Whitstable Hotels

Harbour

Whitstable harbour was built in 1832 to serve the ‘Crab and Winkle' railway line that connected London and Canterbury and the steam ships that carried coal from one city to the other. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the harbour area is the world-famous Whitstable Fish Market, the best place to buy fresh fish and shellfish in the town. A seafood lover's paradise, the fish markets are bursting with sustainably sourced fish. In the summer there are a number of events in the fish market, including BBQs and food festivals. Also along the harbour are cruise ships offering tours of the local area.

History

Away from the harbour you'll find Whitstable Castle, a manor house built in the 1790s by Charles Pearson, a London merchant. The castle was the Pearson family residence until it was sold to Wynn Ellis, another London merchant, in 1835. The house changed hands several time over the following century until the Whitstable Urban District Council bought it in 1935. Today the castle and its grounds are a picturesque location for family picnics and romantic strolls.

Whitstable was once awash with illegal smugglers and the town's thin alleyways served as a convenient escape route from the authorities. One of the most impressive surviving old alleyways is Squeeze Gut Alley, also known as Granny Bell's Alley. The name of the alley is said to have come from a game young boys would play in the area when they were being pursued by an overweight policeman.

Shops and restaurants

Whitstable is a great place to catch up with a spot of retail therapy. One of the nicest shopping locations is Harbour Street, full to the brim with chic boutique shops and cosy restaurants. You could very easily spend a day drifting from one colourful shop front to another, perusing through vintage clothes, antiques and seaside souvenirs.

No trip to Whitstable is complete without trying a meal of oysters. The most famous restaurant for seafood in Whitstable is The Crab and Winkle Restaurant, where you'll find everything from oysters and crabs to lobsters and fresh fish. Also worth visiting is Wheelers Oyster Bar, one of the city's best seafood restaurants. There are also plenty of other international restaurants, cafés and pubs dotted throughout the town.

Further afield

If you decide to head south from Whitstable you'll soon reach the ancient city of Canterbury, a cathedral city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to a selection of high street shops and boutique independent stores, Canterbury is home to the historic Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Also in Canterbury are the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and the Canterbury Tales Experience. Head east along the coast from Whitstable and you'll come across Herne Bay and Margate.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Located on the north-eastern coast of Kent in England, Whitstable is noted for its unique appeal and natural beauty. It offers a multitude of attractions and activities, making it an ideal destination for various types of travellers. For those interested in staying close to the highlights, there are several suitable places to select as a base.

The central area of Whitstable town holds the key to many of its most prominent attractions. Hotels in this neighbourhood provide ready access to the Kent Coastline, famed for its pebble beaches, which offer stunning views of the North Sea. The Whitstable Castle and Gardens, a well-preserved Victorian-era fortress, is another nearby attraction. Staying in the town centre is also recommended for those who enjoy shopping, as it is home to a variety of shops offering local art, antiques and food products.

The nearby area of Tankerton, a short stroll eastward from the town centre, is another recommended area for accommodation. It is known for its striking grassy slopes leading down to the shingle beach and the unique 'street of wooden huts' on the beach promenade. Proximity to the Tankerton slopes and beach is a notable advantage of staying in this region.

Harbour Street forms another major hotspot, known for its boutique and independent shops, eateries and art galleries. A prominent icon of this area is the Whitstable Harbour, an active shipping port and a local gathering area crammed with fresh seafood stalls and artists' studios. Staying near Harbour Street ensures easy access to all these landmarks.

Sea Wall, with its immediate access to the beach, is a fantastic location for those desiring beautiful sea views. It is located just a short walk from the town centre. The Quayside, a historic local pub, and the famous Horsebridge Arts Centre are within easy reach from here.

St. Ann's Road, being close to the Crab and Winkle Way—a historic pathway that leads to Canterbury—is an optimal choice for those who get pleasure from walking or cycling in serene surroundings. This neighbourhood is also noted for its quality seafood restaurants.

Where to stay with family

Located on the beautiful coast of Kent in Southeast England, Whitstable is a seaside town full of charm that offers a perfect family getaway. With its picturesque beaches, old-fashioned style and busy town centre, there is no shortage of things to do and see for families. When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Whitstable has plenty of options that cater to families of all sizes and ages.

