Tankerton Beach, Whitstable, Kent
The seaside town of Whitstable is located on the north coast of Kent in the south of England. The town is a popular destination day trippers and visitors; the various beaches are popular amongst visitors; well known for its shingle beaches, harbour area and Tankerton slopes.
Whitstable is home to a number of beaches in the local area, there are a choice of local attractions which along with the harbour offer visitors with a choice of things to see, do and experience. The various beaches are a popular destination for families, sun bathers and outdoor activities enthusiasts.
Quick Facts
Whitstable beaches:
Region: South East England
County: Kent
Main Settlements close by: Dover, Ramsgate and the city of Canterbury.
Attractions
Whitstable's beaches are located on Kent's northern coast, the location makes them a convenient and popular destination for those living in London and the surrounding areas in the south east of England. Whitstable provides a great place for a beach or short break; it is home to a number of beaches these include Whitstable West beach and Tankerton beach, which are located fairly close by to one another.
Whitstable West beach is centrally located a short distance from the town centre close by to local amenities. The shingle beach is the best known and most visited of the beaches in the area. The main Whitstable beach includes a compact harbour along with a choice of restaurants and shops.
The well known Neptune Pub is located next to the beach offering a great place to enjoy a choice of food and drinks whilst taking in the great natural scenery. Local activities include swimming, fishing and water sports, walking is also popular along the coastline.
Tankerton beach is located a short distance to the east of the main Whitstable West beach. There is a shingle beach with timber groynes with sand visible at low tide. There are large grassy slopes; the 'Tankerton Slopes' that slop down towards the beach with walking paths also leading down to the coast, the slopes are a popular place for bike riders, walkers and dog walkers.
The surrounding areas to the beach give visitors a great view across the local area on the Kent coast. The beach offers an interesting alternative to the main Whitstable West beach. The beach is known for its colourful wooden beach huts and is a popular place for families, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Local amenities include a natural promenade next to the beach along with local shops, pubs and amenities.
Whitstable is a seaside town that prides itself on its rich maritime history and culture, it maintains its traditional charm whilst offering visitors a contemporary feel. The town is famous for oysters and each year in July the Whitstable Oyster Festival takes place in the town. The festival has grown over the years from a small local festival to one that attracts in excess of 80,000 people. The cultural festival includes food, drink, parades, music, performances, fireworks and more offering plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Whitstable Harbour is currently a working harbour with fishing and wind farm industries established in the area. The area includes a number of sporting and leisure activities including wind surfing, angling and yachting. Visitors can also see the market, restaurant and cafe.
Local amenities includes a range of eateries, cafes, pubs and restaurants that serve a range of cuisines including traditional seafood and British cuisine and international. There are a choice of eating and drinking establishments catering for a range of tastes and budgets.
Local attractions include a choice of shopping with a number of independent gift shops, craft shops, fashion shops, delicatessens, galleries and bakers offering an interesting alternative to larger chain stores. The independent shops provide plenty of charm and character.
Other local attractions include Whitstable Castle, Whitstable Museum and Gallery, the museum includes a number of interesting collections relating to the oyster trade, maritime archaeology and the social history of the town through the ages. The museum is home to a number of exhibitions throughout the year and hosts a number of workshops.
Location
Located on the Kent coast; Whitstable beaches is easily assessable from across southern Wales, the Midlands and southern England. From London and much of southern England it is 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours drive by car. From Newcastle, Durham and much of north east England the area is 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes by car, from Leeds it is 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes by car, from Birmingham and much of the Midlands it is 3 to 4 hours. From Liverpool and Manchester it is approx 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes.
From Cambridge and much of the East of England it is 2 hours to 2 hours 45 minutes by car. From Cardiff and areas within South Wales it is 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours by car.
Tourist Information
The Tourist Information Centre in Whitstable is located at the Whitstable Shop located in Harbour Street in the town centre. The Tourist Information Centre provide visitors with useful information, help, advice and tips on the local areas.
Visitors will find knowledgeable staff with valuable local knowledge with information on local attractions, places of interest, things to see and do, postcards, souvenirs, along with local advice and tips. A visit to the tourist information centres provides a good first port of call for visitors helping to better plan and organise trips in and around the local area. At the centres visitors can find out about local events, public transport options and accommodation facilities.
