Things to do in Whitstable with Kids

Things to do in Whitstable with Kids. Over New Year we headed to the Kent coast and stayed for three nights in Whistable. We have been slowly exploring Kent in recent months and falling in love with its relaxed vibe.  Part of the attraction for us is its close proximity to home, being just over an hours drive from London.  Whistable is slightly longer being an hour and twenty-five minutes drive from London.  As it is located in the top right of the county, right on the coast just down for the Isle of Sheppy.

Things to do in Whitstable with Kids

As well as its close proximity, Whistable ticks a number of other boxes when looking for a UK coastal break suitable for kids. Not only does it have miles of shingle beach for them to run free. The town itself is compact. There are plenty of cafe’s, pubs and fish and chip shops to keep their bellies full and parents happy.  With many cottages to stay in at a reasonable price, you can park the car and forget it for the weekend.  Yet it is relatively uncommercialised compared to some of the other seaside towns we have visited. You can not help but fall into the slower pace of life that it naturally exudes especially when the sun is shining. And most importantly there is plenty to do.

12 Things to do in Whistable with Kids

There really is so much to do that we didn’t manage it all. Which is giving us the perfect excuse to go back at a later date. Top of my list would be to go on a boat trip to see the Maunsell Sea Forts.

Beach, Shells and Pubs

The beach is the biggest draw for the boys. It stretches for miles in both directions from the Harbour. Predominately shingle the beach can be quite narrow and steep when the tide is in especially around the Harbour itself. Divided by breakers there are plenty of places to sit and shelter from the wind. There are also masses of oyster shells from the Whitstable Oyster company which was a source of fascination for the five-year-old in particular. It is also a great beach for flying kites. If you are looking for a slightly larger beach then you can walk along to Tankerton (see below).

If you walk west along the beach from the Harbour, there is The Old Neptune. A large white pub right on the beach. With lots of outside seating. Visiting on a Bank Holiday it was very busy so we did not stop during our visit. But it did look very appealing. 

Artwork

Whistable has its very own version of Banksy called Catman. We spotted several of his artworks while wandering around during our visit. Unfortunately, a few have been vandalised. But it still helps to keep the kids interested. I particularly liked the newest addition which was found on the wall of the public toilets by the harbour.  

The Street

Unfortunately during our visit, the tide times meant that we did not see The Street. As the low tide was very early in the morning or late at night when it was dark. It is worth checking when you visit because The Street is a spit of shingle beach that runs out into the sea. Giving the impression when you walk along it that you are surrounded completely by water. It is reported to be quite surreal. We are hoping. to get a chance to do this on our next visit when tide times are more suitable for kids.

Tankerton Beach, Huts and Slopes

If you walk East from the harbour along the prom then you will reach Tankerton beach.  A straighter not so steep beach it has a much wider promenade and larger sections of beach. Overlooking the beach there is a beach hut village made up of row upon row brightly coloured huts. And behind that Tankerton slopes. In the warmer weather a great place to sit with a picnic if you don’t fancy the beach.

Whitstable Castle & Play Area

Whitstable has its very own castle just behind Tankerton slopes. A country pile that has a facade of the castle it is a popular spot for afternoon tea. There is also a small formal garden to wander in. Entrance to the area is free and it makes a good cut through from Tankerton back to the harbour.  With the added bonus of having a play area which the boys enjoyed for a little while. Although I would suggest it’s more suited to Harry’s age of five than Charlie who is nine. 

The Harbour, Craft Stalls & Crabbing

The Harbour has to be on your list. Not only is there a wide range of seafood (see below), working fishing boats but there is a lovely little market area. The market is at the far end of the harbour, comprised of little black huts selling crafts, gifts and pictures. If you want a souvenir of your trip then this is the place to pick it up.  The first hut you come to also sells crabbing nets and buckets. The boys convinced me that we would be able to fit in a spot of crabbing at the harbour. But we never managed it so we will have to return to give that a go too. There are some railings and a bench near the end so a possibility.

READ MORE – Our other crabbing adventures at various locations across the UK

Boat Trip & Maunsell Sea Forts

From the harbour, it is possible to get one of several boat trips. One of the highlights of the trip being the Maunsell Sea Forts. The forts were built in the Thames Estuary during the second world war to protect us from invasion. Although giant rust buckets on stilts there is something eerily interesting about them.  It is possible to see them from the shore on a good day. While on Tankerton slopes we managed a quick glimpse of them before the cloud rolled in. 

