Whitstable Harbour
About
A genuine working harbour, designed by the railway engineer Robert Stephenson and opened in 1832, still landing fish and used by the Whitstable Oyster Company's fleet. The harbour front is lined with fish stalls, sheds selling local seafood straight off the boats, and the East Quay and South Quay venues that anchor the town's food and craft scene, including the weekend Harbour Market. It is the natural starting point for a visit and the centre of the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival each September.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓A genuine working harbour, not a marina, opened in 1832
- ✓Fish stalls and seafood sheds selling the day's catch
- ✓East Quay and South Quay Shed's food and craft venues
- ✓Centre of the September Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival
Tips
- →Go in the morning to see boats landing and the stalls at their freshest.
- →The harbour car park fills quickly on summer weekends and during the Oyster Festival.
- →Combine with a walk east along the seafront toward Tankerton.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Whitstable Castle & Gardens
An octagonal 1789 tower turned manor house, with landscaped gardens, a play park and a dog-friendly tearoom. Gardens free; afternoon tea booking essential.
Whitstable Community Museum & Gallery
A local museum on Oxford Street covering Whitstable's maritime and oyster-industry history.
The Horsebridge Arts Centre
A community arts centre at the Horsebridge with a year-round exhibitions and workshops programme.