Whitstable and Margate Travel Guide: Oysters, Art, Sea Air and a Kent Coast Day Trip from London
Whitstable and Margate Travel Guide: Oysters, Art, Sea Air and a Kent Coast Day Trip from London
Introduction
Whitstable and Margate are two very different Kent coast moods. Whitstable is oysters, harbour, weatherboard houses and a slower food-focused day. Margate is art, vintage, Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and a more colourful seaside edge.
You can technically combine them, but each deserves its own day if you want to enjoy it properly. Choose Whitstable for seafood and softness; choose Margate for art, retro seaside energy and a more creative feel.
✨ Quick Facts
| Place | Best for | From London |
|---|---|---|
| Whitstable | Oysters, seafood, harbour walks | Train from Victoria/St Pancras routes |
| Margate | Art, vintage, sandy beach, Dreamland | Train from St Pancras/Victoria routes |
🗺 Maps
🏛 Top Things to Do
Whitstable Harbour
⭐ Best for seafood and sea air ⏱ 1-2 hours Map: Whitstable Harbour Official tourism: Visit Canterbury – Whitstable
Turner Contemporary, Margate
⭐ Must visit in Margate ⏱ 1-1.5 hours 💰 Free entry to gallery; exhibitions may vary Website: Turner Contemporary Map: Turner Contemporary
Dreamland Margate
⭐ Best for retro seaside fun ⏱ 1-3 hours Website: Dreamland Map: Dreamland Margate
🍽 Where to Eat
Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable
⭐ Best for: iconic small seafood spot 💰 ££-£££ Website: Wheelers Oyster Bar Map: Wheelers Whitstable
The Whitstable Oyster Company
⭐ Best for: oysters and harbour tradition Website: Whitstable Oyster Company Map: Whitstable Oyster Company
Angela’s, Margate
⭐ Best for: small seafood-focused dinner Website: Angela’s Map: Angela’s Margate
🏨 Where to Stay
Whitstable: The Marine Hotel website Margate: Fort Road Hotel website
📅 One-Day Itineraries
Whitstable: arrive, harbour walk, oyster lunch, beach huts, independent shops, sunset drink. Margate: arrive, Turner Contemporary, Old Town, lunch, Dreamland or beach, vintage shops, train home.
🚆 How to Get There
Check routes to Whitstable and Margate via National Rail. Journey times vary by departure station and service.
FAQ
Whitstable or Margate? Whitstable for oysters and calm; Margate for art and energy. Can I combine them? Yes, but it is better as an overnight or very early-start day. Which is better for food? Whitstable for seafood tradition; Margate for a newer creative food scene.