Gemma’s Whistable guidebook

Gemma
Gemma’s Whistable guidebook

Food scene

This is a great pub on the front of the seaside and just a 7 min walk from the house. Originally serving the men of the boat yards, a storm in 1897 washed the wooden beer house away and 'The Old Neptune' was rebuilt using timber reclaimed from the original structure. Now, having aged once again but still holding pride of place on the seafront, this old haunt is a bustling local pub. On sunny days the picnic tables outside are over-run, with a happily mixed bunch of families, locals, hikers and cyclists; dogs are welcome too. Inside it’s atmospheric in a spit-and-sawdust way, and surprisingly small; but there’s decent ale, simple pub grub and pub bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
92 habitants recommandent
Old Neptune
Island Wall
92 habitants recommandent
This is a great pub on the front of the seaside and just a 7 min walk from the house. Originally serving the men of the boat yards, a storm in 1897 washed the wooden beer house away and 'The Old Neptune' was rebuilt using timber reclaimed from the original structure. Now, having aged once again but still holding pride of place on the seafront, this old haunt is a bustling local pub. On sunny days the picnic tables outside are over-run, with a happily mixed bunch of families, locals, hikers and cyclists; dogs are welcome too. Inside it’s atmospheric in a spit-and-sawdust way, and surprisingly small; but there’s decent ale, simple pub grub and pub bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Great for brunch or any other evening meal. Make sure you book in advance as I hear they get booked up fast.
96 habitants recommandent
Samphire
4 High St
96 habitants recommandent
Great for brunch or any other evening meal. Make sure you book in advance as I hear they get booked up fast.
An independent & family run restaurant and farm partnership in the heart of Whitstable. Far from your average seaside town cuisine, they have an acclaimed, local Chef, Phill MacGregor who works in the open kitchen using fresh ingredients to produce glorious, mouth-watering dishes morning, noon & night. They make a great coffee and homemade cakes, a cheeky glass of something stronger, daily newspapers, and free Wi-fi.
52 habitants recommandent
Farm & Harper
25 High St
52 habitants recommandent
An independent & family run restaurant and farm partnership in the heart of Whitstable. Far from your average seaside town cuisine, they have an acclaimed, local Chef, Phill MacGregor who works in the open kitchen using fresh ingredients to produce glorious, mouth-watering dishes morning, noon & night. They make a great coffee and homemade cakes, a cheeky glass of something stronger, daily newspapers, and free Wi-fi.
Grain & Hearth is an artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough breads and viennoiserie in Whitstable, Kent. Make sure you get here early as their pastries sell out super fast and there is always a queue! I LOVE this place and would definitely recommend!!
36 habitants recommandent
Grain & Hearth Bakery
52 Oxford St
36 habitants recommandent
Grain & Hearth is an artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough breads and viennoiserie in Whitstable, Kent. Make sure you get here early as their pastries sell out super fast and there is always a queue! I LOVE this place and would definitely recommend!!
Harbour Street Tapas serve Spanish small plates inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain’s many regions. Showcasing the finest ingredients we can lay our hands on, their menu features tapas classics and specials, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce, seasonality and quality.
62 habitants recommandent
Harbour Street Tapas
48 Harbour St
62 habitants recommandent
Harbour Street Tapas serve Spanish small plates inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain’s many regions. Showcasing the finest ingredients we can lay our hands on, their menu features tapas classics and specials, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce, seasonality and quality.
Birdies is a well established friendly and family run French Bistro set in Harbour Street in the heart of Whitstable, just 15 minutes by car from historic Canterbury.
57 habitants recommandent
Birdies restaurant
41 Harbour St
57 habitants recommandent
Birdies is a well established friendly and family run French Bistro set in Harbour Street in the heart of Whitstable, just 15 minutes by car from historic Canterbury.
Established in 2005 on the idyllic waterfront of Whitstable Harbour's South Quay, The Harbour Garden Cafe offers our guests a truly unique, Al-fresco dining experience with all the sights, smells and flavours of the north Kent coast. Enjoy not only the views of the sea but the landing of classic Thames Barges, fresh fish, leisure boats, and cargo ships all along the quay at out working harbour.
14 habitants recommandent
Harbour Garden Cafe
14 habitants recommandent
Established in 2005 on the idyllic waterfront of Whitstable Harbour's South Quay, The Harbour Garden Cafe offers our guests a truly unique, Al-fresco dining experience with all the sights, smells and flavours of the north Kent coast. Enjoy not only the views of the sea but the landing of classic Thames Barges, fresh fish, leisure boats, and cargo ships all along the quay at out working harbour.
The Royal Native Oyster Stores in Kent is a seafood restaurant offering some of the very best oysters, fish and seafood. We've become world famous for offering the freshest fish that's simply cooked; we believe that the finest products speak for themselves. The restaurant is on the beach and offers stunning views of the company's oyster grounds. A full a la carte menu is available from Monday-Sunday.
80 habitants recommandent
Whitstable Oyster Company
Horsebridge Road
80 habitants recommandent
The Royal Native Oyster Stores in Kent is a seafood restaurant offering some of the very best oysters, fish and seafood. We've become world famous for offering the freshest fish that's simply cooked; we believe that the finest products speak for themselves. The restaurant is on the beach and offers stunning views of the company's oyster grounds. A full a la carte menu is available from Monday-Sunday.
To say that Wheelers sources its food locally wherever possible is, perhaps, an understatement (a fisherman actually walked in wearing wellies and overalls with their catch as i was talking to Delia Fitt, the owner). The Oyster bar was established in 1856, and its history is woven into the very fabric of Whitstable's heritage as a harbour and breeding ground for the now famous Whitstable Oyster. In that time, it has survived the many harsh winters, and two world wars, and this bright pink little (14 covers) restaurant has won the Les Routiers, and Gourmand awards among many others.
127 habitants recommandent
Wheelers Oyster Bar
8 High St
127 habitants recommandent
To say that Wheelers sources its food locally wherever possible is, perhaps, an understatement (a fisherman actually walked in wearing wellies and overalls with their catch as i was talking to Delia Fitt, the owner). The Oyster bar was established in 1856, and its history is woven into the very fabric of Whitstable's heritage as a harbour and breeding ground for the now famous Whitstable Oyster. In that time, it has survived the many harsh winters, and two world wars, and this bright pink little (14 covers) restaurant has won the Les Routiers, and Gourmand awards among many others.
The Lobster Shack is a beach bar serving a selection of hot and cold seafood, with daily specials, amazing local beers and local wine With amazing beach views and lots of outdoor seating The Lobster Shack is the perfect summer destination. In the winter months we have a cosy log burner making the restaurant suitable for all weathers!
67 habitants recommandent
The Lobster Shack
EAST QUAY
67 habitants recommandent
The Lobster Shack is a beach bar serving a selection of hot and cold seafood, with daily specials, amazing local beers and local wine With amazing beach views and lots of outdoor seating The Lobster Shack is the perfect summer destination. In the winter months we have a cosy log burner making the restaurant suitable for all weathers!

