FRESH OYSTERS ANYONE?
Whitstable, canterbury, Kent
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If you’re looking for a seaside getaway but are not a fan of packed beaches and sandcastles, Whitstable is the place for you. Just a 20-minute drive from the centre of historic Canterbury, this small seaside town is famous for its oysters, which have been harvested in the area since Roman times.
Home to one of the first passenger railways, opened in 1830 by the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant town.
Although the railway, nicknamed the Crab and Winkle Way, is now out of use, a public cycle route named after it connects Whitstable and Canterbury for those wanting to take in the great Kent countryside.
You can sit on the beach and get some fresh air, or get out on the waves themselves thanks to the watersports and sailing centres.
The annual oyster festival, held in July each year. This event, which in previous years was held in the centre of Whitstable at the harbour, welcomes hundreds of guests, with activities put on to celebrate local culture and keep visitors of all ages entertained. This year’s event 2020 unfortunately has been cancelled but its definitely worth adding it to next years diary.
Wander around the tightly-packed stores that populate the town. Browse the shelves of Harbour Books, a unique store which is a whole lot bigger than it looks from the outside on Harbour Street, then pop over the road to What’s Up Cupcake, a beautiful bakers offering a wide variety of flavours – including raspberry ripple and chocolate and coconut. There are also plenty of pubs for much-needed refreshment, with many located just a few strides from the beach – what more could you ask for?
Of course a Must Do is a visit to the Lobster Shack, a rustic, airy 18th century oyster grading house has been transformed into a beach bar serving a selection of hot and cold seafood including of course lobster and oysters, with daily specials, amazing local beers and local wine.
With amazing beach views and lots of outdoor seating The Lobster Shack is the perfect summer destination. In the winter months they have a cosy log burner making the restaurant suitable for all weathers!
Owned & operated by the Whitstable Oyster Company Ltd. they brew their own beer and also farm their own oysters.
The beers compliment the food with the Whitstable Brewery Oyster Stout making a great pairing with... OYSTERS. Oyster beds can be seen at low water from the end of the quay outside the restaurant and the purification centre is on site and also holds all of the live lobsters.
Located at the end of the East Quay in Whitstable Harbour, giving stunning sea views over the Thames Estuary.
In the evening try The Duke of Cumberland, it’s a big, friendly pub, right in the heart of Whitstable, a few seconds from the beach.
A Grade II listed building, there has been an inn on this site for more than 300 years. Known as the Noah’s Ark until 1747, Landlord Robert Chandler renamed it Duke William in honour of the Duke of Cumberland who, a year earlier, had crushed the Scottish rebellion at Culloden.
In 1748 it became The Duke of Cumberland and was used as the headquarters for the oyster and dredger men. Fire swept through the building in 1866. The Duke was rebuilt immediately and in 1867 William Lester applied for a license at the Petty sessions for 'The Duke of Cumberland, recently burnt down but now rebuilt’.
Today it’s a restaurant, hotel and bar offering great ales, tasty food, quality live music and good company.
Just a few minutes east along the coast will bring you into the lovely village of Tankerton, which has a number of independent stores and plenty of places to get that most classic of seaside delights – fish and chips! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even walk along the coast from Whitstable and blow the cobwebs away, then grab an ice cream as you wander along the slopes.
Whitstable is a beautiful day out, enjoy your oysters.