A pocket guide to Whitstable
Whitstable, on the south east coast, is somewhere to go for an invigorating walk along the seafront and a couple of plates of oysters. If, like me, you aren’t partial to oysters, you can guarantee you’ll get a great portion of fish and chips here, from any one of the local chippies that have been knocking about since the ‘50s. Whitstable is all about the food — seafood, obviously — and is home the ever popular annual Whitstable Oyster Festival. Every time I’ve been to this particular stretch of the Kent Riviera (other hot spots include Faversham, Broadstairs and Margate) it’s blown a gale, so I associate Whitstable with somewhere to go to blow away the cobwebs, and love a winter walk here past the bright rainbow-hued beach huts — just so long as you’ve remembered to wrap up warm. Whether you’re visiting just for the afternoon, or spending a couple of days this way, here are some good starting points for soaking up the very best of this seaside town.
Old Neptune
‘The Neppy’ as it’s known to locals, is a bit of an institution in Whitstable, standing proud on the water’s edge, looking out to the Isle of Sheppey. It’s the perfect pit stop on a blustery walk along the seafront, or somewhere to hide in and while away a couple of hours if the weather is off. On sunny days, grab a table outside — they usually do a BBQ in the summer.
Wheeler’s Oyster Bar
Wheeler’s is the oldest restaurant in Whitstable, and probably more popular now that it ever was. Its pretty pink facade stands out on the high street and has graced many an Instagram feed. Chances are you’ll have to fight for a table, especially in summer, and don’t even think about not booking ahead. It’s worth the effort though for its market-fresh seafood, decadent dishes, and the fact it’s BYOB. The Offy is a great off-licence right opposite where you’ll find, among its wide selection, some great local beers and wines.
The Forge
For low-key, beach-front oysters — the kind you eat off a paper plate and wash down with a swig of fizz from the bottle — head to The Forge. This beach shack on the Sea Wall serves up some of the best rock and native oysters in Whitstable, alongside other seaside favourites too. Best enjoyed on the beach, sat against a wooden groyne to shelter from the wind/ sun/ rain.
The Lobster Shack
Once upon a time an oyster grading house, The Lobster Shack is one of Whitstable’s most popular eateries, with locals and out-of-towners queuing up for its native oysters and lobster dishes, available to eat in or take away. A perfect summer spot, it’s got a prime position for admiring the sunset, outdoor benches for soaking up long, light nights, and weekly changing cocktail specials.
Sundae Sundae
Sundae Sundae is another of Whitstable’s much-loved institutions, and serves up serious nostalgia of seaside holidays gone by. Go for the ice cream, stay for the whoopee cushions, gobstoppers and kitsch fridge magnets you know you need at home.
The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog Ale House, and Twelve Taps
If you like craft beer, you’re in luck because Whitstable’s micropub scene is thriving. Head to any one of these spots to try all sorts of interesting experimental local brews. Twelve Taps on the High Street has a strong selection on draught (12 rotating kegs to be precise) and 20 gins to choose from too should you be more in the mood for a cocktail. There’s a garden out back, otherwise buy a few cans to take down to the beach.
Whitstable West Beach
Whilst it’s not the most inviting stretch of coast for swimming, Whitstable is great for a blustery seaside stroll. Head away from the centre of town in either direction, along West Beach towards Seasalter to admire the colourful beach huts, or east where it opens out to the Tankerton Slopes. Here, at low tide you can walk out into the sea along the 750m sand path that temporarily emerges.
Coastal Trail and Oyster Walk to Faversham
For something a bit more adventurous, follow the Coastal Trail and Oyster Walk all the way to/from Faversham. The 9-mile walk follows a newly developed section of the national coastal footpath which takes you right along the sea front, before bearing inland towards Faversham. The route is flat and scenic, great for working up an appetite, and starts/ finishes at Faversham train station so you can easily get back to Whitstable.
Crab and Winkle Way
If you’re on your bike, follow the fabulous Crab and Winkle Way all the way to Canterbury. The 7.6 mile cycling route, part of which follows the old railway line, takes you out of Whitstable Harbour, past an RSPB nature reserve and conifer-rich Clowes Wood, before guiding you into the cathedral city.
Whitstable is famous for its native oysters, and the celebrations come to a head with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival: a two day extravaganza with live music, food fairs, and a colourful oyster parade. The celebrations date back to Norman times when the local oystermen would hold a holy festival to bring luck for successful harvest.
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