A Kent seaside town just 60 minutes from south-east London by train has been ranked among the most budget-friendly places to visit.
New data from student accommodation provider Chapter has named Whitstable and its beaches among the most affordable seaside day trips near London.
Tankerton Beach in Whitstable took the top spot, with Whitstable Beach also ranking third, behind Southend-on-Sea.
With advance train tickets from Bromley South to Whitstable starting from £9.80, or coach fares from around £10 via National Express from Eltham, the town offers a scenic, car-free day trip option for Londoners.
The town’s Tankerton Beach is a Blue Flag-accredited shingle beach, with colourful beach huts and a relaxed atmosphere.
With its nearby high street and variety of eateries, it is well suited for a quieter day out compared to busier Kent hotspots such as Margate and Ramsgate.
Whitstable is perhaps best known for its oysters, a reputation dating back to Victorian times, when the town supplied London with around half of its oysters.
Today, this heritage remains an integral part of local life. The annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, held each September, sees the harbour come alive with food stalls, live performances and activities celebrating the town’s seafood history.
Visitors can sample Whitstable’s oysters year-round at a range of seafood spots, including Wheelers Oyster Bar on the high street and The Lobster Shack on the seafront.
Those looking for a more immersive experience can take part in oyster tours. Led by local oyster farmers, the tours take visitors to working oyster beds and include the chance to sample oysters alongside a glass of prosecco or beer.
Tickets are priced at £45 and are available throughout the year on selected dates.
Away from the seafront, the town is also home to Whitstable Castle, an 18th-century manor house where visitors can enjoy afternoon tea.
No visit to Whitstable would be complete without a photo by its beach huts, which line the promenade and have become a symbol of the town’s seaside charm.
For those looking to stay longer, converted fishermen’s huts along the seafront offer unique accommodation with sea views. Many of these structures, which are more than 150 years old, were once used for storage but have since been transformed into cosy places to stay.
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