Seafood, Oysters and Fish & Chips

Also in the harbour and Whitstable, in general, there are plenty of places to get seafood. We found the cheapest prices at the harbour and with the beach right next door there is ample seating. The seafood market does have a restaurant above if you would prefer. East of the harbour the Whitstable Oyster company has a cafe just off the beach and sells fresh oysters which are harvested there for £2 each, or 6 for £10. Considering the price of these elsewhere they are a bargain. Whitstable is also known for its fish and chips apparently being the best place in Kent to get them. 

We ate in the Lobster Shack one evening and the fish and chips were very good. The Lobster not so much, in fact, I was a little disappointed with mine. Although my MILs was much larger with much more meat. The attraction of the Lobster Shack is that you don’t have to book.  So although busy you will get a table eventually. Plus there is outside seating on the beach in the better weather.  The menu is limited and ordering is done via an app. 

Boutique Shopping 

It has been a long time since I have visited a town with so many independent shops. With everything from neon signs, clothes, artisan food produce, books and toys there is something to everyone. Although be mindful it is not pedestrianised so you need to keep an eye on little ones. The ice creams are pretty special too. Harry opted for a chocolate cone, chocolate (dairy-free) ice cream, chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles and a chocolate stick! We brought ours from Lottie’s Sweet Creams.

 

Wander the narrow streets – Squeeze Gut Alley

There are so many streets to wander soaking up the history and charm of Whitstable. But Squeeze Gut Alley does deserve a mention. As one end is so narrow it’s hard to ‘squeeze’ down. Apparently, it got its name from an overweight policeman! 

Tennis Courts

If you are visiting with slightly older children or tennis fanatics. Then it is possible to hire out the grass courts on the seafront which are owned by the Whitstable Tennis Club. You can find out more information on how to do this on their website – Whitstable Tennis Club.

Whitstable Museum

We all know that when holidaying in the UK we run the risk of a wet day or two! If you are looking for an inside activity Whitstable has a small museum in the high street. Thankfully we enjoyed mainly bright weather during our stay so did not visit.  But as it is only £3 entry for adults and free for kids, it is worth an explore. You can find out more on their website – Whitstable Museum. 

Staying longer than a couple of days?

If you are planning on staying longer than a weekend then you may want to consider other local attractions. Canterbury is 8 miles away, 25 minutes by car. We spent a lovely weekend exploring the city including visiting the Cathedral, taking a boat trip and visiting other UNESCO sites.  I will be writing a post about our stay soon and will link it here when I do. In the meantime check out our Kent pin on the map to see more. 

If you are happy to go slightly further afield then it is only 30 minutes by car to Margate. Where there is a large sandy beach full of arcades and kiss me quick hats. If that’s your sort of thing! However, we visited specifically to visit the Shell Grotto which is quite a sight to behold. Read more below. 

READ MORE – Tips for visiting the Shell Grotto in Margate

Top Tips for visiting Whistable

• Parking can be a challenge. There are many lovely terrace cottages that line the streets around the town centre.  Lots are holiday lets and Airbnb properties but parking can be a challenge as there is only on-street parking.  think narrow streets and cars on each side. Many of the car parks around the streets are short stay only.  It took me an hour to find a parking space when we arrived. If I had known then I would have arrived earlier and in daylight. 
• Parking by the beach. We did spot one large car park by the harbour but it filled up very quickly. It is called Gorrell Tank Car Park and you can reach it using postcode  CT5 1BZ. The Harbour car park is small and was always full when we were there. 
• Restaurants can be popular.  Especially at the moment with the pandemic uncertainty, I would book restaurants and pubs in advance if you can. It is popular with families and so the early times tend to sell out fast.
• Plenty of supermarkets. The good news is if you are planning on eating in, as there are plenty of supermarkets. We saw several Co-ops and there is a Sainsbury’s express in the high street.
• It’s compact. Most of the things you will want to see and do should be within walking distance.  However, when we visited it was busy. So we tended to walk on the beach rather than the footpath that ran alongside.  In the town itself, the pavements can be quite narrow. So I wouldn’t bother with scooters or balance bikes. More stress than they are worth.

Have you visited Whitstable I would love to hear about your favourite bits in the comments below?

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