Day Trip from London: How to spend a day in Whitstable
With summer in full swing and yet another heatwave gripping London, escaping the city for some sea air is the ultimate reset. When the tube feels like a sauna and your flat is more greenhouse than home, we reckon a day in Whitstable is exactly what you need.
Perched on the North Kent Coast, Whitstable is a small seaside town with big charm. Famous for its oysters, working harbour, and laid-back pace, it’s the kind of place that draws you back again and again.
We should know… we’ve been four times.
Whitstable beach
Getting to Whitstable
Whitstable is within easy reach from London and you have 2 main ways to get there.
By train: From London Bridge, there are 3–4 direct trains an hour to Whitstable, taking about 1.5 hours. Return fares are roughly £31.40 (at the time of writing). Check train times here.
By car: From South East London, it took us about 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving means you can pack beach towels, a picnic, and a few reusable water bottles to survive the hottest of days.
We’ve done both day trips and weekend stays; including a springtime birthday for Zaeem in an Airbnb right in the centre of town.
Waking up early for a run along the coast, grabbing pastries just as the bakeries opened, and not having to worry about who’s driving back… bliss.
Where to Eat & Drink in Whitstable
Whitstable’s food scene is defined by its seaside charm, with fresh oysters and seafood at its heart. Beyond shellfish, the town offers a mix of independent cafés, cosy pubs, and restaurants showcasing seasonal local produce, as well as a lively street-food culture around the harbour.
Grain & Hearth Bakery
📍 Rear Store, 50-52 Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1DG
Our go-to breakfast stop. Grain & Hearth is a family-run bakery making outstanding sourdough, flaky viennoiserie, and filled sandwiches with seasonal pickles. Everything is baked on-site in Whitstable (they also have a second spot in Faversham), and you can tell from the smell alone that it’s going to be good.
They’re also big on local ingredients, use organic grains, and host workshops on sourdough and pastry lamination if you fancy getting hands-on. We loved browsing their little retail area too; ceramic cups by local potter Homefolk Ceramics and bottles of our favourite wine, Chin Chin. They have a second location in Faversham.
🕒 Opening hours:
Tues–Fri: 8.30am–3pm
Sat-Sun: 9am–3pm
Blueprint Coffee
📍 4 Oxford St, Whitstable CT5 1DD
A tiny but beautifully put-together espresso bar, roastery, and stationery shop. They roast their own beans and sell a curated mix of books, ceramics, and paper goods alongside decent coffee. Seating is limited (a few stools inside and a bench out front), but we like grabbing a flat white and watching the world go by.
🕒 Opening hours:
Mon–Thurs: 9am–3pm
Fri–Sat: 9am–4pm
Sun: 9.30am–4pm
Wheeler’s Oyster Bar
📍 8 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1BQ
This place is iconic. Wheeler’s Oyster Bar has been serving seafood for over 165 years and is now one of the few original oyster bars left in the country. It’s small, no-frills, and packed with character.
There’s a takeaway counter at the front and just four counter seats; so arrive early or expect a wait if you want one. You can also book a table in the back restaurant over the phone (no online bookings) or pop in. It’s BYOB, and there’s a handy off-licence right across the street (named OFFY) to grab your tipple of choice.
We had the crab roll, gochujang prawns, and a fishcake on our last visit. So delicious and fresh. We’ve made sure to pop in every time we visit Whitstable.
📞 Phone: 01227 273311 (call or call in to book; make sure to do so well in advance)
🕒 Opening hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sun: 10am–5pm
Fri–Sat: 10am–8pm
Wed: Closed
West Whelks / Whitstable Harbour Oyster Store
📍 Fishermen’s Stores, Harbour, 1–8 West Quay, CT5 1AB
You can’t leave Whitstable without sampling oysters, and this is one of the best places to do it. Right on the harbour, West Whelks and the Harbour Oyster Store serve up freshly shucked oysters, cockles, whelks, and prawns—simple, fresh, and straight from the sea.
Open on weekends only, it’s ideal for a salty snack while strolling the quay. Grab a tray, find a spot by the water, and enjoy one of Whitstable’s most iconic bites.
🕒 Sat–Sun: 11am–5.30pm
Remember oysters are best between September and April if you're chasing peak freshness.
Ossies Fish Bar
📍 11 High St, Whitstable CT5 1AP
You can’t visit the seaside without fish and chips, and Ossies is a local favourite. Expect a warm welcome, generous portions, and proper seaside charm. On sunny days you may find a queue, but it’s worth the wait.
Just remember it’s cash only.
🕒 Mon–Sat: 11am–10pm, Sun: 12pm–9.30pm
The Forge
📍 1 Sea Wall, Whitstable CT5 1BX
If you want to eat right by the sea you can visit The Forge for some fish and chips. The fish is well cooked but the chips (which is a big part of a chippy meal) were very average.
They also have an oyster bar right on the seaside with fresh oysters from the bay.
🕒 Open daily 9 - 5
The Old Neptune
📍 Marine Terrace, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EJ
A pub on the beach? Yes please. The Old Neptune (or “The Neppy” to locals) sits right on the pebbles, serving local ales, properly portioned pub grub, and live music most Sundays. The outdoor benches are the perfect sunset spot.
📞 01227 272 262
The Sportsman, Seasalter
📍 Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 4BP
A 15-minute drive from Whitstable, The Sportsman is a pub with a Michelin star and a cult following. It’s unpretentious but serves some of the best seasonal, local food we’ve eaten. In terms of value-for-money dining, it’s one of our favourites!
