I am finally sitting down to edit and write about our family weekend in Whitstable. I shared some pics on my instagram stories, and some of my friends booked a weekend there. It might be a chance to share some of things we love about Whitstable. It is a couple of hours away from home, and the place we go to when we feel like being by the sea. We have done day trips as well as weekends there, never at the same place.
This time round was stayed in Seasalter which is just before Whitstable, it is a walk and cycle away. I found this cute flat next to the beach which was perfect, especially when Louise wanted a wee, not just once. So good to have access to toilets!
Nestled in the bottom right hand corner of the UK is the beautiful little town of Whitstable; nestled on the Kent coast, waves lapping its shores and more oysters, and shells, that anyone, even Louise, can handle. But they do make good pictures! In fact the first time we went to Whitstable was for the Oyster Festival. It is a bit wild, with a priest, a dog carrying oysters – wild and weird?
Fast forward a few years, and a couple ok kids in tow, Whitstable is still as incredible place, and still so much to explore as well as our usual spots to go time and time again. Full of cute, independent shops and coffee places – and of course fish and chips (if oysters are just a step too far for the kids).
Places to stay
We have stayed in town as well as being on the outskirts of Whitstable. Whitstable is a bit of a nightmare to park your car. You are warned. And therefore staying in the town centre, is a bit difficult. If you have kids, need to unpack your car, well it is not that easy. However for food scene, you should definitely consider it. I would definitely recommend the Cook’s Cottage. It was so cute, and so central.
We stayed a bit further up, near Herne Bay at the Little Bay cottage, literally next to the beach. You go through the garden, cross the common and there you are. It was quiet, ideal. Louise was quite small at the time. It made it so much easier. It comes with a really good size garden to have an outdoor dining experience (again with the kids, so that might be quick one).
And during our most recent trip we stayed at the Seasalter cabin (yes another Airbnb). I cannot recommend it enough. It is also next to the sea, in a quiet area. I wished I could tell you I tried The Sportsman but it was not opened. It is definitely a draw for me. It should be on your list as well.
A few things to do for a family weekend in Whitstable, if you are bored at the seaside – my kids are never tired, so it is treat to be able to do something else.
About a ten to fifteen minute walk north-east from the centre of Whitstable, the castle is a must. With beautiful gardens (with cement paths, great for kids with scooters) and an awesome pirate ship playground, it’s sure to be a winner. The café is great, a bit of a haven, with shade.
Only a few minutes’ walk from the castle down a gentle sloping path, you’ll find the long stretch that is Tankerton Beach, complete with brightly coloured beach huts, a small café, toilets & baby changing facilities.
Places to eat
I am not sure we had a bad experience eating in Whitstable, but there are expensive venues with average food, not bad, just not great. But there are some places that we enjoyed:
The bubble cafe, we loved the location, the vibe. It is a bit out of the way as well, definitely worth a try. The Pearson’s Arms is bang in the middle of town, with beautiful windows looking over the bay, and you need to try the oysters. The smallest venue, but most iconic one, is Wheelers Oyster Bar And the Sportsman in Seasalter. The For all these venues, you probably need to book. We love having coffee at the Whitstable Produce Store. So many others to choose from.
I think you need to go really, just go for a day or a family weekend away in Whitstable. Get some Vitamin Sea. You can read of our other family adventures here.
This is a mix of analogue and digital photography taken over a few visits.
