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A mini guide to
Whitstable: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Look for the Street
The Street is a natural shingle bank running about half a mile out to sea off Tankerton; it is best seen from Tankerton Slopes. Check tide times before walking on it.
Book seafood restaurants ahead
Visit Canterbury says the Sportsman at Seasalter needs booking well in advance; the busiest harbour restaurants fill up on summer weekends.
Walk to Tankerton
The seafront path leads east from the harbour past Whitstable Castle's gardens to the Tankerton slopes and beach huts.
Combine with Canterbury
Whitstable is one stop beyond Canterbury on the line from London, so the two fit into one day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Whitstable?
Whitstable is in Canterbury & Kent, England. Oysters, a working harbour and a long shingle beach facing the Thames Estuary. Nearby stops and stations include Whitstable, Harbour Street bus stops.
How long do I need in Whitstable?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Whitstable Harbour, Whitstable Castle, Tankerton Slopes. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Whitstable (Southeastern high-speed trains to London St Pancras (around 1 hour 15 minutes, according to Southeastern) and trains to Margate); Harbour Street bus stops (Stagecoach buses to Canterbury and Herne Bay). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 30 places to eat and drink in and around Whitstable, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 2 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Whitstable accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Whitstable
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Black Mill
Smock mill built in 1815, now part of a private home: it can be seen only from outside.
Whitstable Harbour
Working harbour with fishing boats, food and gift huts, the South Quay Shed and boat trips.
Whitstable Castle
Castellated manor house, also called Tankerton Castle, between the harbour and Tankerton; Visit Canterbury suggests it for afternoon tea.
Canterbury & Kent
More areas to explore
Margate and Broadstairs
Sandy bays, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town and Dickens's Broadstairs
Open the mini guide →
Deal
A shingle seafront, a pier and two Tudor castles
Open the mini guide →
Dover
Dover Castle, the white cliffs and the busiest ferry port to France
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Tankerton Slopes: Chris Whippet, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Black Mill: West & Son, Whitstable, Public domain, source
- Whitstable Harbour: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Whitstable Castle: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Margate and Broadstairs: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Deal: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dover: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Canterbury: Hans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Canterbury & Kent