It’s been a grey two months since we left Singapore back in December. We focused on firstly getting over our jet lag, then catching up with family before moving onto fixing up our house to move back into it. Then the big delivery of our container and trying to figure out where to fit everything. We’ve had one day out in all that time where we went to Petworth (highly recommend it by the way).

So when Sunday rolled around last weekend, I was getting itchy feet to leave the county. Maybe it’s part of having been locked into a small island whilst living in Singapore but I had the urge to drive and drive and drive. I was also desperately missing the sea. Our home in Singapore overlooked the sea and I find it so grounding.

Thus after homework was completed I threw the kids into the car and escaped London for the Kentish countryside, namely… Whitstable beachfront. I went to university not far from here and this seaside down is very dear to my heart. So I wanted to share what you can get up to in an afternoon in Whitstable.

1. Make a Splash in Whitstable

First stop is alway always the pebble beach to dip a toe in the water. Well one of our dogs was brave and dove straight in, not sure she was expecting it to be that cold.

2. Where to Eat Seafood in Whitstable

We love to go to The Lobster Shack, I didn’t know about this place for years. It’s a hidden gem off the beaten path. Lobster, oysters and dressed crab are all popular on the menu. I was a bit gutted that they’d run out of dressed crab by the time we got there. But it’s a good excuse to get back again soon. My kids raved about the fish and chips here. Not for this time, but previously I’ve indulged in a refreshing glass of white wine to go with my meal. Big plus that we discovered this time is that dogs are allowed.

3. Where to walk in Whitstable

After lunch it’s a stroll through the harbour, stopping at the sheds to browse the locally produced crafts. There was a pretty awesome photographer that caught my eye. In the summer you can also pick up cockles and winkles by the harbour wall.

Walk on going past the sailing club and their beach covered in boats, seagulls and oyster shells. My kids loved to walk the sea walls when they were younger or scoot along the path. Highly recommend walking all the way past The Neptune and tennis courts to get as far as your legs can manage.

You’ll want to create some space in your stomach so that you can stop at the warm donut hut on the way back. I couldn’t find it on google but it’s right next to the converted fisherman’s huts.

As it was winter, there was no sitting on the beach for us this time. So if you’re still keen to wander there is a very cute high street to stroll along and pop into the independent shops.

I don’t have photos but near the sailing club was a hot sauna caravan, which was wildly popular with guests dipping in the cold plunge pools and warming up in the sauna after. They have something similar in Margate also.

So that was our hearts full, we had the full English seaside experience with rain, wind and grey skies but we couldn’t have been happier. Thank you Whitstable, we’ll be back soon for sure.

Where to park in Whitstable

If you’re planning to park outside The Lobster Shack bring change as it’s pay and display. Or you can park at the big carpark, (Gorrell Tank Car Park) which scans your number plate as you enter and you just pay by card when you leave which is super handy.