Whitstable and Margate Travel Guide: Oysters, Art, Sea Air and a Kent Coast Day Trip from London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 04/10/2026

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

Whitstable map ↗ Margate map ↗

🏛 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.