Holiday rentals in Whitstable

Whitstable, a small seaside town on the northern coast of Kent, is known for its expansive shingle beaches where you can spend your days picnicking, wandering the water’s edge, and swimming when the tides are low. Multicolored beach huts line the edge of Tankerton Beach, presenting a striking contrast against the Channel’s blue waters. When you’re not lounging on the beach, you can spend your days exploring historic monuments scattered throughout the town, from the Reculver Towers and the Roman Fort to the 19th-century St Alphege Church.

The lively harbour, a focal point of the town since it was built in 1832, hums with activity. Boats in a kaleidoscopic array of hues bob along the marina. Visitors wander in and out of locally owned shops and boutiques, hunting for antiques and souvenirs. The seaside restaurants serve up shatteringly crisp fish and chips, succulent lobster, and Whitstable’s renowned oysters. Every weekend throughout the year, the huts along the Harbour Market open for business, selling handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, art, and clothing.

The summer months in Whitstable, when the Kent coast experiences its high season, are mild with few rainy days, making this the perfect time for enjoying the beach. However, the water can be very cold, so be sure to bring a warm towel and a sweater. Summer also brings extended hours for the Harbour Market, opportunities for outdoor seaside dining, and the Whitstable Oyster Festival, which takes place each July and is one of Whitstable’s most popular events. The two-day celebration includes a parade, a food fair, and live music.

You’ll start to see a bit more rain in autumn as the temperatures cool and winds pick up, so it’s a good idea to keep an umbrella and an extra layer on you as you explore the town. While the town rarely freezes over in winter and the region does not see a lot of snow, the wind coming off the coast can make it feel colder than it is, so this is a good time to explore the area’s indoor attractions or to stop by one of the pubs for a warm glass of mulled wine. Temperatures begin to rise again in spring as the gardens throughout the town fill with daffodil and snowdrop blooms.

Whitstable Castle and Gardens

The Whitstable Castle, known initially as the Tankerton Towers, is an 18th-century estate situated on 1.2 hectares of landscaped gardens and manicured lawns. You can admire sweeping views of the sea from the Orangery Tea Room, spend hours meandering amid the oak trees and fountain, or take a seat on the benches in the lush rose garden to bask in the perfumed air.

Tankerton Slopes

The grassy hills and cliffs of the Tankerton Slopes look out over the sea and the pebbled beaches below. The path leading to Herne Bay is lined with beach huts in an array of vivid colours. At the top of the slopes, you’ll discover the remnants of old cannons, which testify to the area’s significance as a coastal defence in years past.

Whitstable Museum and Gallery

The Whitstable Museum and Gallery is housed in a historic hall adorned in cobalt blue trim. Its exhibitions highlight Whitstable’s seafaring history, prominent figures, oyster trade, and flourishing industries from Roman times to the present day. The displays include model ships and barges, a historic steam locomotive, and diving equipment.