Whitstable, Kent

Whitstable is a hidden seaside gem of Kent, a county also called “England’s gardens”. Whitstable is my discovery of the year. It only 1 hour drive away from London (well, apart from some weekends when Blackwall tunnel is closed), or an hour and a half by train from Victoria station (£24 for any time day return ticket).

It is stretches by the sea, with the beaches which are stoney but very clean, bizarrely divided by the wave breaking constructions. There are great pubs right by the sea were you can try some local ales and laggers, along with oysters which are plenty here. A dozen of oysters is £6.50, and even less if for take away. You can also try all other sorts of sea food, from deep fried prawns to local fresh fish, or traditional fish and chips if you like it.

Everybody seems to be having lots of dogs and children, all of whom round around freely.
People are very very nice and relaxed.

On the Hugh street:
-Check out Tudor Tea House to join locals for a cup of coffee and a cake;
-Visit Cheese shop where the lovely owner Dawn will tell you which cheeses are better for man or woman.
Every Friday it is open till 8 pm, so come around for the cheese tasting with the glass of wine or fresh apple juice;
-Pop up to the wine shop which sells Ice Beach Wine.

And, for some art, check out the Front View gallery on Tower parade,9. It also has a good selection of art books to look through.

written by neja on 2010-07-15 #places #nature #dogs #weekend #location #seaside #short-trip #united-kingdom #south-east #kent #whitstable #oysters #around-london