A Resident's Guide to: Whitstable
“I moved to Whitstable 10 years ago and it’s almost impossible to select one feature of the town over another – the beach, the sunsets, the live music, the green spaces, the food. The town has an incredibly convivial character and a really amazing, independent spirit. It’s a great place to have a family – my mum recently moved here too. Most days I walk along the beach and back along the high street…it’s a really friendly, creative community and the town has an extraordinary energy.”
1. Duncan’s Walk – To the Beach and Back
From my house I can do a great walk along the coast towards the harbour and back along the high street. There are always dog walkers and wind surfers on the beach and people enjoying the view from their beach huts. I usually stop at one of the shops on the high street and get a coffee or the paper on my way home.
2. Windy Corner Stores
This neighbourhood cafe is one block back from the sea on Island Wall. Daily deliveries of fresh bread are bought by locals or turned into hearty breakfasts and lunches by the friendly staff. It’s also at the end of my road so I go there all the time to drink coffee and read the paper.
3. Castle and Grounds
The castle is very near the sea and has beautiful gardens and an amazing children’s playground. It was originally built as a residence in the eighteenth century but it’s now largely open to the public and the gardens are run by volunteers.
4. Jane at Graham Greener
A florist with inspiration and essentials for your green space.
5. Sundae Sundae
Great ice cream, sweets you haven’t seen since you were a kid, blood capsules and whoopee cushions. Sundae Sundae is a feast for the senses and a nostalgic blast of seaside holidays gone by.
6. Wheelers Oyster Bar
This is a town favourite – a great seafood restaurant that’s known for its oysters. The whole town celebrates the annual oyster festival each July.
7. The Cheese Box
A tiny place with an amazing selection of cheeses (many local) and great advice on what to eat them with. On weekend evenings, if you can squeeze in, you can eat a personalised cheese platter and drink great wine.
8. Gatefield Sounds and Rock Bottom Records
As well as two bookshops, we are lucky to have two great long-established record shops. Tickets for local gigs, occasional unplugged sessions and new and old vinyl and CDs provide analogue refreshment in a digital world.
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