Things to do in Whitstable

This self-guided spy trail is a great way to explore the local area in and around Whitstable whilst also testing your sleuthing skills as you solve the mystery of the locked oysters! The mission is suitable for ages 6+ but smaller spies can join for the ride (though please note the route is not pushchair friendly). Your mission will take you on a two-hour loop walk from Cromwell Road and can be downloaded straight to your smartphone from the website or printed at home before you go. What are you waiting for? Your mission awaits!

Just to the east of the main beach at Whitstable lies this pretty stretch of shingle backed by grass banks that make a perfect picnic spot in the summer months. At low tide, a long shingle path about half a mile long appears between the estuary waters allowing you to walk right out into the sea. This is a special experience and one of the best things to do in Whitstable as you look back at the stretching sands of Tankerton and Whitstable beachfronts.

Sitting right on the beach itself, this ever-popular local pub is the perfect spot to while away a few hours watching the crashing waves and listening to the gulls. Whilst the kids hunt shells and build sandcastles, you can sit a stone’s throw away on one of the Neptune’s outdoor tables, sipping a local ale or enjoying a home cooked pie and mash. This is a place that feels almost out of time – a perfect retreat from the world and its worries. The Neptune also hosts regular live music nights and you can find a list on its website.

Get your hiking boots out and make your way up to the best sea views in Whitstable on Tankerton Slopes. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the golden sands dotted with colourful beach huts and segmented by ‘The Street’ – a natural split in the land that juts out into the sea. You can also spot the World War Two era Maunsell Sea Forts that perch eerily just off the coast. Two cannons at the top of the slope will delight and intrigue children and adults alike and provide a great photo opportunity!

Just a few minutes from Tankerton slopes lies this stunning 17th century Castle and beautiful landscaped gardens. Whitstable Castle, also known as Tankerton Towers recently underwent a £3m refurbishment in 2010 and is now back open to the public every day from 8am-6pm and with entry free of charge! Once you’ve browsed the castle and gardens, why not treat yourselves to a traditional afternoon tea, served in the lavish Orangery Tea Rooms. For little ones still needing to run off some energy, there’s also a play area with a timber pirate ship just waiting for young seafarers to hop on board!

Whitstable has a great culture of arts and crafts, with many artists finding inspiration in the local area. This is best showcased at the Harbour Market – a neat series of little beach hut outlets that line the sea wall and sell everything from paintings and jewellery to ceramics, textiles and furniture. Artists and traders sit alongside their wares so there’s the opportunity to find out about the creative process and story behind their art. Once you’ve picked up some special pieces, be sure to swing by one of the micro eateries for a freshly made wrap or fish and chips caught from the sea just beyond the shore.

This charming local theatre is set atop the High Street and converted from the United Reformed Church that once stood in its place. It is home to the Lindley Players, a long-standing amateur theatre group in their 70th year of the trade and who perform everything from serious dramas to traditional pantomimes and musicals. The theatre also hosts film screenings, music tribute nights and community quiz nights, so there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy! 

Oysters are always the dish of the day in Whitstable – and you simply can’t spend time here without trying them! Established in 1856, Wheeler’s Oyster Bar is a historic landmark of the High Street, serving freshly caught local fish and crab alongside the famed native Whitstable oysters, whelks and cockles. Open every day (apart from Wednesdays) from 10-5, this culinary experience has got to be top of your list of things to do in Whitstable!

One of the oldest sailing clubs in England, Whitstable Yacht Club hosts loads of sporting and social events to keep all the family entertained. If you’re new to sailing, why not try one of the sailing taster sessions with your own personal expert teacher? Other opportunities include powerboat training, windsurfing and dinghy hire for members. Enrolment on any of the courses also gives you temporary membership to the yacht club, so you can all relax and unwind after a day out on the waves and revitalise with the range of hot and cold snacks and drinks on offer. 

The easiest way to get to Whitstable from Kent Coast Holiday Park is by car via the M2. The 42-mile route below will take you there in under an hour and couldn’t be simpler to navigate: 

• Heading west out of Kent Coast, take two right turns to get onto the Radcliffe Highway and drive 2.9 miles 

• Take a left to continue onA228/Fenn Street and after 3.8 miles at Four Elms roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Hasted Road/ A289 

• After 3.3 miles follow the signs for Canterbury and merge onto the M2 

• After 25.1 miles, continue on Thanet Way/ A229 and drive 11.4 miles before taking the 1st exit onto Borstal Hill/B2205 which will lead you into Whitstable