Nothing like a UK windy mini break to dust off those cobwebs. We realised we hadn’t been out of London this entire summer and forgot to schedule any time off to just ‘be’. We cancelled our holiday to Spain earlier this year and threw ourselves into renovations but were a little burnt out to say the least.
Just an hour and a half outside of London, Whitstable is one of those gorgeously quaint seaside towns, with houses that actually back onto the beach, lots of local ceramics, a place that supports small businesses and prides itself on tradition. Considering we went on a sunny weekend in September, we always managed to get a quiet spot on the pebbled beach and didn’t have too much trouble getting into places for food (although I’ve heard it’s best to try and book ahead in the summer holidays).
We went as a family of three and needed barely any toys for our toddler – a few sticker books, a bucket and spade and the beach were enough for her! We stayed in a small cottage on the beachfront (a complimentary stay with Kip) and packed food, snacks and drinks to keep costs low and aimed to do fish and chips on the beach.
Things to remember: the beach gets windy, so pack accordingly! It’s also stoney so pack blankets and/or camping chairs. The sea is cold (obviously!) but locals were still swimming. Pack wellies for walking when the tide is out in the morning – kids will love it. There were loads of benches to sit and eat outside and loads of the restaurants were contact free and take away – we found it a really good COVID minibreak which gave us peace of mind.
We didn’t do a huge amount over our weekend stay, but fully relaxed and the beachfront walk is so great to do first thing in the morning. The High Street has an abundance of independent shops and lovely restaurants, all walking distance to the beach – it doesn’t take long at all to get a feel for the town and we definitely want to go back.
Restaurant wise we were recommended The Lobster Shack, VC Jones fish and chips, Harbour Street Tapas and Jojo’s in Tankerton . For pubs, The Old Neptune, The Pearson Arms and The Smack Inn came highly recommended.
We ate VC’s fish and chips on the beach, enjoyed a quick lunch at Windy Corner cafe (perfect with Peggy) and brunch at Farm & Harper (we booked and got a gorgeous sunny table outside!). For the rest of the time we ate in the cottage and took snacks out with us. If you were thinking of staying longer, then Margate is not far for a day trip, too (Dreamland and a Shell Grotto, what’s not to love?!).
It was actually not our intention to write about our stay, but we had such positive feedback from our trip on Instagram and we ended up taking such lovely photos that it was nice to add something a bit more permanent somewhere. Hope you’ve found it useful!
Lovely Alex, thanks for your tips and sharing your experience. You have inspired me to do a day trip from Palmers Green with my parents – I am taking them for the first time outside of the borough to get some fresher air after their shielding has lifted. I love your style and you provide good, honest feedback and recommendations.
All the best,
Freny
Oh brilliant – hope they enjoyed! Loved how quiet the beach was! x
I was inspired by your insta and convinced my husband to drive us down on Sunday. I’m 37 wks pregnant, so didn’t do too much walking, but it was wonderful to get out of London, get some oysters (him) and some cute cards and prints from the shop Frank (me). We drove to the Pig hotel (Bridge Place) afterwards (20 min drive) for some lunch and a mooch around their kitchen gardens. Thanks for the inspiration! So good to get out of the house!
Oh so lovely! Totally forgot The Pig is nearby! Dreamy xx
We are off on our first visit to Whitstable in a couple of weeks for a 5 day stay, your write up & photos has been very useful.
Thank you! ☀️
Oh great, sure you’ll have an amazing time! x
Lovely photos . Great review.
A lovely read and definitely a place to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Funny this year has forced us all to find the beauty that was always right under our noses.
So pleased you enjoyed Whitstable. I love living here, it is so friendly and I really do believe that it’s good for the soul. Xx
Lovely review, thank you for visiting and hope you visit again. We really appreciate the time and effort you have taken to review the town.
Whitstable looks fab, what an interesting post, thanks Alex. Anyone who fancies heading even further to the east coast of Scotland; North Berwick has a similar feel. Lots of small independents, cafes and a good bakery. The Italian restaurant, Osteria is wonderful but a treat for adults really. Miles of beaches to explore too, all very clean as the local dog owners take their responsibilities seriously. The Rocketeer cafe, near the harbour does wonderful seafood” to carry out”, as the Scots say, or dine in too. Herringbone further down the High Street is good for lunch, cocktails and dinner. The town does get very busy in the summer months so slightly out of season is best.
I have lived in the USA for the past 37 years, but I was born in Whitstable. I left the U.K. and Whitstable in 1981 and have rarely been back. Family circumstances caused me to finally make a return trip to Whitstable last October. It’s cleaned up a lot since 1981, become trendy, and gentrified, but it’s charm has remained. I hope I will return again sometime to eat fish and chips from Jones’s and stroll along the beach. Thank you for this lovely article about my beloved birthplace!
Just to say this was super helpful! It inspired me to book our first full week off this year and we’ve had a brilliant time. Interesting seeing the week go by – it was really quiet at the start of the week and now it’s super busy. Highlight of the trip was hiring bicycles and cycling along the flat path to Herne Bay. Also they have some gorgeous framed matches…I don’t think my husband gets my new obsession!
Oh brilliant – yes, I saw that piece of art – Gary Malone I think it was! xx