Welome to our about Whitstable page, where we hope you'll enjoy seeing and reading more about what makes Whitstable in Kent such a special place to live and visit.

Whitstable Harbour

By 1849, the press were already commenting on Whitstable's rapid expansion due to the new railway system which made Whitstable a central hub for trade and commerce in the South East. After the second world war, during which time, Whitstable harbour was used to transport munitions, the town's harbour fell into disrepair, and after the closing of the Crab and Winkle line in 1952, it was only due to a handul of concerned local residents that the harbour managed to stay alive.

A town referendum was held to address the future of the harbour, resulting in the Whitstable Urban District Council's purchase of the harbour, at which time, repairs began in ernest. Since 1947, Whitstable harbour has been under the administration of Canterbury City Council, and now covers an area of more than fourteen acres, with three quays. It employs around 150 local people, and its major concerns are coal and timber transport as well as fishing and fish processing. The Whitstable lifeboat station, pictured on the right, houses the R.N.L.I presence which is still going strong in Whitstable after the first crew was assembled from local harbour users in 1963.

Nowadays, the harbour is a very popular attraction for locals and tourists alike - especially during the summer months when people flock to try the famous Whitstable oysters, and enjoy some of the finest fresh seafood around. The harbour fish markets are open all week for people to come and sample their delights, and they also supply some of the world-class fish restaurants which have made Whitstable one of the most attractive culinary destinations in the South East. Stalls are erected in the summer months for people to enjoy some freshly, or freshly-cooked sea food, and tables and chairs have started to appear so visitors can relax and enjoy the food and surroundings. Restaurants in the harbour, and the town are always ready to serve up some local specialities if you prefer you seafood a little more prepared. A Thames sailing barge called The Greta runs excursions from Whitstable Harbour to the Thames estuary, the new local wind farms, and the Mansell Sea Forts - defensive structures built out at sea during the second world war. A company called Bay Blast also runs excursions from the harbour.

Whitstable Castle has been added to steadily over the years by its various owners, the first being Charles Pearson, who started work on the manor house in the 1790's. He was a businnessman from London who owned other businness interests nearby, and bought the title "Lord of the Manor" from Lord Bolingbroke, mainly using the house as a summer home.

The next owner, Wynn Elliss, who was also a London businessman, bought the house for his mistress, Susan Lloyd, who lived there for a while. Mr. Ellis was responsible for the landscaping of the grounds surrounding the castle, which are public gardens nowadays. He was also responsible for building the house's bell-tower.

When Thomas Adams bought the house from the Tankerton Estate company who acquired the property after Wynn Elliss's death, the new gatehouse was built, and the builing was renamed "The Towers" Albert Mallandain held the title of "Lord of The Manor" between 1920 and 1935, and during this time, a new block was added to the building, as well as a panelled billiard room. It was during this time that the castle became a centre for the town's social events and life.

The Whitstable Castle grounds were opened as a public park to mark the Queen's silver Jubilee in 1935, the same year that the Castle was bought by the Whitstable Urban District council, and the billiard room became the local council chamber. The castle is now managed by the Voluntary Castle Association, after Canterbury City council took over local government in 1972. From that point on, Whitstable Castle became a busy community centre.

Nowadays, Whitstable Castle is host to many workshops and classes of all kinds, and its grounds are open to all visitors who want to come and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The local May Day celebrations are held in the grounds each year and stalls spring up selling local produce and tempting visitors with traditional games of chance and skill. Musicians also entertain the crowds during the May Day celebrations, and the castle once again becomes the centre of the town's social life. The gardens are beautifully maintained by volunteers and dedicated groundskeepers who always make sure visitors have an abundance of flowers and plants to enjoy.