Whitstable and Tankerton

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

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.

A must visit is the beautiful South Quay Shed where you can shop, eat and enjoy a drink in this bustling indoor market by the harbour. Stylish and independent, it's a great place to meet friends and unwind.

And no trip to Whitstable would be complete without sampling the famous local oysters! Great food and great views can be found at The Whitstable Oyster Company or pack up a beach picnic at Wheelers Oyster Bar. Food critics can't get enough of JoJo's in Tankerton and award-winning Nomad Pizza. And a short stroll will lead you to one of the best rated gastro pubs in the country, The Sportsman. Check out our Food Lover's blog for more tips on where to each locally.

FREE WINTER PARKING FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS
15 Jan - 25 March 2026 (every Thursday)

Canterbury district residents can enjoy free parking days to support shops and businesses during the off-season.

in Whitstable, parking will be free of charge every Thursday between 15 January and 26 March at Gorrell Tank and Middle Wall car parks. To benefit from the offer, all residents need to do is sign up for the council’s residents’ rate permit. Proof of ID and residency in the district is required.

This is a permit that already exists and that thousands of residents have already signed up for. It currently offers a 10 per cent discount at the council’s barrier-controlled ANPR car parks in bands two and three, districtwide, and a 20 per cent discount at all three of Canterbury’s park and ride sites.

Existing residents’ rate permit holders do not need to take any action to benefit from the new offer in the coastal towns, as it will be automatically added to the permit. Anyone without this permit needs to apply before they arrive at the car park to access the offer. To sign up for a resident's rate permit, CLICK HERE.