I’m always banging on about doing things solo, so with a week off recently, I figured it was the perfect chance to take myself on a little adventure. I’ve been wanting to visit Whitstable for ages, and since it’s only an hour from London, it felt like the ideal day trip.
I didn’t have much of a plan—just a few spots I wanted to check out. First stop after getting off the train was the harbour, where I found rows of adorable beach huts selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. After wandering around for a bit, I headed into the town. Fun fact: Whitstable apparently has the largest collection of independent shops in the UK, and they’re just as charming and quirky as you’d expect.
After all that wandering, I stumbled across The Old Neptune, a pub right on the beach—couldn't resist popping in for a bit. Then, I made my way to The Forge, which is famous for its oysters (and rightly so!). It was lovely to sit on the beach, tucking into fresh oysters and doing a spot of people-watching.
Next up was The Sea Farmer’s Dive, a little beachside spot I’d seen on Instagram. It’s perfect for grabbing a beer, soaking up the sun, and continuing the people-watching vibe.
To finish off the day, I headed to The Lobster Shack for some classic fish and chips. You really can’t go to the seaside without indulging in fish and chips, can you?
Honestly, if you’ve been thinking about visiting Whitstable but don’t have anyone to go with—just go solo. It’s the perfect place to take your time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy the day on your own terms. Plus, you never know what gems you’ll stumble upon when you’re exploring solo!