Whitstable

Travel Guide

Whitstable Beach as well as a small group of people
Whitstable Castle and Gardens featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Whitstable which includes a small town or village
Whitstable Beach featuring a pebble beach
Whitstable Beach

Work up an appetite with invigorating coastal walks then dine on oysters and gourmet seafood at this seaside resort in the southeast of England.

The tranquil seaside town of Whitstable is a popular weekend destination for London escapees trading in the big city bustle for peace, fresh sea air and delectable seafood. Stroll along promenades and pebbled shores, paddle in the cool waters and try a few of those sweet and briny native oysters for which this town is so well known.

Oysters have been harvested in Whitstable since Roman times, although the industry really flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It went into decline in the 20th century, but has experienced a revival in recent years.

There are several places where you can try these tasty mollusks. Purchase them fresh from the Whitstable Fish Market or at the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar. Better yet, plan your visit for the July Oyster Festival when they are served at restaurants, bars and stalls throughout town.

A pleasant way to see Whitstable is on foot. Amble along the main stretch of West Beach and continue east to Tankerton Slopes where pastel-colored beach huts line the shore. If the tide is low, walk along the Street, a strip of shingle that extends into the water and offers good views of the town. Another good trek is the coastal Saxon Shore Way.

Rent a bike to explore farther afield. Cycle along the Crab and Winkle Way following the old rail course from Whitstable to Canterbury. The route first carried Victorian tourists here and passes through an area of ancient woodland.

Back in town, tour the Whitstable Museum and Gallery. Exhibits are devoted to local topics, including the oyster industry and famous former residents such as the actor Peter Cushing. He starred in several horror movies and the original Star Wars. Wander the town centre where old-fashioned shops, retro ice-cream emporiums and characterful pubs add to the town’s appeal.

Whitstable is about a 2-hour drive from London. Regular train services leave from the capital and buses depart from Canterbury. Sample seaside living and mouthwatering seafood at this picturesque resort.

Marine Hotel
Marine Hotel
3 out of 5
Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable, England
The price is S$297 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$297
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Whitstable. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (688 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Marine Hotel
Duke of Cumberland
Duke of Cumberland
3.5 out of 5
High Street, Whitstable, England
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Whitstable. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
A
"Great room, fantastic location and friendly service. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Duke of Cumberland
Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental
3 out of 5
29 Beach Walk, Whitstable, England
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Whitstable. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (364 reviews)
"Had a lovely sea view room, spotlessly clean. Breakfast was lovely would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Hotel Continental
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mabel
Mabel
3 out of 5
43 Cromwell Road, Whitstable, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Whitstable. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whitstable Beach and Canterbury Cathedral are located ...
Mabel
Sally
Sally
3 out of 5
43 Cromwell Road, Whitstable, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Whitstable. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Whitstable Beach and Canterbury Cathedral are located ...
Sally
The Clarendon Hotel
The Clarendon Hotel
3.5 out of 5
51 - 53 Beach St, Deal, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Deal. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Deal Pier and Astor Theatre are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (78 reviews)
"Unfortunately the shower in room 2 was not working either boiling hot, or no water."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

The Clarendon Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Whitstable

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you like oysters, seafood and a lovely small high street then it’s perfect!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

My heart has stayed in Whitstable, it’s a place that I love.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely town, great shops & restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Full of amazing pubs, antique shops and quality places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What an amazing little town. So much to see and a lovely feel to the place. Will definitely be returning. Can recommend the East Kent pub too - lovely owner and great pub.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great lively community and working harbour. Great for fresh fish and seafood.