discover something new.
Just beyond the centre, Whitstable Castle is also worth a visit. Despite its name, it’s more of a historic manor house, originally built in the late 1700s. Over time it evolved through different owners before being opened to the public in the 1930s.
Today, it’s a peaceful spot to walk, relax, and enjoy the gardens, with seasonal events and a small tearoom.
Tankerton Beach
Just a short walk from the centre of Whitstable, Tankerton Beach is known for its colourful beach huts and wide, open views across the water.
It’s one of our favourite spots — perfect for a walk or a quiet moment by the sea. The beach has been popular since the late 1800s, when travel by train made seaside day trips more accessible, and it still holds that same relaxed, timeless feel today.
A Familiar Setting
You might recognise Whitstable from Whitstable Pearl — the detective series set in the town, following the story of Pearl Nolan.
The series captures the character of Whitstable beautifully, and if you’ve seen it, you may find yourself recognising parts of the harbour and surrounding streets as you explore.
For something a little different, you can follow the old Crab & Winkle Way — one of the earliest railway routes in England, now a scenic walking and cycling path between Whitstable and Canterbury.
Boat trips also run from the harbour, including trips along the coast, seal-watching experiences, and journeys out to the Maunsell Sea Forts — historic structures built during the Second World War.
But more than anything, Whitstable is about slowing down.
Take a walk, find a quiet spot by the sea, and enjoy the pace of the town.
Where to Eat
Whitstable has a wide range of places to eat, from relaxed harbour spots to more considered, special restaurants.
A Few Favourites
• The Sportsman — a Michelin-starred restaurant just outside Whitstable, known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu
• The Whitstable Oyster Company — right on the beach, specialising in fresh seafood and oysters
• Samphire — an intimate bistro focusing on modern British dishes
• Birdies — a cosy, French-inspired restaurant, perfect for something a little special
• Wheelers Oyster Bar — an iconic and characterful Whitstable institution
Something More Relaxed
• The Lobster Shack — casual dining in the harbour with sea views
• Crab & Winkle — relaxed and friendly, overlooking the harbour
• Ossie’s Fish & Chips — a classic, simple option
A Little Different
• JoJo’s — Mediterranean-style dining, great for sharing
• Harbour Street Tapas — ideal for small plates and a social evening