48 Hours in Whitstable
Are you planning on making a visit to the wonderful seaside town of Whitstable and are looking for inspiration of what to do during your trip? Here we explore ideas to help you make the most of 48 hours there – including where to park, stay, eat, drink, shop and go for a walk.
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But first, here’s a little history on what makes this lovely location in Kent so special and well worth a visit.
Situated on the Kent coast, the town of Whitstable is famed for both its achievements in the seafood industry and rail transportation. Although this may seem an unusual pairing, the two have become inextricably linked through the affectionate naming of its famous railway – The Crab and Winkle Line.
It was in the 18th century that Whitstable became famous for its native oysters which were produced by the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Company, The Faversham Oyster Fishery Company, and the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company. However, the town had already started to make a name for itself and was popular for its oysters long before this, as the Romans were so taken with them they were shipping them back to Rome in 80AD.
In 1793 the industry became regulated after the Company of Free Fishers and Dredgers was established and local men were able to buy the rights to the oyster grounds. Oyster Ground Boundary Markers were then used by fisherman to mark their boundaries, the last of which can be seen on the town’s foreshore (pictured below), which has been preserved by the Whitstable Improvement Trust. At it’s peak, some 60 million oysters were being sent to market in London per year highlighting the success of the industry.
The important role the shellfish industry has played in the town had previously been celebrated with an annual Whitstable Oyster Festival each summer, which ran until 2021. Then in 2023 Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival was launched – the date for this year’s event is yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled.
As for the town’s locomotive fame, this came with the arrival of the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway. This pioneering railway opened in 1830, carrying passengers until 1931, after which it was used for transporting goods only, before finally closing in 1953. In 1999 local charity, The Crab and Winkle Line Trust reopened around a third of the line to be used as a footpath and cycleway – The Crab and Winkle Way.
Of its importance in history, The Crab and Winkle Line Trust say: “it was the third railway line ever to be built. However, it was the first in the world to take passengers regularly and the first railway to issue season tickets.”
Now The Crab and Winkle Way is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike as a great way to explore the area by foot or bike linking the lovely town of Whitstable with the nearby historic city of Canterbury which is just five miles south of the town.
There's lots more to the town than just its historic past though. Enjoying sand and shingle beaches which flank the harbour, you can sit back and relax with a spot of sunbathing, go for a swim or take part in some of the popular water sports.
Other things to do in the town include a walk around Whitstable Castle and Gardens, head to the harbour with its pretty small fishing boats, enjoy the beautiful views at Tankerton Slopes, pop into the town centre for a spot of shopping or check out the Maunsell sea forts which can be seen from the shore – or for a closer look hop on a boat tour.
How to spend 48 hours in Whitstable
So now it’s time to get planning your trip – with so much to choose from, here’s our suggested itinerary to get the best out of 48 hours in the town.
When looking for where to stay we would suggest Hotel Continental, a family-run establishment set on the seafront just a short walk from the high street and the harbour. Alternatively pick one of the unique Whitstable Fisherman’s Huts which the hotel also operates. Located directly on the beach, these 150-year-old former fisherman stores have been converted to offer high quality overnight accommodation. There are also hundreds of great properties available to choose from on Booking.com as well as a selection of Airbnb properties.
If there is no allocated parking where you are staying you can park free in the surrounding streets if you arrive after 5.30pm. However for those arriving in the morning or early afternoon, there are also many good car parks around town including the big Gorrell Tank car park at 10 Westgate Terrace.
Once you have checked in to your accommodation, a great way to spend an early afternoon – and to get you in the holiday spirit – is to pop into The Tea and Times in the High Street for a spot of afternoon tea or coffee. This family-run café is one of Whitstable's oldest tea rooms. Alternatively you could make a trip to RuLu’s cafe/deli/wine bar in Harbour Street where you will get a very friendly welcome – and if the weather is fair you can sit outside a breathe in some sea air.
After enjoying some tasty treats why not take a walk to Tankerton along the seafront and take the opportunity to see the beautifully colourful beach huts, sure to give you a holiday vibe?
Once you have worked up an appetite it’s time to refuel and relax, so for dinner head to Thai Orchid. Nestled in the back streets of Whitstable on Middle Wall Road, it offers great fresh authentic Thai food and a quirky service. Then, having enjoyed a tasty bite to eat it’s time to get some well-earned rest so you are ready for the next day’s excursions.
After a good night’s sleep at your accommodation, get the new day off to a great start with a walk to West Beach or Seasalter along the seafront, where on the way you will spot some impressive beach front homes to dream of living in one day. When you’re in need of a little refreshment, stop off for some brunch or a cup of coffee at the Windy Corner Stores on Nelson Road, a community cafe where you will be welcomed by the locals and can enjoy some good wholesome food.
If the weather is nice, a great way to spend the afternoon would be going on a sailing trip on the historic barge Greta. Sailing season runs from mid-May to October where they say you can experience the magic of the open seas on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque waters with this maritime adventure.
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After all that excitement, take the chance to wind down in the late afternoon with a sauna and cold dip at Sea Scrub Sauna. Located facing the sea, here they offer social saunas where you can enjoy the heat, chat and learn from other sauna enthusiasts. Alternatively having a private sauna gives you exclusivity which includes changing room, choice of traditional wood-fired barrel sauna (which gives a more traditional intense sauna experience), or their new electric steam sauna, and ice cool cold plunge whisky barrels. This experience will leave you with the feeling you have had great fun, while also knowing it has been good for you too.
After a fun-packed day, you will surely be ready for some dinner and we would suggest a visit to Nip & Cluck where you will have the unique opportunity to be served chicken and lobster over a live fire. Then if you don’t want the day to end, follow this with a gin nightcap at The Twelve Taps in the High Street where you can try their exclusive Whitstable Gin, before heading back for another well-earned night’s sleep.
Start your second morning off with a coffee and cake at the excellent Grain & Hearth on Oxford Street, a family-run artisan bakery and cafe. Then you will be ready to head out into the local area and explore the many fabulous independent shops where you will find some great ideas for mementos to take back with you.
If you have planned your trip over a weekend, before heading home getting a Sunday lunch at the Tudor Tea Rooms in the High Street is a must – where they offer meat and vegetarian options, both served with fresh, seasonal vegetables and gravy.
After a fulfilling meal it’s time to head home having enjoyed a fun-packed 48 hours – and start planning your next visit!
While in Whitstable, for any help you may need on your visit to the town, At Your Service offers a wide range of services to make your life easier, including key cutting, leathergoods, dry cleaning and alterations, passport and ID photos, engraving and embossing, luggage and travel accessories.
With so many fabulous places to explore and things to do in Whitstable you could make up a whole host of different itineraries to fill many trips to this seaside town – so you can follow our suggestions or make up your own. Enjoy!
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