Autumnal staycations in Whitstable & Tankerton

Kent's coastline is not just for summer - there is so much to enjoy in the crisp autumn months, so you can guarantee a fabulous break all year round. Here are our top tips for cute and cosy things to see and do in Whitstable & Tankerton this autumn...

Where to stay

The Crescent Turner has a wonderful lounge with a blazing log fire throughout the cooler months, and the sunset views across the estuary are a memory to treasure! Enjoy the views from the restaurant, perfectly timed with an afternoon tea in winter, and of course many of the bedrooms have sea views.

In the centre of Whitstable, the Duke of Cumberland has recently been refurbished to offer beautiful and delightfully quirky rooms only a few yards from the beaches. Some of the rooms have sunset views as well.

Shop Local 

You can shop till you drop in Whitstable & Tankerton with so many independent shops and great chains to choose from, so you will not be short of inspiration. Not only can you pick up plenty of unique treasures to get ahead of your Christmas shopping, but you can also treat yourself.

For gifts, The Bears Trading Company will immerse you in seasonal cosiness, where you can enjoy homemade cakes and warm scones by the two woodburners. Just along the road at Quite Contrary you will definitely find that unique gift for any occasion. Ales and Blooms is a fabulous bar with very tempting charcuterie boards and in the garden is their other business, the floristry Jane At Graham Greener.

South Quay Shed is home to various food outlets and independent retailers, including the wonderful Leofwine Jewellery & Gallery, Chakahindi for the brightest fabrics you won’t be able to resist and Art Shed Whitstable for local photography and homewares.

Here you can shop, eat and drink whilst enjoying the harbour views from the warm upper-floor seating area, and whilst there, visit Fabulous Flowers by Jo Taylor and treat yourself.

Allow yourself a day to walk from the bottom of Harbour Street and right up to the top of our very own Oxford Street, where you can browse so many beautiful shops with a few pubs, coffee shops and restaurants on the way and, as a reward for reaching the top, pop over to The Handsome Sam where a Catman piece is inside the bar.

Harbour Street is magical throughout the year but especially with Christmas approaching, with a shop for everything, sustainable children’s gifts from Buttercup, And Danu selling Isobels own clothing and jewellery designs. Anchors Aweigh for amazing curated vintage everything, Fabric Shop for beautiful fabrics and inspiration, plus so many more small independent stores for all ages, book shops, shoes, homeware, and more.

Carrying on through the High Street and onto Oxford Street to shop for great kitchen, homeware and gifts at Copperfields. The Green Room is a haven of calm and greenery for your home; Whitstabubble is the tiny shop full of beautiful vintage glass, furniture and more, plus wonderful fabric pieces depicting the coast. Whenever you need a break, there will be a café, restaurant or pub to offer you somewhere to rest and enjoy wonderful food and local beers, including Amadea, selling Croatian wines, beers and the odd souvenir too.

There are foodie markets in the Whitstable Umbrella Centre, and the Craft Love Market every Saturday and Sunday at 180 Cromwell Road.

A Walk & Warming Drink

A brisk walk along the seafront from Whitstable to the Tankerton Slopes will clear the cobwebs, offering beautiful views all year round. Explore the beach and harbour, and then reward yourself with a warming lunch in front of a roaring fire at The Smack Inn or The Pearsons Arms.

So many of the bars, pubs and restaurants offer live music in the evenings, so be sure to take a look at what’s on at The Old Neptune, The Coach and Horses, The Ship Centurion, The Rock Lodge and The Quay Side.

Festive Lights

There will also be a Christmas Market on the 13th December in Tankerton and Christmas lights will soon wind through the towns with the annual incredible Whitstable Lantern parade on Saturday, 28th November.

A trip to Whitstable Castle is a must, as the seasons change through the beautiful gardens and the grounds and building will be lit throughout December. There are also Christmas fairs at the castle and various events througout the year so visit the website and make sure you visit during your stay.

So wrap up warm and plan that trip by rail, bus or car.