Local Accommodation
Local Accommodation includes a choice of hotels that include historic and contemporary hotels, local B & B’s, Inns, Guest Houses, Self Catering houses, holiday homes and cottages catering for a range of budgets. There are a choice of hotels offering inspiring sea front views. Local accommodation is available in Whitstable, Ramsgate, Dover and the city of Canterbury.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Local Cities and Towns include the towns of Dover, Ramsgate and the city of Canterbury, the local facilities, amenities, transport links and accommodation available mean they are popular places for visitors to base themselves from when visiting the south coast of England.
The seaside town of Ramsgate is 20 miles to the east of Whitstable. Historically the town was a small farming and fishing hamlet and over the years has grown establishing itself as a well known seaside resort in the 19th century. The main industries in the town are tourism with its famous coastline, fishing and the Port of Ramsgate offering cross channel freight services.
The town includes a number of cafes and waterfront bars whilst the harbour is located next to the marina home to plenty of yachts. Local attractions in the town include the Maritime Museum; Ramsgate Tunnels, Defence of the Nation - Museum & Education Centre and the Micro Museum.
Ramsgate includes plenty of examples of historic architecture with Georgian terraces and Regency villas, the town is also home to Victorian architecture, the impressive architecture helps maintain the link to the past. The Ramsgate Festival is usually held in August bank holiday; the multi arts festival includes live performances, talks, exhibitions and workshops offering something for the whole family.
The port of Dover is located approx 30 miles to the south east of Whitstable in Kent. One of the best known ports in the UK, is a popular destination for visitors. The coastal town has a long history and has played host to a number of historic events through the centuries. One of the beast known sites in the town are the famous White Cliffs of Dover; a National Trust protected site of special scientific interest and among the best known landmarks in England. The first defensive earthworks on the cliffs were built in the Iron Age. Visitors can learn more at the, White Cliffs Experience in Market Square and see exhibits about Roman Dover or Dubris as it was previously known.
Local attractions include historic Dover Castle located above the iconic White Cliffs of Dover; visitors can learn more on one of the informative guided tours available with a number of there are a number of exhibitions to see along the way. Dover Museum includes a number of exhibitions, displays, artefacts and more exploring the history and archaeology of the town of Dover. The town of Deal is located 8 miles from Dover; once famous for its port, fishing and mining, visitors can explore the quiet seaside resort where local attractions include the 16th century Deal Castle, Walmer Castle and Gardens and the Deal Timeball Tower Museum.
The city of Canterbury is located 7 miles to the south of Whitstable in Kent; currently the only city in Kent, the city is located on the River Stour it is synonymous as the cradle of Anglicanism, the town has always been of strategic importance and is also of religious importance. The compact city centre is laden with tourist attractions including a number of world heritage sites; the compact nature of the city means visitors can explore the attractions by foot.
The Canterbury Royal Museum & Art Gallery includes an impressive selection of Roman relics that include mosaics. Whilst St Martin’s Church is currently the oldest parish church in England and it thought to back to the 4th century.
Canterbury is a city that has a wealth of history through the ages and the city has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status; attracting a large number of domestic and overseas visitors each year. The compact nature of the city offers visitors with an ideal opportunity to take a stroll around and take in the atmosphere and see for themselves the many centuries of history that dominate this city. Visitors can find a number of interesting compact pubs and eating establishments where visitors can relax and enjoy a choice of food and drinks.
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most famous attractions in Kent that brings many visitors to the area. The Cathedral along with the historic sites at St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, form part of the UNESCO world heritage site in the city.
How to Get There
Whitstable beaches is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Whitstable's beaches are located 60 miles from central London via the A102, A2, M2 and A299. The approx journey time is 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes depending on traffic, route and time of day.
By Train:
From London St Pancreas and London Victoria stations there are regular services to Whitstable train station. The journey time is approx 1 hour 15 minutes for the faster services to 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours from the slower services, the times depend on service, connections and time of day.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular coaches available from London Victoria Coach station to Whitstable. The approx journey time is 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes depending on connections, time of day and traffic. Coach services to Whitstable Coach Station are provided by National Express
Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Whitstable beaches Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The weather and climate can be unpredictable across the UK, there can be elements of all four seasons in one day. Ensure you check the weather forecast before you travel and have the correct clothing and footwear including appropriate footwear, raincoat and umbrella.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Whitstable in Kent ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking in and around the beach and surrounding areas, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
