Once in a while, the longing for the ocean comes over me. Truly, 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 by means of, 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 children.
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 on the lookout for shells, or wandering across the streets – and that actually is the enjoyment of Whitstable.
However that’s definitely not all: listed below are my prime suggestions for issues you are able to do in Whitstable for teenagers.
Discover Whitstable seaside
It goes with out saying, actually… The seaside right here is shingle so that you gained’t be constructing sandcastles – it’s a must to head additional alongside the coast in the direction of Margate for sand – however there are some implausible shells to seek out, and crabbing too with top-of-the-line spots at West Seashore.
If the climate’s good, there are nice waves for older children to paddle in plus watersports to strive.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one of the best sandy seashores in Kent with children, try my prime picks right here
Wander Harbour Road
That is one joyous stretch of retailers you gained’t find a way to withstand going into. For teenagers, strive Buttercup boutique, and Harbour books, though sadly Peekaboo Youngsters has now closed.
For adults, there’s classic treasures galore, from The Whiting Submit 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 outlets aren’t your factor (or aren’t your children’ factor), head right down to the harbour as a substitute for a browse of the stalls on the entrance.
Extra are open at weekends, however you’ll discover a number of 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 wanting 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, certainly one of my favourites has now closed as has the Crab & Winkle on the harbourfront
Whitstable’s summer time oyster pageant is legendary, however you will get shellfish outdoors these few days as properly: 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 avenue 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 a number of extra round Harbour Road and Oxford Road in case you preserve 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 Highway for a number of extra items to get you considering.
Whitstable citadel
The citadel, as soon as generally known as Tankerton Towers, was an 18th century household dwelling. It’s now a marriage and occasions venue, however there are some pretty 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 Method 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 strive in case you’re towing a motorcycle trailer.
Or the Oyster Bay path, which hyperlinks Whitstable, Herne Bay and the Roman web site of Reculver is nearly utterly flat and also you’re unlikely to fulfill a lot site visitors, so it is a nice one with youthful children.
Kent Cycle Rent has youngster bikes from £24 per day and tagalongs or trailers to rent from £22, in addition to grownup bikes from £32 per day and youngster seats. It’s value reserving prematurely in case you’re not bringing your personal.
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 how one can commerce ice. Open Wednesday to Saturday throughout college holidays, and on Thursdays to Saturday in any other case.
Discover the Kent coast
You’ll be able to whereas away fairly a very long time wandering round Whitstable itself and stress-free on the seaside, however in case you fancy a change of scene, the attractive Kent coast is in your doorstep.
Go to Herne Bay, solely 5 miles alongside the coast with its personal seashores, conventional seaside points of interest and Wildwood animal park.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Kent with children, listed below are my prime picks to tempt.
First printed 2016, up to date 2024
PIN FOR LATER: WHITSTABLE WITH KIDS
Photos copyright MummyTravels