Whitstable Harbour

Whitstable Harbour which includes markets
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Watch fishing boats sail in with their catches and savour oysters and other fruits of the sea at this busy working harbour.

Whitstable Harbour is a hub of activity, with the constant coming and going of visitors, locals and fishermen. Visit the fish market, browse shops housed in fisherman’s huts and head out to sea on a cruise.

The harbour was constructed in 1831, just a year after the opening of the Canterbury to Whitstable railway. From the outset, it was a bustling waterfront area with fishermen sending their catches from here to far-flung corners of the U.K. by rail. Today, it is still fully operational.

Stroll down the length of the harbour pausing to read the information boards, which reveal more about its history. Watch fishermen at work as they depart and then come back to port with their fresh hauls.

Look around the beach huts where local artists and craft producers sell their pieces and souvenir shops offer seaside knick-knacks. Visit the fish market and try one of the native oysters for which Whitstable is so well known. During the weekends and holidays, other food stalls serve snacks and drinks.

If all the buzz and activity of the harbour has you hankering to get out to sea, sign up for a windsurfing or kitesurfing experience. For something more relaxing, enjoy a cruise around the Thames Estuary on Greta, a Thames sailing barge that first launched in 1892. This historic vessel was one of hundreds of private boats to sail to Dunkirk, France during World War II to rescue trapped Allied soldiers.

While the lively harbour generally has a feel-good atmosphere, the ambiance is especially celebratory during important public fiestas, such as the Whitstable Oyster Festival. This is typically held during July and August. Then there is the Whitstable Biennale, a visual arts and performance festival that takes place every 2 years in June.

Whitstable Harbour is open daily, however, some shops and food stalls only open on weekends and during high season. Walk here from town or from the train station, which is less than 15 minutes away on foot. Car parking, for a fee, is also within easy reach.

Plan a trip to see Whitstable Harbour

Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel
Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental
3 out of 5
29 Beach Walk, Whitstable, England
Hotel Continental
Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Whitstable, England
Cosy Fisherman’s Cottage, minutes from High Street, Harbour & Beach
Ultra modern 3 story Town house in the centre of Whitstable town , with parking.
Ultra modern 3 story Town house in the centre of Whitstable town , with parking.
Whitstable, England
Ultra modern 3 story Town house in the centre of Whitstable town , with parking.
Sherbet Cottage - 3 Bedroom Fisherman's Cottage, Whitstable, Kent
Sherbet Cottage - 3 Bedroom Fisherman's Cottage, Whitstable, Kent
Whitstable, ENG
Sherbet Cottage - 3 Bedroom Fisherman's Cottage, Whitstable, Kent
SeaFern Cottage, Whitstable
SeaFern Cottage, Whitstable
Whitstable, Kent
SeaFern Cottage, Whitstable
Charming House near the seafront in the heart of Whitstable.
Charming House near the seafront in the heart of Whitstable.
Whitstable, ENG
Charming House near the seafront in the heart of Whitstable.
Chloe Cottage - Family friendly fishermans cottage close to the beach and harbou
Chloe Cottage - Family friendly fishermans cottage close to the beach and harbou
Whitstable, ENG
Chloe Cottage - Family friendly fishermans cottage close to the beach and harbou
Duke of Cumberland
Duke of Cumberland
3.5 out of 5
High Street, Whitstable, England
Duke of Cumberland
Marine Hotel
Marine Hotel
3 out of 5
Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable, England
Marine Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.