The quintessential seaside town

Whitstable is a quintessentially British seaside town famous for its native oysters, harvested here since Roman times. Families moving out of London or looking for a second home love Whitstable's thriving community, great schools, beautiful sunsets, and excellent transport links.

Properties in Whitstable

Properties in the area range from period townhouses and rows of Victorian and 19th-century terraces to apartment blocks and beachfront homes. With 1960s-style properties and newly built estates just outside the town, there’s something for everyone in the Whitstable property market. 

Schools in Whitstable

There are 20 pre-schools, nurseries, primary and secondary schools here. Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed Church of England Junior School is one of the many excellent primary schools in the area. There is a secondary school for 11-18-year-olds here, The Whitstable School. If required, Canterbury's grammar schools are just a bus ride away.

Shopping in Whitstable 

Boutique shops line the high street of Whitstable. It's the place to pick up a unique gift, a new book, or a record on vinyl. Harbour Market is home to beach hut-style shops selling everything from art and candles to pet care and handmade goods. After working up an appetite browsing the stores, you can enjoy one of the many independent places to eat here.

Regarding grocery shopping, there is a Tesco superstore and a Sainsbury's Local. By car, you can also reach Lidl and Sainsbury's. Or, of course, there are plenty of local independent options too.

Whitstable history

Whitstable's famous oysters have been harvested here for centuries. But it's not just oysters that the town is known for. In 1829, Charles and John Deane of Whitstable designed the first air-pumped diving helmet, a huge step for the diving industry. The seaside town was also the site of the world's first steam-powered passenger railway service, The Crab and Winkle. With steam engines long gone from the line, this is now a beautiful cycle route to Canterbury with stunning views.

Entertainment in Whitstable 

Each year, the town celebrates its oyster heritage with a weekend festival of seafood, local beer, live music, comedy and art. Whitstable Castle hosts everything from psychic nights and 80s dance parties to lunches and summer fairs. Catch a sunset at one of the pubs on the beachfront, or watch a local production at Whitstable Playhouse theatre.

Leisure in Whitstable 

Whitstable Leisure Centre hosts swimming, gym, and tennis facilities to keep the whole family fit. You also have a pilates studio, boxing club, a 9-hole golf course, bowls club, and 10-pin bowling lanes – there's something for all here.

Getting around Whitstable 

The train station has regular trains into London and towards Margate. With the number 4 bus taking you to and from Canterbury, it's easy to take a day trip to the city. There are plenty of places to ride a bike here, too, with many routes off-road following the coast or old railway lines. The M2 is nearby, linking you to the M25 and other major motorways.

To hear more about Whitstable or the properties in the area, contact us.