For a relaxed weekend break from London, you don’t have to venture very far. Visit Kent for some detox from London’s hyper energy and you could take in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury in one memorable weekend.
Tankerton beach sunset, Whitstable. Photo: Caroline Huff/canterbury.co.uk
Whitstable
This coastal resort in the district of Canterbury has a gorgeous sea front with a laid-back charm that is frequently missing from the better known British seaside resort towns. Apart from the quaint sea-side pubs, Whitstable is known for its oysters. There’s even an Oyster Festival in July, which pretty much explains why this port is called the Pearl of Kent.
We love the bohemian vibe, the independent shops, cafes and galleries. While in Whitstable, visit Duncan Down, the largest open space in Whitstable where the land is now protected as a Village Green.
Things to do: Visit Whitstable Castle and Gardens dating back to the 1790s, walk around the edge of Chestfield village and through its conservation area (3.8 miles, circular walk), try coastal walking, visit Tankerton beach, cycle the nostalgia-rich Crab and Winkle Way, cycle down a tranquil 7-mile route linking Whitstable with Canterbury.
Herne Bay. Photo: Tim Stubbings/canterbury.co.uk
Herne Bay
Two miles of seafront. Cafes, bars and fish and chippies. Beaches with brightly coloured beach huts. Herne Bay, with the backdrop of ancient sandstone cliffs of Reculver, can be explored easily from Whitstable and Canterbury if you’re not staying here.
It’s also a natural draw for rowers, yachtsmen and jet ski riders. In the summer, the bandstand is a great venue for summer concerts and there’s a lot for kids to do. The Herne Bay Pier, now open to the public, works really well as an open events space.
Things to do: Enjoy a picnic at Herne Bay East Beach, admire the Kent coastline from Reculver’s shingle beach in the rural setting of the Reculver Country Park. Herne Bay central beach is a popular bathing area for families. Hire a bicycle, swim, eat, relax.
Canterbury Cathedral. Photo: Tim Stubbings/canterbury.co.uk
Canterbury
Canterbury is incredibly charming with the oldest cathedral in England, the Canterbury Cathedral, dominating the skyline. The ancient ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church form Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170.
The universities lend a buzzing, youthful vibe to the city. With great restaurants, pubs and bars, nightlife and shopping, Canterbury is a delight to explore on foot. Enjoy the walking trails or take a boat tour on the River Stour.
Things to do: Play golf, go boating, canoeing and punting. Walk through Blean Woods, the largest in Kent. Visit a family-run vineyard with its own winery (www.barnsole.co.uk) for a free mini-tour and wine tasting. There’s even a ghost tour to explore the spooky side of Canterbury! Take a medieval Chaucer theme tour. And don’t miss The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, an art museum and library, home to one of Canterbury’s most famous artists – the Victorian animal painter Thomas Sidney Cooper.
GETTING TO CANTERBURY DISTRICT
By Road: The Canterbury district has road links with the M20 (M25/M26) and M2 motorways providing easy links to London and its airports. The A2 and A260 connect Canterbury with Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal in Cheriton near Folkestone. Herne Bay and Whitstable are both a short drive from Canterbury, via the A28/A291 and A290.
Park and Ride: Canterbury Park and Ride is the greenest, cheapest and fastest way to get to the heart of the city and helps beat city centre congestion. The all-day fee is £3 and buses run approximately every eight minutes, Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7.30 pm.
By rail: Canterbury has two mainline railways stations, East and West and is served by frequent trains to and from London Charing Cross, London Victoria and elsewhere in Kent.
For passengers getting off at Eurostar at Ashford International, Canterbury is only a 20-minute rail journey. Whitstable and Herne Bay are both on a direct line to London Victoria (approximately 80 minutes).
By bus: Stagecoach East Kent buses run from Canterbury Bus Station. Buses 4, 4A, 4B, 4X and 5 travel at regular intevals between Canterbury Bus Station and Whitstable town centre. For Herne Bay take either the 6, 6A, 6B, 6X or 7. National Express coaches run to Canterbury from London Victoria Coach Station.