Whitstable & Tankerton

There is something very special about Whitstable and Tankerton on the north coast of Kent. They have a magical calming effect and its most definitely an area where you just want to go back to time and time again. My friend & her son and my daughter & I try to have a few days away a couple of times a year and Whitstable is at the top of our list! We have just come back from our fifth trip there...

Tankerton Beach

We usually head to Tankerton Beach first, which is about a mile east from the main Whitstable beaches. Tankerton is a shingle beach with timber groynes and visible sand at low tide. The large grassy slopes above the beach are known as the 'Tankerton Slopes’ – a brilliant place to picnic with a great view and a good coastal walking area. Tankerton beach is famous for its colourful wooden beach huts (we usually hire Beach Hut No 30 for a day or two) and is popular with families, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. The water is clear & calm, and the beach is never crowded – in fact some days you feel like you have your section of the beach all to yourself!

The Street!

Just a short walk from Tankerton towards Whitstable and if you are lucky enough that the tide is out, you will come across The Street! It’s a natural shingle strip about half a mile long and makes for an invigorating walk. Once you reach the end you are literally standing right out at sea and can look back to the beach, with the estuary’s waters on either side of you and take in the beautiful view.  

Oysters and Shopping!

Whitstable the town is very pretty and it has plenty of fresh seafood on offer plus an annual oyster festival. The white wooden clad buildings and fisherman huts are so attractive, and the main street has lots of interesting independent shops which provide charm and character. Restaurants, cafes, fish & chip takeaways, and pubs are in abundance catering for a range of tastes and budgets. 

Kids Activities & Boat Trips

We always take the kids to Oyster Coast Watersports where you can hire kayaks and paddle-boards or go on a rib trip! Some great ways to spend an hour or so on the waters. I believe there are also boat trips to the wind farms – may try that next time!

The working harbour is a focal point of the town where you also get a good view of The Whitstable Oyster Company oyster beds which have protected geographical status.  

Spectacular Sunsets!

Whitstable and Tankerton are also known for their spectacular sunsets. I don’t think there are many places in England where you can experience such an awesome sunset whilst having a drink and barbecue tea on the beach. See you next time!