A visit to Whitstable is at all times a good suggestion. It’s located on the north coast of Kent and 5 miles from Canterbury, plus London to Whitstable is just below 2 hours so it’s in a fantastic location for an in a single day keep or an extended vacation. There’s tons to do on this beautiful seaside city whether or not you’re visiting as a pair, with pals, or household.
If you’re staying over and exploring extra enjoyable days out in Kent, Tides Cottage Whitstable is a beautiful, stress-free lodging possibility, however in case you’re simply coming for the day and also you wish to cram in as many enjoyable issues as potential, listed below are 8 of the very best issues to do in Whitstable (a few of that are completely free!)
1. Visit historic Whitstable Castle
A go to to Whitstable Castle is a good begin to the day. The citadel was referred to as Tankerton Towers and was a residence for the Pearson household within the 1790s. It was then refurbished in 2010 and administration was taken over by the Whitstable Castle Trust, who hold it wanting so stunning right now.
As nicely as a personal occasion venue, the citadel and gardens are each open to the general public and supply sensible excursions and studying alternatives for anybody within the historical past of the world.
If you’re bringing the children alongside, there’s a pirate play park they’ll love, and the Orangery Tearoom is open every day for a cuppa or a snack. Wander across the beautiful gardens, take within the historical past of this superb citadel, and don’t neglect to carry your digital camera to snap a number of the superb structure.
Also learn: Best Castle Hotels in England
2. Stroll across the harbour
Whitstable Harbour is a working harbour, so there’s at all times tons occurring there and much to see. As nicely as watching fishermen usher in and unload their catch of the day, you possibly can chat to locals on the small shacks dotted across the harbour promoting contemporary seafood and different tasty snacks.
If you’re fortunate, there are sometimes bands and different leisure taking part in across the harbour which provides a enjoyable, vigorous environment.
When the climate and the waters are good, you possibly can hop on a ship journey to go seal recognizing. These curious, blubbery creatures are at all times enjoyable to observe from the boat!
When you’re completed on the harbour, head to The Forge Whitstable to check out their oysters and different native seafood. This shack additionally provides ice cream, doughnuts and beer, so undoubtedly don’t miss it in case you’re peckish!
3. Eat lunch on the Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack is an area favorite with a seaside bar environment and a fantastic collection of cold and warm seafood you can take pleasure in whereas looking over their beautiful beachfront views.
It’s each owned and operated by the Whitstable Oyster Company Ltd, who run the oyster farm simply off the coast of Whitstable. They even make their very personal Whitstable Brewery Oyster Stout which is created to go nicely with oysters, of all issues! Give it a attempt for one thing a bit totally different in relation to English meals.
If it’s summer time and sunny, you possibly can sit exterior for lunch. Or if it’s winter, their cosy log burner will hold you good and toasty. They additionally supply scrumptious native beers and wine too, in case you’re within the temper for it.
Also learn: Best seashores within the UK
4. Shop at Harbour Market Whitstable
There’s nothing like a wander round a market to see what the native space has to supply. From British handmade jewelry and ceramics, to inventive arts and crafts, to regionally made meals, there’s one thing for everybody to find at a market, and Harbour Market Whitstable isn’t any exception.
Head again to the harbour for this open-air market and also you’ll be met with many merchants who arrange there and supply some actually distinctive, fascinating presents on your family members or for you.
And typically you don’t must spend any cash whereas procuring to benefit from the exercise; some window procuring and searching is enjoyable by itself!
The finest a part of the market? If you’re one way or the other nonetheless hungry after your oysters and seafood, Harbour Market Whitstable has many micro eateries with a mouthwatering meals choice you’ll discover it powerful to stroll previous with out shopping for one thing…
5. Swim within the sea at Tankerton Beach
Whitstable Beach is beautiful for strolling alongside the shore and letting the waves lap over your ft, however in case you’re on the lookout for a correct seaside day to take a seat out and take in some solar, Tankerton Beach is the place it’s at.
This prolonged shingle seaside is picture-perfect with its vibrant seaside huts and busy promenade. If you’re there to swim, the waters at Tankerton Beach are usually calm (however chilly!) and open to swimmers.
There’s nothing fairly as refreshing as a chilly water swim, so take your towel together with you (or possibly a number of so you will get all bundled up!) and put together to get turned into your warmest garments after — it might probably get chilly!
6. Browse the native e-book retailers
If you want studying and filling tote luggage with new e-book purchases, Whitstable will depart you spoilt for alternative. With the selection of Harbour Books, The Oxford Street Bookshop, and Blueprint Coffee and Books to go to, you may spend hours searching spines and studying blurbs ‘til your heart’s content material.
Whitstable is a must-visit seaside city for any e-book lover in England, with loads of locations to purchase books in addition to sit by the ocean and browse. Pure bliss.
7. Get some contemporary air at Swalecliffe Brook
Swalecliffe Brook provides the very best of each worlds; contemporary sea air and a big open inexperienced area. Head to the Long Rock space and take one of many trails marked out for a fantastic stroll to stretch your legs and see a number of the native wildlife.
This is a very nice space for fowl watching too, so carry your binoculars alongside in case you have some!
Also learn: UK National Parks Guide for Hiking Lovers
8. Have dinner at Chestfield Barn pub
At the tip of a protracted, tiring day, there’s nothing like a visit to a comfortable pub for an overflowing plate of dinner, and Whitstable pubs are great for this!
The Chestfield Barn is a good cease earlier than you head residence or flip in for the night time. With basic meals that the entire household will gobble up, to scrumptious connoisseur dishes for an actual celebration.
This pub boasts a comfortable environment in winter with its open log fireplace, and their beer backyard in summer time is subsequent to none, full with a koi carp pond. Book Chestfield Barn pub as early as you possibly can to keep away from disappointment, and go for dinner to finish the very best day trip ever!
There’s tons to do in Whitstable, however in order for you a tried-and-tested itinerary of issues to do this have wonderful opinions and embody all of the basic seaside city actions and extra, Whitstable has all of it.
This stunning city is so standard with anybody seeking to escape town or busier cities, and can proceed to be a chief vacation vacation spot for individuals from throughout England.
You can decide one or two of those actions to do when you’re in Whitstable, however all are achievable in at some point if you wish to try to hit all the highest spots within the city.
Book a day trip in Whitstable for the household, a solo outing, or a weekend away with pals. No matter the explanation, Whitstable can have one thing entertaining, enjoyable and engaging so that you can uncover, so head to this attractive seaside city as quickly as you possibly can.
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Vicky runs Day Out in England.
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