Whitstable

The next time you find yourself yearning for a short break by the sea, it may be worth skipping the crowded Spanish beaches and visiting the little town of Whitstable instead. Nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Kent’, this coastal spot is famous for its pretty shingle beaches and succulent local oysters.

Stay

Whitstable Beach House – Some days, you just need to get away from everyone else. The Whitstable Beach House lets you do just that, with nothing more than a private beach and gorgeous views for company. The house itself has an airy, open-plan layout, with large windows that look out onto Seasalter Beach. The outdoor deck means you’ll be able to enjoy a meal in the salty sea breeze, or just sit out there enjoying tranquil sunsets. Rates start at £125 per night for a minimum of two nights.

See

Squeeze Gut Alley – Whitstable has a number of tight little alleys that were used by residents to get to the sea (and also doubled up as escape routes for smugglers), and this is tightest one in town. Don’t try to pass through it after a heavy meal, as you may not fit! Local legend says that the alley got its name when cheeky local boys were playing a game with an overweight policeman, who couldn’t get through this tiny space.

Eat

Wheelers Oyster Bar – If seafood isn’t your thing, you may want to steer clear of this restaurant. This tiny dining spot has been serving the famed Whitstable oysters, and a range of other seafood, for over 150 years. The oysters themselves are fresh and briny, and hardly need any seasoning to be enjoyed. There’s also lots of fish, and deliciously sweet prawns and mussels that are served in several different ways. The menu may not be large, but everything on it is as local as you can get, and delicious to boot!

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(Photo: kent.gov.uk)