Once famed for its oyster industry, Whitstable is a picturesque seaside town on the Kent coastline. It’s home to charming architecture and historic gardens, serving as the launching point for cruises that explore the Kentish Flats wind farm.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon wandering through the gardens of Whitstable Castle, which was originally established as an octagonal tower in 1789. It was later redeveloped into an opulent manor house and is surrounded by sprawling floral beds, perennial trees and an attractive rose garden, together with tea rooms where you can soak up the peaceful setting.

Jump aboard a sailboat to explore the Kentish Flats offshore wind farm, which consists of 30 turbines soaring 140 metres in height. Tours usually include a visit to the Shivering Sands and Red Sands World War II sea forts and offer a chance to go seal watching in the Thames Estuary.

Stroll along Whitstable’s historic street of Island Wall, which is lined with buildings dating back to the mid-19th century. Admire the photogenic old pubs of the Neptune and Wall Tavern, as well as the whitewashed Dollar Row cottages, then venture down the aptly-named Squeeze Gut Alley.

Stop by “The Favourite”, a late-19th-century oyster yawl that celebrates Whitstable’s oyster fishing and shipbuilding industries. It’s the last one of its kind in the town and has been lovingly rebuilt using traditional methods and materials.

Getting around

Whitstable is just over one hour’s drive east of London Gatwick Airport and is connected to London by regular trains and buses. Whitstable is linked with Canterbury along the Crab and Winkle Way cycle track and is compact enough to explore on foot.