Weekend in Whitstable: A Blissful UK Staycation
Though the tides of travel have started to turn, my newfound appreciation for travelling locally can never be dimmed. Plus, after spending a couple of years in intermittent UK lockdowns, combined with the continued uncertainty and complications that now come with travelling abroad, it’s reassuring to know that there are plenty of local UK travel gems to escape to without having to stray too far from your doorstep.
One of my absolute favourite finds from the last few years is Whitstable, a quintessential UK seaside town with sunsets so striking, they would make Turner’s brushes turn green with envy.
this is my 48 hour pocket guide to whitstable uk, with tips on all the beaches in whitstable, plus the very best of things to do whitstable including whitstable restaurants, whitstable pubs and of course those famous whitstable beach huts and whitstable oysters.
Only a few hours away from London by car or train, Whitstable is the perfect weekend escape for any jaded, locked-up-for-too-long urbanite looking for a quick getaway. We drove from London to Whitstable (a less than two-hour drive), but you can also book trains to Whitstable from London Victoria or King’s Cross stations and be in the heart of this cute seaside town well before lunch. And I can assure you that after just 48 hours in Whitstable, you’ll be singing its praises too. We loved it so much that we extended our stay, just to return to our favourite pocket of Whitstable beach and make the most of the some surprise April sunshine.
And lucky for you — hotels are back is business so you can take your pick from some lovely Whitstable hotels. My top boutique-style hotels in Whitstable include The Marine Hotel and The Crescent Turner. But there’s also the option to do some Whitstable camping or even sleep inside of a Whitstable Beach Hut(!) if you’re more of a do-your-own-adventure type. There are just so many great little places to stay in Whitstable.
We booked the weekend at Seaview Holiday Park (as you could only book self-service accommodation at the time) and I loved every minute of my first-ever UK caravan experience. Our accommodation came kitted out with everything you’d need for a self-sufficient weekend break: a kitchen and dining room for a massive holiday meal, a cozy lounge to collapse in after a full day of adventures, a small shower to wash off the sand and the best bit: a quaint little balcony to start your days with coffee and finish them off with a strong cocktail. Seaview is also just a few minutes walk from the water, so you can head straight to the beach on arrival. We did — and caught the first of many pastel-painted sunsets.
We started early the next day, to make the most of our short weekend away and the many things to do in Whitstable. Loaded up on SPF and water, we headed out for a long walk along the promenade. Seaview Holiday Park is based on Swalecliffe Beach, so it makes for an enjoyable 40-minute stroll to the main beaches in Whitstable. Along the way, you’ll pass Tankerton Beach, buzzy Whitstable skate park and all the colourful beach huts in Whitstable. It’s the classic British seaside experience you’d expect from a weekend staycation. Of course, the weather in Whitstable, like anywhere in the UK, is unpredictable, so pack your rain jacket and brolly alongside your sunhat and sunnies. You’ll probably need them all.
Eventually, you’ll reach the pot of gold: adorable, bustling Whitstable beach which, thankfully, is dotted with countless Whitstable restaurants, beer shacks and the to-die-for oysters Whitstable is so renowned for. Go hungry, and give yourself plenty of time to poke around the fun foodie spots near the water. But if it’s the very best oysters in Whitstable you’re after, then head straight to The Forge Whitstable.
This unassuming shack is anything but glam, but you can watch the staff shuck oysters on site before you buy your very own. I suggest you start with a dozen, or you’ll end up queueing for another round like me. Because these salty sea creatures — coated in tabasco and the house shallot-vinegar dip — are simply divine. If you’re more in the mood for a sit-down affair, then try the The Lobster Shack where you can knock back some local ales alongside a hearty lobster sandwich. Or for something more chic, book Whitstable Oyster Company’s Fish Restaurant — probably the most famous of Whitstable restaurants thanks to its fresh-off-the-boat seafood selection. I’ve earmarked it for my return visit.
Whitstable’s craft beer scene is also on point. We sampled a few from a shack near the water with an immense selection of Kentish craft beers. I went for my standard IPA, but you’re truly spoilt for choice. A little further down Whitstable beach is the The Old Neptune pub, a local institution that any good traveller wouldn’t dare to miss. It’s right on the water, and if you time it just right, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down in Whitstable. You may even recognise it from the renowned Whitstable Bay beer bottle. Of course there are plenty of other pubs in Whitstable, but if your time is limited, make this your top priority.
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forgot to take a stroll down Whistable’s high street, where you’re find the town’s most Instagrammable spot for oysters in Whitstable: Wheelers. Don’t miss this candy-coloured gem, even if it’s just to take a quick snap of this legendary building. If it’s a tipple you’re after, then head to Twelve Taps, the local craft beer and gin bar where you can easily while away an afternoon. Get your sugar rush at Sundae Sundae, the sweets shop that transports you back in time. Go for the ice cream and leave with all the childhood sweets you forgot you loved. Or, if you love an afternoon shop like me, then have a poke around the small boutiques on Whitstable High Street, and find yourself a souvenir to forever remind you of your epic little seaside escape.
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