If you’re looking for a seaside getaway but are not a fan of packed beaches and sandcastles, Whitstable is the place for you. Just a 20-minute drive from the centre of historic Canterbury, this small seaside town is famous for its oysters, which have been harvested in the area since Roman times.

Home to one of the first passenger railways, opened in 1830 by the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant town.

Although the railway, nicknamed the Crab and Winkle Way, is now out of use, a public cycle route named after it connects Whitstable and Canterbury for those wanting to take in the great Kent countryside.

You can sit on the beach and get some fresh air, or get out on the waves themselves thanks to the watersports and sailing centres.

Don’t miss: The annual oyster festival, held in July each year. This event, which in previous years was held in the centre of Whitstable at the harbour, welcomes hundreds of guests, with activities put on to celebrate local culture and keep visitors of all ages entertained. This year’s event has been scaled back to three days, and will be held just along the coast at Tankerton Slopes between Saturday, July 22 and Monday, July 24. Organisers have promised a colourful procession between the oyster landing site and the slopes, where a food fair and oyster-eating competition will be held.

Take time to explore: The tightly-packed stores that populate the town. Browse the shelves of Harbour Books, a unique store which is a whole lot bigger than it looks from the outside on Harbour Street, then pop over the road to What’s Up Cupcake, a beautiful bakers offering a wide variety of flavours – including raspberry ripple and chocolate and coconut. There are also plenty of pubs for much-needed refreshment, with many located just a few strides from the beach – what more could you ask for?

Best-kept secret: Just a few minutes east along the coast will bring you into the lovely village of Tankerton, which has a number of independent stores and plenty of places to get that most classic of seaside delights – fish and chips! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even walk along the coast from Whitstable and blow the cobwebs away, then grab an ice cream as you wander along the slopes.

Getting there: Whitstable is a short drive from Canterbury, located off Junction 7 of the M2, or is also accessible from the A299. There are a number of pay and display car parks around the town, and also opposite the harbour. If you don’t have a car, don’t panic, Whitstable is also served by Southeastern, with direct trains from St Pancras International and London Victoria via Rochester and Faversham taking around two hours, and regular bus services running from Canterbury city centre.