Kent Staycation 2020 | Page 80

COAST
Another contender on the food front and an absolute
must for seafood fans, Whitstable is so synonymous
with oysters that it hosts a whole festival dedicated
to the marvelous molluscs every July. To sample some
of the best, head to Wheelers Oyster Bar; the oldest
restaurant in town, this diminutive dining spot with
a candyfloss-pink frontage has been serving oysters
to its loyal customers since 1856. Once you’ve had
your fill, head to the former cocklers’ huts on the
shore by the oyster fishery and spend the low-tide
hours watching expert collectors pick oysters from
the beds out front. If seafood’s not your thing, never
fear, Whitstable is awash with artisan delis, wine
bars, cheese shops and ice cream parlours, so there’s
something to suit every palate.
Of course, no introduction to Kent’s incredible coastline
would be complete without a mention of the county’s
most iconic landmark: The White Cliffs of Dover. This
remarkable symbol of wartime defense reaches a lofty
height of 350 feet and owes its striking appearance to
a composition of chalk accented by streaks of black
flint. With far-reaching views giving a glimpse of France
on the clearest of days, wonderful walking throughout
every season, a world of wildlife and tea rooms
marking your route, in a year that sees us celebrate
the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the
75th Anniversary of VE Day, no trip to Kent’s coast is
complete without taking it in.
Deal Beach © Dover District Council
Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate
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