In terms of neighbourhoods, the West Beach area is a popular choice for families. It offers easy access to the beach and is home to some of the town's most family-friendly accommodations. There is a variety of vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts and hotels in this area, all within walking distance to the beach and other family-friendly attractions.

For those looking for a more upscale and peaceful stay, the Tankerton area is a great choice. This neighbourhood is known for its beautiful homes and quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind with loved ones. There are also some great family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in this area, offering all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Harbour Street area is worth considering. This vibrant and active part of town is home to a variety of affordable accommodations, including holiday apartments and budget hotels. It also offers easy access to the town's main attractions, such as the Harbour Market and the Whitstable Museum and Gallery.

When it comes to family-friendly hotels, Whitstable has plenty of options to choose from. The Marine Hotel, located in the Tankerton Beach area, offers spacious family rooms and a range of activities for children, including a kids' club and outdoor play area. The Crescent Turner Hotel in Clapham Hill is another popular choice, with its spacious suites and beautiful garden for children to play in.

For a more unique experience, consider staying at one of the town's holiday parks or campgrounds. These are great options for families who love the outdoors and want to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Whitstable. Whitstable Seaview Holiday Park and Alberta Holiday Park are both located by the beach and offer a range of family-friendly facilities and activities.

Where to find cheap hotels

Situated on the picturesque coast of Kent, Whitstable is a traditional seaside town with a rich maritime history and a laid-back atmosphere. While it may be known for its fresh seafood and colourful beach huts, it also offers a range of affordable accommodation options for budget travellers.

For those looking to save some money on their hotel stay, there are several low-budget neighbourhoods in Whitstable that offer good value for money. The outskirts of the town, such as Tankerton and Seasalter, are home to a number of inexpensive hotels and guesthouses. These areas may not have the same appeal as the town centre, but they provide a quieter and more affordable alternative.

A little further away from the beach, it’s possible to find some great deals on hotels in the nearby towns of Faversham and Herne Bay. Both are easily accessible by public transport and offer a range of budget-friendly accommodation options.

For visitors looking for even cheaper options, there are a few hotel chains in Whitstable that offer affordable rates without compromising on quality. Premier Inn and Travelodge are both present in the town and offer clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

When it comes to timing, it's worth noting that hotels in Whitstable tend to be cheaper during the off-season, which runs from October to April. Weekdays also tend to be more affordable than weekends, so it’s a good idea for those with flexibility to aim for a mid-week stay.

Go shopping in Whitstable

Whitstable is renowned for its diverse shopping experiences. From unique boutiques and independent establishments dotted along its narrow lanes to antique stores and trendy outlets on the High Street, Whitstable offers something for everyone.

The High Street and Oxford Street are well-known for the global and regional boutiques that populate these vibrant passages. Renowned brands, cutting-edge designers, and avant-garde independents propel Whitstable to the forefront of fashion. Every style and preference can be catered to here, with both modern fashion-forward boutiques and establishments offering timeless elegance setting up shop in these districts.

Canterbury Road offers more affordable shopping options. Known for its thrift stores, second-hand booksellers, and charity shops, it's a favourite among those seeking unique finds at competitive prices. A number of vegetable and fruit sellers are also located here, offering fresh locally-grown produce.

Local produce can also be purchased at the Whitstable Farmers Market, where an impressive selection of fresh, locally sourced goods are offered. From seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, and freshly baked bread, the quality and variety of produce are testament to the now famous Thanet Earth project.

Whitstable is also famous for its vast array of unique, locally crafted souvenirs, indicative of its coastal lifestyle and artistic legacy. Handcrafted jewellery using precious and semi-precious stones, ceramics inspired by the Kentish coast, and artisanal glasswork are some of the popular items available.

The town's maritime history forms the backdrop for a variety of souvenirs available. Whitstable-native oyster paraphernalia, including pearl jewellery, oyster serving dishes, and cookbooks focused on this delicacy, make for a unique and quintessentially Whitstable souvenir. The local galleries and boutiques on Oxford and Island Wall Streets are recommended for these.