Plan your visit

Whitstable Tide Times 

Plan your visit around the high and low tides in advance with tide tables available 7 days in advance 

TRAVEL

You can access Whitstable Harbour by car, train, bus, sea or foot! Remember to go green whenever possible by car sharing or taking public transport, and make sure to check seasonal offers with Southeastern.

Click here for information on how to arrive at Whistable Harbour By Sea

PARKING

There is a large car park opposite the harbour Gorrell Tank , CT5 1BZ. This can be very busy in the Summer and especially Bank Holidays. 

For a full list of parking options in Whitstable, please visit the Canterbury City Council parking pages

TRAIN

The trains run every 30 minutes from either London Victoria or St Pancras to Whitstable station, the train takes approx. 1 hours and 20-40 minutes (depending on route) and the day return fare starts from only £ 31.00 if booked in advance and without any railcards. The last train is at 22.39 to Victoria and there is a train to St Pancras at 21.51 so you can enjoy a full day in the Harbour and wander through Whitstable as well. You can book through the Trainline app for ease or www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-inspiration/popular-destinations/whitstable

From the station it’s just a 13-minute walk straight down to the Harbour, Market & South Quay sheds. Turn right out of the station onto railway Avenue, take the first right onto Cromwell Road and simply walk to the end, cross at the lights and you will be entering the harbour.

If travelling from Faversham or Herne Bay the train is definitely the fastest & easiest, journeys from 8 and 4 minutes respectively. The fare from Faversham for a single is currently from £ 5.10 without a railcard.

COACH & BUSES

There are regular buses from Canterbury Bus Station to Whitstable, No 401 & 402, every 15 minutes and the journey is about 35 minutes. www.stagecoachbus.com/about/south-east/canterbury

There are coaches from Victoria Station London to Whitstable every 2 hours. A day return, depending on your choices and flexibility of ticket changes, can cost as low as £ 12.00 including a booking fee, book via www.nationalexpress.com

TAXI Whitstable Cars on 01227 261561 or 261161

WALK & CYCLE

From Whitstable: Approx 7 minutes. For the most direct route follow Sea Street to the left of the Duke of Cumberland and walk along until you reach the harbour entrance. 

From Tankerton: Approx 17 minutes. There are 3 routes all the same distance and time, but the most scenic is from the Marine Hotel turn left (facing the sea) simply follow the path along the top of the slopes. You can also walk down the steps to the promenade, simply walk along until you come to the Bubble and then turn left up to Marine Parade, shortly after you will come to the harbour entrance. If you walk along the top then continue past Whitstable Castle and at the bottom of the hill turn right onto Marine Parade and shortly after you will come to the Harbour entrance.

Accessibility - The harbour area is all flat with wide paths and there is a ramp from Gorrell Tank in the right-hand corner facing the harbour. There is also a lift in the South Quay shed to the upper seating area, shops and Hat Hats Coffee. The walk from Whitstable is virtually flat with one small slope at the end of Sea Street.

The Whitstable Coastal Trail offers a bespoke route for cycling, running, walking, family adventure and health and wellbeing. The website provides a leaflet, map and information about local history, nature and geography, as well as suggestions for where to eat and drink.

From Canterbury, you can use the above-mentioned Crab & Winkle way, which is a 7.5-mile, mostly traffic-free cycle route connecting Canterbury & Whitstable, following the path of the old railway line. www.explorekent.org/activities/crab-and-winkle-way-to-canterbury-whitstable

Contact Us

If you have a question or need any information about the harbour, please call on 01227 266 719 or email whitstable.harbour@canterbury.gov.uk

• VHF (during shipping movements only): Channel 09
• Open hours: 09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday
• Weekend Office Opening (by appointment only): 09:00 – 16:00

Data protection 

Harbour Board

The Harbour Board will make strategic decisions regarding the Harbour land, property and marine safety. The membership is made up of five city councillors and four independent members.  Minutes and agendas can be found here.

In everything it does, the Harbour Board strives to:

• build a reputation for safety, reliability and a friendly service
• be open, accessible and accountable
• create a profitable and sustainable commercial business which is financially self sufficient
• be good communicators, regularly engaging with residents and stakeholders
• work with our community to make things happen.

The overriding vision of the Board is to support the fishing industry of Whitstable and provide a safe, welcoming, memorable and accessible Harbour that drives local business, protects our environment and delivers a positive social impact for our community.

Find information about Whitstable Harbour including safety plans and contact details here.