A Weekend Wandering in Kent (part 6, Whitstable)

Having finished my last post on Margate in my previous post, we now move on to Whitstable. This was a remarkable day out in that we had done no research whatsoever so had absolutely no expectations of what it would be like, nor what we would do there. Firstly the weather was wonderful, which always helps, and secondly the town and its surroundings were beautiful. Our wander on this glorious day started at the harbour and took us west along the coast for a couple of hours, and then back into to the town.

Whitstable Harbour, Kent 

Whitstable Harbour, Kent 

Boats on the beach, Whitstable, Kent

Although the skies were clear, it was fairly cold so not that many people walking along the beach and sea front once we'd left the town. The beach huts looked wonderful in the winter sun, but none were being used today.

Beach huts, Whitstable, Kent 

Beach huts, Whitstable, Kent

Beach huts, Whitstable, Kent

Beach huts, Whitstable, Kent

A red boat on the beach, Whitstable, Kent

The beach, Whitstable, Kent

 The beach, Whitstable, Kent

The beach, Whitstable, Kent

We must have walked along the beach and shore line for a good few miles before turning back. We had hoped to find a cozy little café to stop at for tea and cake but weren't in luck as the only one for miles was closed for the season. On the return leg we were treated to a most spectacular sunset. In this picture it's only just getting going.

Sunset over the beach, Whitstable, Kent

The sunset also made for some lovely, enhanced colouring on the already beautiful beach huts.

Beach huts catch the sunset, Whitstable, Kent

And also on this overturned red boat.

A red boat on the shore, Whitstable, Kent

These houses reminded me a little of the Painted Ladies in San Francisco. What a wonderful view they must have.

 Painted houses, Whitstable, Kent

As we arrived back at the outskirts of Whitstable, the sunset became more and more spectacular. There was a well situated pub, The Old Neptune I think, where we sat down for a mulled wine and mince pie to watch the sunset. Pretty sure it was the one featured on the cover of Whitstable and Herne Bay Pubs.

Sunset over the beach, Whitstable, Kent

Sunset over the beach, Whitstable, Kent

Suitably refreshed we headed into the actual town for the first time in our visit where we found a pleasing selection of ghost signs, doorway mosaics and street art.

CELEBRATED ALES & STOUTS

Ghost sign, Whitstable, Kent

Doorway mosaic, Whitstable, Kent

 What struck me most about this piece of street art was the Crass logo in the middle of the girl's white dress. Took me right back to my rebellious teenage years.

Street art, Whitstable, Kent

This selection of ghost signs was a bit strange in that they almost looked as though they were recent additions made to look old, but I'm sure that's not the case and just looks that way because the wall behind has been recently painted.

WILLS's

STAR

CIGARETTES

WILLS's

GOLD FLAKE

WILLS's

FLAG

CIGARETTES

Ghost signs, Whitstable, Kent

To end my Whitstable post, here's another piece of street art which caught my eye, the Queen being pulled along by her corgies. The thing about this that amused me most was the fact that she is wearing trainers.

Street art, Whitstable, Kent

Thanks for reading. Comments always welcome. Still a few Kent instalments left to write so remember to check back in a few days.