Places to visit

Cool stuff in the area to see and do!
Canterbury is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Canterbury Cathedral, with its stunning mixture of Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic architecture, the modest Church of St Martin (the oldest church in the English-speaking world) and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey, once a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent
369 habitants recommandent
Canterbury
369 habitants recommandent
Canterbury is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Canterbury Cathedral, with its stunning mixture of Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic architecture, the modest Church of St Martin (the oldest church in the English-speaking world) and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey, once a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent
From traditional holiday-town charm, a world-class art gallery, sandy beaches, a cool café culture and tempting retro shops. Margate – ‘The Original Seaside’, is waiting to welcome you The internationally-acclaimed Turner Contemporary gallery named after JMW Turner showcases historical and ultra-modern art work. Take a walk along the Harbour Arm for stylish spots to eat and drink, and watch the setting sun that inspired many of Turner’s artworks. Dreamland, the great British seaside amusement experience with historic rides, classic side shows, and eateries offers an exciting calendar of festivals and events. Margate's Old Town rejoices in a cultural vibe - chic eateries, galleries and vintage shops mixed with traditional seaside delights. Margate Museum, tells the history of sea-bathing and day-trippers whilst the Tudor House, is thought to be the home of a wealthy yeoman farmer. From family-holiday nostalgia, to historic sights, Margate's rich history is everywhere. Rediscover childhood toys at the Hornby Visitor Centre, explore the Shell Grotto's subterranean, shell-lined passages or tackle the challenging 18-hole Strokes Adventure Golf For more than 100-years Margate's Winter Gardens has drawn big-name acts, from the Beatles to the Kaiser Chiefs. The town's Theatre Royal is the second-oldest in the country, while the Tom Thumb Theatre is one of the smallest theatres in the world.
160 habitants recommandent
UpMargate
20 The Centre
160 habitants recommandent
From traditional holiday-town charm, a world-class art gallery, sandy beaches, a cool café culture and tempting retro shops. Margate – ‘The Original Seaside’, is waiting to welcome you The internationally-acclaimed Turner Contemporary gallery named after JMW Turner showcases historical and ultra-modern art work. Take a walk along the Harbour Arm for stylish spots to eat and drink, and watch the setting sun that inspired many of Turner’s artworks. Dreamland, the great British seaside amusement experience with historic rides, classic side shows, and eateries offers an exciting calendar of festivals and events. Margate's Old Town rejoices in a cultural vibe - chic eateries, galleries and vintage shops mixed with traditional seaside delights. Margate Museum, tells the history of sea-bathing and day-trippers whilst the Tudor House, is thought to be the home of a wealthy yeoman farmer. From family-holiday nostalgia, to historic sights, Margate's rich history is everywhere. Rediscover childhood toys at the Hornby Visitor Centre, explore the Shell Grotto's subterranean, shell-lined passages or tackle the challenging 18-hole Strokes Adventure Golf For more than 100-years Margate's Winter Gardens has drawn big-name acts, from the Beatles to the Kaiser Chiefs. The town's Theatre Royal is the second-oldest in the country, while the Tom Thumb Theatre is one of the smallest theatres in the world.
Explore award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches; a delightful range of independent shops in the traditional High Street and cliff top walks to neighbouring Ramsgate and Margate. Enjoy literary, culinary and musical festivals, watch the latest films in our gem of a cinema and live theatrical and musical performances in the thriving community theatre, and pubs. Dine in a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Broadstairs Town has everything for a delightful stay - at any time of the year.
173 habitants recommandent
Broadstairs
173 habitants recommandent
Explore award-winning Blue Flag sandy beaches; a delightful range of independent shops in the traditional High Street and cliff top walks to neighbouring Ramsgate and Margate. Enjoy literary, culinary and musical festivals, watch the latest films in our gem of a cinema and live theatrical and musical performances in the thriving community theatre, and pubs. Dine in a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Broadstairs Town has everything for a delightful stay - at any time of the year.

