Whitstable

Whitstable

Relax and watch your cares drift away from the coast of picturesque Whitstable.

Whitstable's traditional charms, strong arts culture and rich maritime history sit easily with its renaissance.

Its main streets are packed with craft shops and galleries, delicatessens and fashion shops trading side by side with butchers and bakers. You can tuck into fish and chips or a medley of marinated seafood, local oysters or for something else, Italian, Tapas, Thai or Indian are all available within the town centre.

Follow your nose in Whitstable and it will lead you to the sea. Whether you take the main route through the town or enjoy haphazard progress through quiet lanes and alleyways with eccentric names such as Squeeze Gut Alley, you'll end up at the harbour.

Here, sailing boats wait for their chance to skim the waves and, from the shelter of the harbour walls, fishing boats bob and bow and prepare for their next mission.

Opposite the harbour gates is as poignant reminder of the town's maritime past. Starvation Point was once a meeting place where poverty stricken seamen would gather and wait in hope of work. It is now a dedicated memorial of all those lost at sea. Other stories from Whitstable's past unfold at the town museum where history is brought to life in displays and permanent or temporary exhibitions.

Just a stone's throw away is Tankerton beach, east of Whitstable town centre, which has recently been awarded a Blue Flag. The cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes roll gently towards the sea and provide an excellent view of 'The Street' and a vantage point to watch the nautical world go by.

With an unspoilt charm and newfound confidence, Whitstable has secured a favoured spot in the hearts and minds of all who visit the town.