Whitstable is super easy to get to from London for a lovely day out by the seaside. We got the high-speed train from St Pancras; a station I love as it feels so romantic, like the old romantic idea of travel.
That smell of the sea air, the sound of the waves and gazing at the horizon just calms me in a way like nothing else.
What to see in Whitstable
The waterfront
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If you’ve only got a few hours to spend, you have to wander along the waterfront. We walked up to Tankerton Beach to see the incredible beach huts. Just rows and rows of colourful beauties! The sun was shining and we really lucked out with the weather. We sat for a while in the sunshine just absorbing it all and gazing and smelling the sea. I felt calm and peaceful. And so happy to see the beach huts!
Harbour Market & South Quay Shed - these are both full of designer maker goodies and places to eat and drink.
Whitstable Castle & Gardens
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The castle gardens were a pretty, peaceful place to do a little circuit around. The Orangery Tea Room serves food and drink, and there’s also a kid's play area within the grounds.
The high street
Explore the high street, it’s full of cute little shops. We popped into George’s, Whitstable, a place I’ve often bought jigsaws online from so I was so excited to go into the actual shop! As well as jigsaws, they have pretty much everything, from stationery to souvenirs to home accessories.
Eating & drinking in Whitstable
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Our first stop on arrival in Whitstable was to get a coffee and cake from Blueprint Cafe. A lovely, welcoming cosy cafe with excellent coffee, alternative milk and a couple of vegan options for a sweet treat. It was so good and friendly. They also sell some beautiful books.
Instagram 4 Oxford St, Whitstable CT5 1DD
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The Old Neptune pub - location-wise, you can't beat a pub right on the beach! On a sunny day, it was heaving but we did manage to find a seat outside. We watched the rain clouds start to drift in, we were undercover and it was mesmerising to watch the colours and the sky change. The sky was merging into the sea at some points and reflections of the clouds on the water created all sorts of amazing colours and patterns.
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The Seafarmers Dive Taproom - Another very cosy place, probably be lovely in winter with their fire going. They have a great selection of beers as well as wine.
Instagram Pearsons Cottages, Sea Wall, Whitstable CT5 1BT
Smack Inn - we fancied pub food for dinner before we headed home and they had a lot of vegan options which gave me choice for dairy-free meals. It's slightly off the main front too.
Middle Wall, Whitstable CT5 1BJ