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To Do in Kent
BeachesOutdoorsFamily days out

Tankerton Beach

Whitstable, Coast

Whitstable seafront at sundown, with weatherboarded houses and an old boat on the shinglePhoto of Whitstable: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo of Whitstable: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0

Tankerton Beach is a shingle beach below the grassy Tankerton Slopes, lined with brightly painted beach huts. At low tide the sea pulls back to reveal rock pools and a long walk out across the foreshore, and the grassy banks above are made for picnics. It is a relaxed family beach for a half day of paddling, swimming and rock pooling.

Highlights

  • Blue Flag beach with excellent bathing water
  • Rows of colourful beach huts
  • Rock pooling and a long walk out at low tide
  • Grassy slopes above the beach for picnics

Good to know

  • Toilets are available near the beach
  • Check tide times before walking out on the foreshore

Getting there

Tankerton Beach, Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BDParking: Parking is available nearby; Whitstable is the nearest railway station.

Get directions

Checked on 15 October 2026 against explorekent.org, explorekent.org. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

Nearby

Whitstable seafront at sundown, with weatherboarded houses and an old boat on the shinglePhoto of Whitstable: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0
OutdoorsWhitstable · under 1 km

Tankerton Slopes

Tankerton Slopes are grassy clifftop lawns between Whitstable and the sea, with rows of colourful beach huts at the bottom and seats and shelters at the best viewpoints. From the top you can look out over The Street, a shingle spit you can walk along at low tide. Come for a stroll, a picnic or a bike ride along the seafront.

FreeDirections
Whitstable Castle and Gardens, from Whitstable CastleImage: Whitstable Castle
GardensWhitstable · under 1 km

Whitstable Castle and Gardens

Whitstable Castle sits in landscaped gardens with a play park, a bistro and tearooms. Stroll the gardens, let children burn off energy in the play area, then stop for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon tea. It suits families and dog owners and takes an hour or two.

No garden admission charge is listed on the website. Food, afternoon teas and events are paid.Directions
Whitstable seafront at sundown, with weatherboarded houses and an old boat on the shinglePhoto of Whitstable: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0
BeachesWhitstable · 1 km

Whitstable Beach

Whitstable's long shingle beach runs right along the town, so a walk on the shore leads straight to independent stalls, galleries, fish and chips and the famous oysters. You will often see windsurfers and sailors out on the water, and the 5km Whitstable Maritime coastal trail follows the shore. It suits couples and families wanting a seaside stroll with good food.

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