Whitstable Harbour — Attraction in Canterbury

Whitstable Harbour is a prominent feature in the coastal town of Whitstable, located in Kent, England. Known for its rich maritime history and vibrant local culture, the harbour has been operational since 1832 and has played a crucial role in the town's development, particularly in fishing and oyster cultivation.

Key Features of Whitstable Harbour:

Oyster Fishing: Whitstable is renowned for its oysters, and the harbour has been central to this trade for centuries.

Railway History: The harbour was once connected to the world’s first passenger railway, the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, which opened in 1830.

It remains a working harbour, with a fleet of fishing vessels primarily focused on shellfish. The harbour is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities such as boat tours, seafood restaurants, and markets.

Whitstable Oyster Festival: An annual event celebrating the town's oyster fishing heritage, featuring food stalls, music, and entertainment.

Harbour Market: Regular markets held in the harbour area where local artisans and vendors sell crafts, food, and other goods.

Harbour Village: A collection of small shops and eateries housed in converted shipping containers.

Art and Exhibitions: The harbour often hosts art installations and exhibitions, contributing to Whitstable's reputation as a hub for artists.

Visitors to Whitstable Harbour can enjoy Seafood Dining, numerous restaurants and eateries offer fresh, locally sourced seafood.

Boat Trips: Options include fishing trips, wildlife tours, and excursions to the nearby Red Sands Maunsell Forts.

Walking and Cycling: Scenic routes along the coastline provide beautiful views and a chance to explore the town's heritage.

Whitstable Harbour blends historical significance with contemporary attractions, making it a vibrant focal point for both locals and tourists.

A fantastic day out at Whitstable Harbour that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, soaking in the vibrant community atmosphere, and making it a memorable outing.

I highly...

A CALM RESPECTFUL small town and pebble beach, Associated with the late great Horror actor Peter Cushing, This quinticentially english, landmark is a thriving hub for weekend entertainment, special events on public holidays, I in advertently stumbled upon it while enjoying tankerton beech for the first time (after being away in china 10 years, ) which in itself is great for budding artists who want to show piece their portfolio and sell, I saw many weekendw,independent local artists displaying on the grassy areas during weekends,,Whitstable has much to interest anyone, also the castle and gardens, take in some bowling,as there is a club, stay overnight or weekends private or businesses style hotels, pubs and crustacean foods Stalls and restaurants, Whitstable is renown for its catch if Winkles, and local fishing,and once was a international exporter, of the black tar and its Winkles, it's a real getaway during spring to late autumn, though it can be fresh and windy on days its a real hot spot for fitness goers and runners, I have see during my taichie routines there, personal trainers coaching their students, even You can even rent seaside/beech huts for days or weekends,around £70-120 nice for young families young or old, performances on the sea with wind boards, windsurfing, jet ski, paragliding and kite boarding, professionals and learners I have seen. Ice-cream Stalls, toilet and most importantly a considerable amount if free parking that if you arrive before10am allows right on the cliff road...

Whitstable itself is a rather modestly attractive beach hovel (I wouldn't call it a town - if you want a more "bourgeois" atmosphere on the Kent coast, travel to Margate or Ramsgate instead). It also comes up short in the tourist attractions department - and indeed the smallish harbour area is its main claim to fame. Oyster/lobster bars, stalls & restaurants everywhere, plus the odd kebap stall. Prices for sea food vary quite a bit, so look out for less stylish but cheaper places that will give you the same quality of food. You can have fish and chips for UKP 9 or 17 - but it's still the same, locally caught cod. The harbour is one of the few active fishing ports in the area, and you can almost always get a nice glimpse of some boat entering or leaving. The promenade itself is fairly narrow, but extends for about a mile along the seafront. On its western end you can find The Old Neptune, one of the busier pubs and a nice place to sit outside and enjoy the view. On weekends the area gets rather busy indeed, with many punters from London and abroad. If you want a beachside experience in Kent on limited time, then go to Whitstable. It won't occupy you for longer than a couple of hours - at most! But with more time to spend and more opportunities for sightseeing (old town, museums, shops), I'd recommend Margate - which also offers a broad, sandy beach as opposed to the ocean of stones and mussels shells...