Things to do

From Whitstable you can cycle all the way to Margate (it takes approx 2 hours each way). It is a beautiful and relatively flat route. Try and catch the sunset on the way back!
15 habitants recommandent
Viking Coastal Trail
Station Approach
15 habitants recommandent
From Whitstable you can cycle all the way to Margate (it takes approx 2 hours each way). It is a beautiful and relatively flat route. Try and catch the sunset on the way back!
This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. When the tide is out it is great for fossils and exploring rock pools. Plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in but due to its shape at high tide the ends of the beach are cut off. Located above the bay is a hotel with restaurant and café on the beach Dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, dogs not permitted between 10am to 6pm. Car parking is limited with no free parking available in Kingsgate Avenue and Fitzroy Avenue, where 24hr patrols are in force. Permit Holders only. Please be aware this is a residential area, so please park sensibly in designated car parks or parking areas, being aware of local residents and emergency vehicles. Parking is advised at Palm Bay Avenue, where there are over 200 free parking spaces, (CT9 3PP) for Palm Bay beach and a short cliff top walk to Botany Bay.
131 habitants recommandent
Baie de Botany
Marine Drive
131 habitants recommandent
This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. When the tide is out it is great for fossils and exploring rock pools. Plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in but due to its shape at high tide the ends of the beach are cut off. Located above the bay is a hotel with restaurant and café on the beach Dog ban in place from 1st May until 30th September, dogs not permitted between 10am to 6pm. Car parking is limited with no free parking available in Kingsgate Avenue and Fitzroy Avenue, where 24hr patrols are in force. Permit Holders only. Please be aware this is a residential area, so please park sensibly in designated car parks or parking areas, being aware of local residents and emergency vehicles. Parking is advised at Palm Bay Avenue, where there are over 200 free parking spaces, (CT9 3PP) for Palm Bay beach and a short cliff top walk to Botany Bay.

Conseils sur la ville

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12 things to do in Whitstable

https://www.timeout.com/whitstable/things-to-do/a-perfect-day-in-whitstable
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Head to the harbour market

As well as fresh fish and chips there are lots of cute stalls selling artwork and crafts. This is located near the The Garden Harbour Cafe. Make sure you visit!
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Whistable Boat Tours

Visit the Maunsell Forts on the Red Sand off Whitstable. From Whitstable harbour it's a 15-minute journey out to the forts where you'll be given a brief talk on the forts and their history . From these magical war of the world like structures you will be about 7 miles from the Kent coast, in fact you are about 7 miles from the Essex coast as well. If you were in a World War 2 plane you would be only 12 minutes from Central London.
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Seal spotting!

Judging the tide and the weather and often it is possible to take a journey out along the Horse sands between the isle of Sheppey and Faversham to see a large seal colony. These fascinating creatures have got larger and larger in number as the wind farms have got bigger, the fish life increasing under the legs of the wind farms has created ideal places for fish to breed in ever increasing number and so the seals have grown with them. Check out all tours here: http://whitstableboattours.com/