Every so often, the longing for the ocean comes over me. Really, the longing for tropical seashores is sort of a daily one however there’s one thing about being by the coast which satisfies me whether or not a bracing day within the UK or stress-free on white sand.
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So after a weekend the place each plan we made appeared to get cancelled or fall via, I made a decision to whisk myself and Minnie off to Kent for an in a single day journey – giving us a day and most of a day by the seaside, discovering what there’s to do in Whitstable with youngsters.
Because it was fairly last-minute, pouncing on a stunning home on AirBNB, I did a really fast blitz of analysis. Ultimately, we spent most of our time on the seaside searching for shells, or wandering across the streets – and that actually is the enjoyment of Whitstable.
However that’s actually not all: listed below are my high suggestions for issues you are able to do in Whitstable for youths.
Discover Whitstable seaside
It goes with out saying, actually… The seaside right here is shingle so that you gained’t be constructing sandcastles – you must head additional alongside the coast in direction of Margate for sand – however there are some unbelievable shells to seek out, and crabbing too with the most effective spots at West Seashore.
If the climate’s good, there are nice waves for older youngsters to paddle in plus watersports to attempt.
Should you’re searching for one of the best sandy seashores in Kent with youngsters, take a look at my high picks right here
Wander Harbour Road
That is one joyous stretch of retailers you gained’t have the opportunity to withstand going into. For youths, attempt Buttercup boutique, and Harbour books, though sadly Peekaboo Children has now closed.
For adults, there’s classic treasures galore, from The Whiting Publish to The Garments Horse and Mosaic.
Then there’s meals… Honey Kanes sweetshop, stuffed with retro sweets, The Cheesebox for (unsurprisingly) cheese and Morelli’s Gelato for ice lotions.
Hit the harbour
If retailers aren’t your factor (or aren’t your youngsters’ factor), head all the way down to the harbour as an alternative for a browse of the stalls on the entrance.
Extra are open at weekends, however you’ll discover just a few stalls open most days in the summertime with every thing from Ordnance Survey map print homewares to silk kimonos, buckets and spades and contemporary seafood.
Have fish and chips in Whitstable
This seaside city nonetheless has a working harbour, so that you gained’t be in need of good fish – merely decide up your alternative from the fish market and eat at one of many little tables, or on the shingle close by. Sadly, VC Jones, considered one of my favourites has now closed as has the Crab & Winkle on the harbourfront
Whitstable’s summer time oyster competition is known, however you will get shellfish outdoors these few days as effectively: cockles and winkles within the harbour, in addition to oyster stalls right here and alongside the seafront.
Wheeler’s Oyster Bar within the city is one other nice possibility – cease in for seafood on the bar there too.
Discover the road artwork in Whitstable
Whitstable has its personal Banksy, aka Catman, whose road artwork seems on partitions across the city.
We stumbled throughout one or two as we wandered round, together with the Whitstabubble bubble blowing boy, however you could find just a few extra round Harbour Road and Oxford Road in the event you hold your eyes peeled.
Everybody from the Queen to the Mona Lisa have popped up in a few of his Whitstable Road artwork – head to Terrys Lane and Clifton Street for just a few extra items to get you pondering.
Whitstable fort
The fort, as soon as often called Tankerton Towers, was an 18th century household dwelling. It’s now a marriage and occasions venue, however there are some beautiful gardens to go to.
Rent bikes
In addition to heading off to see what you uncover, you might discover the six-mile Crab and Winkle Means alongside a disused railway line to Canterbury.
It’s uphill on the way in which there, so you are able to do some freewheeling on the way in which again. There are some gateways on the route, so this isn’t one to attempt in the event you’re towing a motorcycle trailer.
Or the Oyster Bay path, which hyperlinks Whitstable, Herne Bay and the Roman website of Reculver is nearly fully flat and also you’re unlikely to satisfy a lot site visitors, so this can be a nice one with youthful youngsters.
Kent Cycle Rent has baby bikes from £24 per day and tagalongs or trailers to rent from £22, in addition to grownup bikes from £32 per day and baby seats. It’s value reserving prematurely in the event you’re not bringing your individual.
Uncover Whitstable’s historical past
The city additionally has a small museum, with an eclectic assortment that includes native historical past from diving (Whitstable is the house of helmet diving) to actor Peter Cushing, who lived within the city for 35 years.
You’ll additionally uncover extra about shipbuilding, steam railways and the best way to commerce ice. Open Wednesday to Saturday throughout faculty holidays, and on Thursdays to Saturday in any other case.
Discover the Kent coast
You possibly can whereas away fairly a very long time wandering round Whitstable itself and stress-free on the seaside, however in the event you fancy a change of scene, the beautiful Kent coast is in your doorstep.
Go to Herne Bay, solely 5 miles alongside the coast with its personal seashores, conventional seaside sights and Wildwood animal park.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Kent with youngsters, listed below are my high picks to tempt.
First revealed 2016, up to date 2024
PIN FOR LATER: WHITSTABLE WITH KIDS
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