Whitstable, UK

When we lived in London we enjoyed venturing out for short day trips to refresh and re-energise ourselves from the madness of the city. It was with much interest we started to hear talk from friends and colleagues of a seaside town in Kent called Whitstable, which, we were assured, was a perfect day or weekend escape from "the Big Smoke", being just under an hour and a half away by train. How right they were!

Leaving from Victoria Station, there are frequent train journeys with Southeastern Railway to Whitstable about every half an hour, with day return ticket prices starting at £18.10. Admittedly, train travel isn't cheap in the UK, and if driving isn't an option, then an alternative is to take the bus. National Express has services from London Victoria to Whistable with day returns from £12.40, taking just under two hours each way. Personally, we prefer to spend the extra money on a more comfortable and speedier train journey.

On arrival we headed toward the harbour, being about a fifteen minute walk from the train station. Whitstable is famous for its oysters, and this was evident by the many stalls on the harbour selling seafood to the bustling groups of tourists. During the summer months there is even an annual Oyster Festival that takes place. On the day we were there, various fishing vessels and boats were docked in the harbour, creating quite an atmospheric coastal setting. Cold, but sunny, we found a pub/restaurant with huge glass windows, overlooking the sea. We enjoyed half a pint, appreciating the warmth and the view.

Whitstable has a large shingle beach, with picturesque houses, restaurants and pubs lining it. As summer was coming to a close, and the weather wasn't too warm, we merely strolled along the sea front, passing colourful beach huts, piers and small fishing boats. We then made our way to the small town centre, the narrow streets host to numerous shops, including some art galleries and craft shops. After we'd had our fill of critiquing paintings and sculptures, not to mention the array of seaside souvenirs on sale, we decided to appease our hunger at a local pub, The Duke of Cumberland. It seemed to be a popular place, with a live band playing outside in the beer garden. We found a table inside, away from the crowds, and ordered a seafood platter to share, with a bottle of white wine, which turned out to be really good value for money. The seafood was excellent and fresh, and we enjoyed every bit of the meal.

In order to walk off all the food, we proceeded onward to visit Whitstable Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the town and harbour. Originally built as a manor house, the oldest parts originating from the late 18th Century, the building is surrounded by attractive gardens. Mainly used for local events and classes, the 'Castle' is worth a brief visit as a tourist attraction, however apart from admiring the exterior and its surrounds, there isn't much else to do there. Walking up the hill to get to Whitstable Castle, however, does afford some good views over the sea.

If staying for more than one day, there is a choice of accommodation in Whitstable, ranging from hotels and B&B's to self-catering cottages, however it is advisable to book early in the summer months. It should be noted that aside from local community events and a few pubs with live music acts, there is not much of a night life in this peaceful town. If that kind of scene seems more appealing, then perhaps staying in Canterbury, which is about a half hour train ride away, would be a more viable idea.

Whitstable, in essence, is a quaint coastal town, an ideal place for a quiet break. I am certainly glad that we made the journey there on the advice of others, and we, in turn, fully recommend it to those seeking a peaceful, seaside setting to escape to.