A Day Trip to Whitstable

Whitstable is one of those English seaside towns that rewards a little curiosity. It sits on the Kent coast in the south-east, and the train from London takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half — ideal if you’re after an easy day out. The town centre is compact and walkable, packed with independent shops and cafés. If you grew up near the sea, it will feel instantly familiar. There’s plenty of seafood on offer, though there are good options for vegetarians and vegans too. Here’s where to eat, drink and browse. ## Eat and drink ### Blueprint Coffee A favourite among serious coffee drinkers, Blueprint is bright and open, with a fine selection of pastries. It’s a pleasant spot to settle in with a book and watch the town go by. They also sell a small, carefully chosen range of books and other products. ### Harbour Street Tapas A welcome find in a town where seafood dominates. The menu leans on fresh ingredients and simple, flavourful dishes, with plenty of vegetarian choices. The goat’s cheese toast with sautéed mushrooms and mixed tomato is worth ordering, as are the almonds with Manchego. ### Cafe + Kitchen Ideal for breakfast or brunch, though it’s small, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. The breakfast menu is strong, and there’s a good range of old-fashioned cordials. The mushrooms on toast come recommended, and the room is genuinely cosy. ### The Cheese Box If you’re still peckish after brunch at Cafe + Kitchen, the shop next door sells cheese and cheesy snacks to take away. ### Windy Corners Store A quieter option slightly off the main street, selling fresh food, cake and general produce. A good place to sit and read for an hour. ### Potato Tomato A vegan staple in Whitstable, based at one of the stalls nearer the harbour. The BBQ pulled jackfruit burger with fries and vegan mayo is the thing to order. The staff are friendly, and it’s the sort of place you’d happily return to. ## Shops ### Frank A lovely stationery shop, and the top recommendation if you like paper goods. The colourful paper stands out against the white walls, and it’s a good place to stock up on notebooks. ### The Whiting Post Well known locally, with a strong selection of clothes that includes ethical brands and plenty of vintage-style dresses. Worth trying a few things on — you may well leave with something. ### Harbour Books A well-curated bookshop on the main street. No visit to a new town is complete without a look inside the local bookshop. ### Ruskin A boutique worth visiting more than once. The owner knows the brands and where they come from, and there are plenty of unique pieces to browse. The yellow and striped tops in the window are particularly eye-catching, and the shop stocks high-quality striped tops made in France. ## What to see ### Seafront and Marine Parade No trip to Whitstable is complete without a walk by the sea. Follow the paths on either side of the harbour and head east to spot the colourful beach huts. There’s also a path out into the sea that you can walk across at certain times of day, if you’re feeling brave. ### Whitstable Castle Free to enter, with gardens to wander through. It makes a pleasant stop on a seafront walk. ### Squeeze Gut Alley The town has a network of paths running from the sea into the centre and beyond — look down any alley and you may catch a glimpse of the water. One is so narrow it’s known as Squeeze Gut Alley, and it makes a good photo stop. ## Getting there Whitstable is easy to reach by train from London, which makes it well suited to a day trip. Book tickets in advance for the best fares.