Debbie Green
27th June 2024

The sun is out and the seaside is calling - so make the most of your trip to the beach and spend the day (and night) in Whitstable!

Whitstable and Tankerton continue to build a thriving staycation location with new independent businesses opening regularly, so whether you are planning a repeat or first visit here is a guide to discover some new shops, restaurants, accommodation as well as those that are an established must see..

Where to Stay

Whitstable has three hotels and a host of great holiday rooms and cottages. 

On the seafront choose between Hotel Continental & The Marine Hotel in Tankerton, while The Crescent Turner is set back from the main coastline offering incredible views of the scenery. For an elegant pub with rooms choice, head to The Duke of Cumberland which has recently been refurbished; the large beautifully furnished rooms mean you are right in the centre of the town.  

There are also many beautiful holiday lets with properties on the seafront and in the towns so do check those out too with Whitstable Holiday Homes

Once your accommodation is booked, take a look at any events that might be happening during your stay, whether its Whitstable Carnival on August 3rd or one of the monthly foodie or artisan markets, workshops or live music events. We suggest checking the what’s on guide on this website but also the following

 

Day One

If you just like to wander and go with the flow and do some people watching then start with a stroll along Tankerton High Street. There is a great range of cafes, restaurants and bars such as The Bears Trading Company a wonderful bear utopia with incredible homemade cakes and the cheese scones are a must!

A new addition is No 5 Tankerton Circus, selling gorgeous clothing, accessories, and shabby chic furniture—something will catch your eye! Tankerton Bakery is a great stop if you are self-catering and need some fresh-baked bread and a proper jam doughnut.

Whitstable Castle not only holds markets and events but is a lovely stop for a wander around the beautiful gardens and pick out some plants to take home. The cream teas are excellent and in the warmer months the tea rooms are open between the sea and the castle, so a great place for lunch if you are on the beach.

You won't be able to resist the water - great for swimming but also great for boat tours. If you fancy a boat trip to see the sea forts or seal watching, then book in advance on the Sailing Barge Greta or just a short 20 or 30 minute trip along the coast with Vintage Life Boat Trips take a vintage Lifeboat ‘The Chieftain’. Prebooking is always advisable but if it’s a spur of the moment trip then always try the various huts in the harbour.

South Quay Shed at the harbour holds numerous eateries such as Dre Kitchen, Rad Burger and Picnic Box Whitstable which is perfect for organising lunch on the beach. There are also great independent shops such as Wit of Whitstable and Artshed Whitstable and Whitstable Harbour Gin with award-winning gins to take home.

Depending on the day, the Harbour market with its beautiful huts is a great place to pass some time; art to pet boutiques, jewellery to crabbing equipment, it’s all there, and they will always advise of the best places to drop your line.

Continuing along the seafront will bring you into Whitstable - pop into The Bubble Whitstable which offers great views but also a great wine selection to buy and takeaway, with late night opening hours for amazing sunset cocktails and nibbles.

Just off the beach by the Horsebridge is the new restaurant The Lazy Lobster, the sister restaurant of Land and Sea in Tankerton. Small and large plates of great seafood, with veggie and meat options, beautifully prepared, have brought life back to the deceptive-sized old pub (formerly The Prince Albert). Booking is advised!

The legendary Wheelers is another great picnic option (boxes can pre preordered) but you can also choose from the deli counter. The Friday and Saturday tasting menus are now bookable and highly recommended, an absolute gastronomic treat. Note that it’s bring your own drinks, so pop into The Offy across the road for a fabulous bottle or two, including Wheelers' own label fizz.

The high street offers everything from burgers, Turkish, Asian, pub food and established restaurants such as Samphire, which also does great set lunch and daily specials. 

If you want to have a relaxed drink try Porto Wine Bar on Harbour Street or for late night cocktails, Around the Clock which is open from breakfast till late, offering all day food and drinks.

 

 

Day 2

This is the day to spend a few hours for some serious retail therapy along Harbour Street in Whitstable, through High Street and onto Oxford Street. From books, children’s toys and clothes, homeware, pet shops, pampering and clothes, kitchenware and shoe shops and just about anything else you might need. Some new businesses on the high street are Bears Ice Cream for award winning flavours!

Empire at 97 High Street specialises in men’s clothing from heritage suits to casual wear. We Sell By The Sea is a bright, fun marketplace at 69 High St with weekly changing and regulars popping up in store, open Thursdays to Sunday. 

For a final indulgent treat, head to Kakaw Artisan for the finest chocolate made on-site with a café offering waffles, smoothies, hot chocolate and even the chance for the little ones to make their own bar. The chocolate wall to choose some bars to take home is a beautiful sight!

From the bottom of the high street to the top are also plenty of cafes and bars to rest awhile before spending a few hours relaxing on the beach, which also gives you the opportunity for a drink at the iconic beach from pub The Neptune - a great place to sit with a beverage and watch those incredible sunsets over the sea.

A final spot before heading home is a walk around the galleries to maybe pick up a lasting memento, with exhibitions at The Horsebridge Arts Centre and many galleries including Chappell Contemporary and Bruce Williams Art

Enjoy and Come back soon!