starts thirty minutes before departure with a welcome coffee and a brief talk about the barge and safety. Slipping her moorings, Greta sets out for the day’s sailing. Once the sails are set and the engine is stopped, a new, calm atmosphere envelops the barge and its occupants. Visitors can also choose to watch the world go by
while relaxing at the harbour café and restaurant or simply browse in the local market. Other tourist attractions include the harbour open day, the barge/boat race and, of course, the famous Oyster Festival. This traditional event celebrates the historic landing of the oysters with the colourful seafood-themed Oyster Parade, the harbour food fair and the firework finale. The historical aspect of Whitstable is still very
much present today and can be further explored at Whitstable castle and gardens, which date back to the 1790s. Over the centuries, the castle and its grounds have been home to local merchants and dignitaries and have remained landmark attractions throughout their long and interesting history. The castle has recently undergone major refurbishment and restoration to return it to its former glory, and is now a ‘must see’ for anyone visiting the town. Whitstable Museum and Gallery is where visitors
discover local stories of the area, including the Crab and Winkle railway, local industry, the newspaper
cartoon characters Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, and the memorabilia of Peter Cushing, the actor, film and television star who, for thirty-five years, owned a house in the town. Peter Cushing was without doubt a courteous
and unassuming gentleman, who would often be seen on his bicycle or in the Tudor Tea Rooms in Harbour Street. But to the wider world perhaps he will always be associated with horror films and his cinematic characters of Baron Frankenstein and Professor van Helsing, which made him a cult figure despite the fact that throughout his stage and screen career which included roles in ninety-one films the majority of his appearances were not associated with horror. Along the coast at Tankerton grassy slopes dip
down to meet the sea, extending an invitation to visitors and locals to ‘walk along the prom’ and take in some bracing sea air. The grassy banks of the attractive marine parade promenade, which slope down to a shingle beach, are characterised by pretty wooden huts and are reminiscent of an England so familiar in old postcards. At low tide, a pleasant walk known as ‘The Street’ takes you right out to sea and affords an unsurpassed view of Whitstable’s skyline. With its sense of intimacy and rich character,
Whitstable has become a favourite spot in the hearts and minds of all who visit the town.
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County Life 53
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