Whitstable Guide

Stay local and explore

One of the best things about staying at Salt Yard is how much of Whitstable is right on your doorstep. Leave the car parked, wander down to the beach, explore the harbour, discover independent shops and galleries, or settle in somewhere for oysters and a drink by the sea.

Here are a few of our favourite ways to enjoy Whitstable.

A lighthouse with the sign 'Old Neptune' on it, with a silhouette of people walking along the shore at sunset, and their reflection visible in a small pool of water.

Whitstable Beach

Just a short walk from Salt Yard, Whitstable's pebble beach is made for slow mornings, long walks and sunset evenings. Follow the shoreline towards Tankerton, stop for something to eat along the way, or simply find a spot and watch the world go by.

Head for the beach!

People walking along a coastal boardwalk with houses and sailboats in the background on a sunny day.

Whitstable Harbour

Fishing boats, seafood stalls, independent traders and views across the estuary make the harbour one of Whitstable's most distinctive spots. It's only a few minutes' walk from Salt Yard, so it's easy to wander down whenever the mood takes you.

Great place for a wander!

Boats docked at a harbor during sunset with houses and cloudy sky in the background.

Whitstable has built a reputation as one of Kent's best places to eat. Famous for its oysters and seafood, the town is also packed with independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars — many within easy walking distance of Salt Yard.

Eat your way round Whitstable!

Food & Oysters

Display of fresh rock oysters for sale at a market, with handwritten signs showing prices and description, and a blackboard with information about oysters.

Click here for our Food & Drink page

Independent Whitstable

Skip the chains and explore Whitstable's independent side. Harbour Street and the surrounding streets are filled with boutiques, galleries, homeware shops, delis and small businesses that give the town its character.

Shop somewhere different!

View of a busy pedestrian street with shops and storefronts on both sides, people walking, and a clear blue sky above.

Tankerton

Follow the coast east from Whitstable and you'll reach Tankerton, with its colourful beach huts, grassy slopes and far-reaching sea views. At low tide, look out for The Street — a natural shingle ridge that stretches out into the sea!

Walk to Tankerton

Colorful beach huts and houses on a hillside overlooking a sandy beach and calm water with a small sandbar extending into the water under a cloudy sky.

Sunset

Some of Whitstable's best moments happen at the end of the day. Grab a drink, find a spot on the beach and watch the sun disappear across the water.

Stay for the sunset

Sunset over a calm body of water viewed from a wooden dock with boats on the left and a small pier on the right.

Explore a little further

If you feel like venturing further afield, Salt Yard is also a great base for exploring the Kent coast and countryside. Historic Canterbury, Herne Bay, Margate, Broadstairs and the surrounding Kent villages are all within easy reach.

And when you return, your parking space is waiting.