Whitstable & Tankerton

Visiting Whitstable High Street is like stepping back in time - a colourful collage of pretty shop fronts, independent boutiques and delicious eateries.

Just 15 minutes by car from the city, you’ll find the charming seaside town Whitstable and the nearby boutique community of Tankerton. This is a place to wander at your leisure, taking in the beautiful views and pausing for snacks and drinks at any one of the amazing restaurants and foodie shacks on the seafront and in the town.

In Whitstable, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll spot people strolling along the shingle beach, enjoying the freshest seafood, and taking a dip in the sea all year round. The sea is surprisingly warm during the summer months, so it's well worth a beach picnic! After your swim, the iconic Old Neptune Pub sits on the seafront near the yawl and is a prime location for a drink and enjoying the amazing sunsets.

Whitstable Harbour a destination in itself, with rows of picturesque huts offering local food, drink and gifts, beautiful boat trips and a unique sea sauna where you can soak in the views. Be sure to visit the revitalized South Quay Shed for shopping and snacks—it’s a must!

The town is also home to many independent shops and you can delight in the high street’s bohemian charm, particularly in Harbour Street with art galleries, boutiques, gift shops and plenty of family-owned businesses with individual style. Explore Whitstable by browsing for vinyl records, books, clothing, and fresh produce. Don’t miss the Whitstable Community Museum and Gallery, as well as the Horsebridge Arts Centre. Afterwards, take a trip to the charming Whitstable Castle for afternoon tea, where you can enjoy beautiful views.

And no one should come to the area without sampling the world-famous oysters. Sit down at The Whitstable Oyster Company or Wheelers Oyster Bar, or go rustic with half a dozen and a beer from The Forge Oyster Shack on the sea front. Or for a real treat, book well in advance for the Michelin-starred The Sportsman restaurant at Seasalter.

A short stroll away is the nearby Tankerton-on-Sea, which has a host of delights for shoppers, swimmers and strollers with lovely independent shops and great places to eat and enjoy a drink. The famous Tankerton Slopes and beach is decorated with bright colourful beach huts and you can spot the Maunsell Sea Forts, anti-aircraft defence used in WWII, out at sea.

Shop by the Sea in Whitstable and Tankerton, home to many independent shops and you can delight in the town’s Bohemian charm, particularly in Harbour Street where there are independent art galleries, boutiques, gift shops and plenty of family-owned businesses with individual style.

For the latest information on what's on in Whitstable, and to get the lowdown on new businesses and the latest shopping and foodie deals, follow our partners Shop By The Sea on Facebook and Instagram.