Tankerton Beach – Beach in Whitstable

Key information

Pebble Beach

Toilets

Seasonal Lifeguards

Parking nearby

Cafes/ Restaurants

Designated for Bathing

Water quality: Excellent (2024)

Seaside Award 2025

Blue Flag Award 2025

Dog ban (1st May to 30th September)

Weather Forecast

Tide Times

Tankerton Beach, Whitstable: Coastal Walks & Colourful Huts

Explore Tankerton Beach in Whitstable, home to ‘The Street’ shingle spit, vibrant beach huts and gentle coastal walks. Ideal for families, picnics, and panoramic sea views.

Tankerton Beach is a calm and attractive shingle beach located in Whitstable, Kent. It provides a peaceful escape from the busy Whitstable Beach Front. It is well-known for its picturesque surroundings, distinct seaside features, and welcoming family feel.

The low tide provides an opportunity for rock pooling and when the tide is high, the grass is perfect for picnics.

The promenade in Tankerton is adorned with vibrant beach cottages that give the beach an upbeat, traditional British seaside vibe. While many of these huts are privately owned, some are available for day rental, making them the ideal starting point for a beach day. Tankerton Beach is a well-liked spot for swimming and canoeing because of its generally calm seas. Paddleboarders who want to explore the bay’s shallow waters and serene surroundings frequently visit Tankerton.

There are several neighbourhood eateries, ice cream parlours, and cafes along Tankerton’s Marine Parade, which stretches along the top of the hills. A lot of these locations have outside seating, so you can eat or have coffee while admiring the water. Popular menu offerings include fresh seafood and classic fish and chips.

Sandspit

‘The Street’ at Tankerton Beach is a naturally occurring sand and shingle spit that emerges at low tide. It is perhaps its most distinctive feature. Visitors can stroll down ‘The Street’ as though they are strolling into the water since it stretches out into the sea for almost half a mile. It’s ideal for walking in tranquilly while surrounded by water on all sides, discovering rock pools, and gathering seashells.

Awards

Tankerton Beach has been awarded the Seaside Award 2025 and the Blue Flag Award 2025, indicating that it satisfies strict requirements for cleanliness, safety, and water quality. This makes it an excellent location for basic beach activities like swimming and paddling, especially for families with kids.

Tankerton Slopes

The Tankerton Slopes, which are gently sloping grassy banks that descend to the shore, are one of Tankerton shore’s distinguishing characteristics. These hills are ideal for having picnics, lounging in the sun, or taking leisurely walks that offer expansive views of the coastline. They are a well-liked location for kite flying and provide breathtaking views of the Thames Estuary.

Long Rock Country Park

Whitstable’s Long Rock Country Park is a stunning coastal nature reserve renowned for its varied wildlife, lovely walking paths, and peaceful ambience. Located halfway between Whitstable and Swalecliffe, the park is well-liked by families, hikers, and birdwatchers for its breathtaking views of the coastline. It is a great place for nature enthusiasts because of its shingle beach and salt marshes, which provide a home for a variety of birds. While admiring the area’s natural beauty, visitors can take leisurely walks along the seaside route, explore the meadows and forests, or have a picnic.

Attractions

Take a trip to Whitstable Castle (also known as Tankerton Towers) where you will find beautiful gardens and events throughout the year. The town of Whitstable is home to a flourishing population of artists and craftspeople, and it regularly organises events like art fairs, open studios, and art trails. There are multiple art galleries including Fishlab Gallery, Chappell Contemporary, and the iconic Whitstable Museum and Gallery.

Whitstable is a treasured coastal town which is easily accessible by car, bus or train from London and Canterbury. The Crab and Winkle Way is a scenic cycling and walking trail through the woodlands that links Whitstable Harbour to Canterbury. Boat trips leaving from the harbour can be booked.