Christian travel online

Whitstable is a little coastal town in Kent, which, in recent years, has become increasingly popular with tourists, as news of the quaint sea-side town has spread far and wide.

It's the quirkiness of Whitstable which seems to provide the lure for those seeking a weekend away. The town has a rich smuggling history, as the harbour was a main supply point for Canterbury, just seven miles away. In response to the needs of the fishermen and merchants, Whitstable developed a network of alley ways leading from the sea to what is now the high street, and the smugglers' legacy became part of local lore, as they'd dash through these confined routes trying to evade the authorities. Alleys with such imaginative names as "Squeeze Gut Alley" have become the sort of thing that maybe provides humour, and a sense of charm to the visitors of this little town in Kent.

In recent years, Whitstable's restaurants have received much critical acclaim, and been featured in magazines, newspapers, and reviews galore, in turn attracting more restauranteurs seeking to find their place amidst the bustling gastro-economy that is current Whitstable. The local fish markets, which are situated in the Harbour, provide a wide range of fresh seafood to amply supply Whitstable's fish restaurants, and more and more establishments are seeking to source their other foods locally, taking advantage of Whitstable's location in the 'Garden of England'.

The number of visitors from our fair nation's capital has grown steadily, as it takes about an hour and a half to get here by train, or less by car, and the difference in ambiance and local routine seems sufficient to delight our London friends. In response to this, Whitstable has increasingly become the haunt of the fashionable boutique, the high-end deli, and of course, the art gallery – the well established arts scene providing a never-ending supply of talent. The Whitstable art scene has been going strong for many years now, and the town boasts an incredibly high number of artists, writers, and musicians, some choosing to display, others aspiring, and many in retirement.

As the town grows and changes, some fear for the loss of the town's simple identity, while others welcome Whitstable's popularity with open arms. Time will tell what becomes of this special little corner of Kent, and in the meantime, life goes on amidst the salt air and oyster yawls.

Tom West © 2007