Perfect for a special occasion but book well in advance.
📞 01227 273370
Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium
📍 81 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1SW
For something sweet, Bears is the place to go all out. You can choose from 40+ toppings and have them dipped, rolled, or smashed into creamy Jersey milk ice cream, or opt for one of their chef-created combos.
Alice tried the Dark & Salty — brownie chunks, popcorn, dark chocolate shell, Maldon sea salt — which sounded perfect but was tricky to eat (the hardened chocolate shell and hot weather were not a match made in heaven).
Our tip? Go for something simpler or build your own.
🕒 Opening hours:
Daily, 11am–8pm
The Marine Hotel (Sunset Drinks)
📍 33 Marine Parade, Whitstable, CT5 2BE
For a drink with a view, head to the Marine Hotel at the edge of Tankerton Beach. It’s a classic seaside spot with a large terrace overlooking the sea—perfect for a sundowner as the light fades. Whether it’s a chilled glass of white or something from their local beer list, it’s a solid way to end the day.
They’ve got a full food menu too, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily. The vibe’s relaxed, and you don’t need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the terrace.
🕒 Open daily:
Mon–Fri: 7am–11pm
Sat–Sun: 8am–11pm
More Foodie Spots to Try
Hubbard’s Bakery – proper old-school bakes like iced fingers and gingerbread men
RuLu’s Deli Kitchen & Wine – sandwiches, coffee, wine, and supper clubs
Vinko – wine and cheese boards
Shopping in Whitstable
Whitstable is made for aimless browsing. Independent shops, vintage finds, record stores, and wine bars line the High Street.
Copperfields – Kitchenware heaven
Harbour Books – Cosy bookshop with well-chosen titles
Ruskin – Modern clothing store
Fern – Women’s clothing with outdoor seating for patient partners
Gatefield Sounds - Record store with a mix of classics and new releases
Rock Bottom Records - Second hand record store
Things to do in Whitstable
Whitstable Beach
Whitstable’s beach is mostly shingle, with wooden groynes every few metres. It’s fine for swimming and there are a few sandy spots for kids, but pebbles do make walking and paddling a bit of an ankle workout.
If you want to swim or stretch your legs, Tankerton Beach is a short stroll east. It’s quieter, with colourful beach huts, a promenade, and wide sea views. Bring water shoes if you plan to get in, and stay for sunset — it’s gorgeous.
Tankerton Beach
📍 Tankerton Beach, Whitstable, CT5 2AJ
If you’re after a proper swim or a longer beach walk, head east to Tankerton Beach—just a short stroll along the coast or a five-minute drive. It’s quieter than the main beach, with plenty of space to unwind, colourful beach huts lining the promenade, and lovely wide views.
The pebbles continue into the sea, so water shoes are a shout, but once you're in, the swim is worth it. It’s peaceful, good for a slow float or a bit of a splash, and there’s loads of room to find your own spot.
Stick around for sunset too—the light over the water here is special, especially on clear evenings when the whole beach glows.
Explore the Harbour
The harbour is the beating heart of Whitstable and always worth a wander. Here you’ll find rows of oyster cages stacked by the water, fishing boats bobbing in and out with the tide, and stalls selling the day’s freshest catches straight from the sea.
Harbour Market Whitstable
📍 Harbour Market, Whitstable Harbour, CT5 1AB
This open-air market is one of the town’s gems. Tucked inside the working harbour, it’s a great mix of handmade crafts, local art, and small-batch food stalls. You’ll find everything from paintings and jewellery to textiles, ceramics and furniture—often sold by the makers themselves.
The vibe is laid-back and friendly, with a handful of micro eateries serving everything from wraps and burgers to Thai dishes and traditional fried fish. It’s a lovely spot to browse, snack, and soak up a bit of Whitstable’s creative spirit.
🌐 website
Play Tennis
📍 92 Island Wall, Whitstable, CT5 1EL
Fancy a match before lunch? West Beach Tennis is a laid-back spot just off the seafront, offering a simple pay-as-you-play setup at £7 per hour. The courts are in great condition and only a short walk from the harbour, making them ideal for a casual rally or a quick knockabout before a dip.
It’s easy to book online, and you don’t need to be a member. Whether you're a seasoned player or just fancy a bit of fun, it's a great way to stretch your legs between meals.
Sea, Scrub & Sauna
📍 Harbour Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AB
For a proper unwind, book a slot at Sea, Scrub & Sauna—a wood-fired sauna tucked right on the harbour front. The set-up is simple but spot on: steamy sessions with a sea breeze, open-air showers, and changing areas that make it all feel very Scandinavian-by-the-sea.
They run both social and private sessions, and prices start at £14 for members or £16 for non-members during the week. It's a great way to warm up after a swim, or just chill out with a view. You can book ahead online or give them a ring.
🌐 website | 📞 07886 383720
🕒 Open daily (check website for session times)
Whitstable Castle & Gardens
📍 Tower Hill, Whitstable, CT5 2BW
If you need a break from the sea breeze, Whitstable Castle is a peaceful stop just a short walk from the centre. The gardens are free to wander, open daily from 8am to 6pm, and perfect for a slow stroll with views of the coast and lots of quiet corners to sit.
Pop into the Orangery Tearooms for a cream tea or something light—open 10am to 5pm, it's a good spot to refuel away from the crowds. While the Tea Gardens are closed for the season, the main grounds and café are worth visiting all year round.
🌐 website
Where to Stay
Whitstable Recommendations Map
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