Whitstable Tourism History Oyster Festival Theatre Arts Kent UK

Whitstable Tourism History

Whitstable has a seaside character all its own, steeped as it is in maritime history (scuba diving was invented here in this Kent coastal town) and the oyster rich coast here was first made good use of by the Romans. A kind of mini Canterbury by the sea, Whitstable boasts numerous chic arts and crafts shops, festival events including the famous Whitstable Oyster Festival annually over 9 days every July. Head to the main Whitstable Museum and Gallery on Oxford Street for a journey through Whitstable maritime history including fishing, smuggling and the towns own unique history of scuba diving. The museum often boasts outstanding visiting art exhibits including recently one on Matisse! You'll note the number of small alley ways in the town (most with character names such as Squeeze Gut Alley), built deliberately to create greater access for residents to their business - the sea. They also provided rather convenient escape routes for smugglers.

Whitstable's historic harbour dates from 1832, contstructed by the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company. The harbour, linked to Canterbury by rail, was a route for the transportation of coal, linking on with London. Today the harbour is home to Whitstable's fish market (webguide right). Above the fish market is Whitstables famous Crab and Winkle Seafood restaurant. Vistors come from miles around to sample the fresh seafood served up in this celebrated Kent restaurant! In the summer they often lay on barbeques! More oyster outlets are to be found on Whitstable's high street. To the south west of Whitstable Harbour you push towards West Beach past the Yacht Club and Horsebridge Arts & Community Centre (webguide right).

Whitstable's long stretch of beach is traditional English pebble, but no less stunning for that. Promenade walkways, alongside colourful beach huts line most of the coastal stretch, perfect for walking. Whitstable oysters are thriving again, after a period of decline, and like best the flat areas near the shore where salt water meets fresh water. The famous annual Whitstable Oyster Festival (in July) attracts huge numbers of visitors (75,000 in 2007) so be sure to book ahead if you're coming for this celebrated Kent coast event. Attractions within the town include the coastal Whitstable Golf Course with its stunning sea views, Whitstable Museum and Whitstable Castle (often called Tankerton Castle as it sits on the border between the Tankerton and Whitstable areas). More a country home, with oldest parts dating from 1790, a number of events are held at Tankerton Castle including Whitstable's May day activities.

Whitstable Tourist Information Centre, 7 Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1DB. Tel. (00 44 (0) 1227 275 482.

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Whitstable Oyster Festival, Whitstable Oyster Yawl Fireworks

The biggest event on the Whitstable calender and growing is the Whitstable Oyster Festival running over nine to 10 days from mid July annually. A host of events are on offer including live music and exhibitions in popular Whitstable venues such as the Horsebridge Community & Arts Centre, the Duke of Cumberland bar restaurant and in the open air with the Oyster Parade and events on the beach. (see Whitstable's Oyster Festival webguide right for a taster of what to expect). Whitstable museums and theatres all get involved, with themed exhibitions and shows.

History walks along the coast around Tankerton, diving talks and exhibits at Whitstable's main museum and Brewery Beer festivals around Whitstable harbour and fish market all happen during the Whitstable Oyster Festival, a not to be missed event and a good time to visit the area! The annual 'Mud Tug' is a particular favourite.

Oyster fishing alongside shipbuilding was big business here in Whitstable particularly towards the end of the 19th century. Whitstable's last remaining Oyster Yawl (sometimes called a smack), the Favourite dating from 1890 is situated on the famous Whitstable Island Wall Spit (see the Yawl's webguide right for a map). At one time around 150 Yawls were active here off the Whitstable coast. Essential viewing for those interested in maritime and oyster farming history, the Yawl was specially designed to suit the fishing of oysters in Whitstable's shallow waters. From the Roman period (around 2000 years ago) until the First World War, oyster dredging in the Whitstable area thrived, but saw a decline from the 1920s. Scientific know-how has seen them thrive again locally, but not on the scale of the late 19th century. Enough though to fill the fish market and local restaurants, a big attraction for visitors.

Part of the Whitstable Oyster Festival bonhomie involves the free viewing of the spectacular Whitstable Regatta Fireworks display. A popular spot for watching it is from the elevated Tankerton Slopes. Whitstable's annual May day fair, involving stalls and performances by local artists and muscians takes place within the Whitstable Castle grounds.

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Whitstable Theatre & Arts

Whitstable Playhouse Theatre is a stunning building, once a United Reformed Church purchased by the Lindley Players Theatre group in 1946. The Lindley Players are still going strong, and the programme here consists of a lively variety of music hall, pantomime and drama. The theatre seats 186. Checkout the Wintstable Playhouse's webguide right for what's on. The modern arts and community Horsebridge Centre sits on the coast south of Whitstable Harbour and plays host to art and crafts exhbitions, alongside regular comedy, film and music events. A cafe is on-site with workshops and talks running regularly. If you're fond of live music, fine real ales and traditional old inns with friendly welcomes, then Whistable will suit you fine. Top traditional inn venues in the town for live music include the Duke of Cumberland and the Old Neptune inn right on the beach.

Whitstable Playhouse Theatre, 104 High Street, Whitstable, Kent. CT5 1AZ. Box Office Tel. 01227 272042.

The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1AF. Tel. 01227 281174.

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