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 enjoyable 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 youngsters.
Because it was fairly last-minute, pouncing on a stunning home on AirBNB, I did a really fast blitz of analysis. In the long run, we spent most of our time on the seashore in search of shells, or wandering across the streets – and that basically is the enjoyment of Whitstable.
However that’s definitely not all: listed here are my prime ideas for issues you are able to do in Whitstable for teenagers.
Discover Whitstable seashore
It goes with out saying, actually… The seashore right here is shingle so that you gained’t be constructing sandcastles – you need to head additional alongside the coast in direction of Margate for sand – however there are some implausible shells to search out, and crabbing too with probably the greatest spots at West Seaside.
If the climate’s good, there are nice waves for older youngsters to paddle in plus watersports to attempt.
In case you’re in search of the perfect sandy seashores in Kent with youngsters, try my prime picks right here
Wander Harbour Road
That is one joyous stretch of outlets you gained’t have the ability to withstand going into. For teenagers, 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, filled 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 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 part from Ordnance Survey map print homewares to silk kimonos, buckets and spades and recent 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 choose 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 exterior these few days as nicely: 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 choice – 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 the event you maintain 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 a number of extra items to get you considering.
Whitstable citadel
The citadel, 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 Method alongside a disused railway line to Canterbury.
It’s uphill on the best way there, so you are able to do some freewheeling on the best way 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 web site of Reculver is nearly fully flat and also you’re unlikely to satisfy a lot site visitors, so it is a nice one with youthful youngsters.
Kent Cycle Rent has little one bikes from £24 per day and tagalongs or trailers to rent from £22, in addition to grownup bikes from £32 per day and little one seats. It’s price 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 how one can commerce ice. Open Wednesday to Saturday throughout college holidays, and on Thursdays to Saturday in any other case.Â
Discover the Kent coast
You may whereas away fairly a very long time wandering round Whitstable itself and enjoyable on the seashore, however in the event 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 sights and Wildwood animal park.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Kent with youngsters, listed here are my prime picks to tempt.
First printed 2016, up to date 2024
PIN FOR LATER: WHITSTABLE WITH KIDS
Photos copyright MummyTravels