Whitstable Oyster Farm and Canterbury Day Tour
Fresh oysters, seaside vibes and centuries of history await with My Tailored Tours’ Whitstable Oyster Farm and Canterbury Day Tour, your private London escape for a seriously good day out.
Reasons to Book This Tour
- 100% 5* Rating on TripAdvisor
- Private Tour
- Hotel Pickup
- Bespoke Itineraries
- Tailored Talks to Your Own Interests
1. Whitstable Oyster Farm
We start the day at the UK’s only privately owned beach, where the world famous Whitstable Oysters have been produced for over 2000 years.
On this tour, you’ll learn how The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company was set up back in 1793 by an Act of Parliament, and how it has continued to run up until today.
You’ll also learn about how the Romans loved Whitstable oysters and traded them across the empire. As they were 2000 years ago, they are still just as popular, and not to mention a healthy, sustainable and environmentally-friendly product.
All of the oysters grown on the farm are on the company’s famous freehold beds and are guaranteed in their provenance by having a protected PGI status (Protected Geographical Indicator) status which ensures their quality.
One you’ve visited the farm, you’ll then learn about the process of preparing the oyster ready for the plate, and of course get to enjoy some for yourself!
2. Free Time to Explore Whitstable
After a morning tour of the farm, you may want to spend some time exploring the quaint town and unique shops that many Londoner’s have been enjoying for centuries.
3. Canterbury
Our third stop of the day takes us just 7 miles from Whitstable alongside England’s oldest passenger railway line. Upon arrival in Canterbury, your professional driver/guide will introduce you to the city’s finest attractions, from The West Gate to Canterbury Cathedral. You’ll then have time to explore the cathedral and city for yourself.
- £150 per person
- Group Size: Private tour
- Locations: Whitstable and Canterbury
- Trip Duration: Around 10 hours
- Pickup Location: Your London hotel
- Drop-off Location: Your hotel or a central London location of your choice
- Tour Type: Private Tour
- Transportation: Private vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Main Highlights: Oyster farm visit, Whitstable Harbour, Canterbury Cathedral and guided walk through Canterbury
07:15 – Depart London – Your private driver-guide will collect you from your London hotel and set off towards the Kent coast.
The morning drive takes you to Whitstable, a seaside town known for its harbour, seafood and connection with oyster farming.
09:00 – Whitstable Oyster Farm – Arrive at the Whitstable oyster farm for a guided visit. During the visit, you will learn about the history of local oyster production and how oysters are farmed in the area.
You can also learn how The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company was established in 1793 and hear about the methods used to farm the famous Whitstable oysters. Freshly shucked oysters are also available to try during the visit.
The exact visit time is arranged around the day’s low tide, as the Farm can only be visited when the tide is out.
10:30 – Free Time in Whitstable – After the farm visit, you have free time to walk and explore Whitstable in your own way.
12:00 – Depart Whitstable for Canterbury – After departing from Whitstable, the drive will continue to Canterbury. It will take around 20 minutes, so there is plenty of time to reach the city and begin the afternoon part of the tour.
12:15 – Arrive in Canterbury – Your Canterbury visit begins with a guided walk towards Canterbury Cathedral, taking in The West Gate on the approach.
The walk gives you an introduction to the Canterbury historic city centre, with its old buildings, narrow streets and historic character.
Your guide can also point out notable places along the route and explain some of the city’s history as you make your way towards the cathedral.
12:45 – Free Time in Canterbury and Lunch Stop – You then have free time to explore Canterbury at your own pace.
Visit Canterbury Cathedral, walk through the historic centre, browse the shops or stop for lunch at a café, pub or restaurant. You can also spend some time around the old streets before meeting your driver-guide for the return trip.
15:30 – Depart Canterbury – Leave Canterbury and settle back into your private vehicle for the drive to London.
The return drive gives you some quiet time after a day of exploring the Kent coast and city centre.
17:30 – Arrive in London – Arrive back in London at around 5:30 pm.
You can be dropped off at your hotel or at a central London location of your choice, based on the arrangements made for the day.
The Whitstable and Canterbury day trip includes:
- Professional driver-guide
- All Transportation and Fuel Costs
- Full Guided Commentary
- Flexible itinerary
- Drop-off at your hotel or a central London
locationWhat’s Not Included
The following items are not included in the tour price:
- Meals and beverages
- Freshly shucked oysters
- Personal purchases
- Entrance fees not listed in the agreed itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Any activities not included in the agreed itinerary
- Wheelchair Assistance
- Your booking confirmation will be sent after your reservation is completed. A customer care team is available by phone or email for any booking questions.
- The oyster farm visit needs to take place when the tide is out. The visit time can therefore change according to the low-tide schedule on your selected date.
- The drive between Whitstable and Canterbury takes around 20 minutes. Traffic conditions can affect the driving time between London and Kent, so the arrival times shown in the itinerary are approximate.
- This private tour operates when travel conditions are safe. Poor weather may affect the trip schedule. Our team will contact you when weather conditions make the tour unsafe and will provide an alternative date or a full refund.
- Please check the cancellation terms included with your booking confirmation.
- Contact the MyTailoredTours team as soon as possible when you need to cancel or change your booking.
- Traffic, weather, road conditions or changes to the oyster farm schedule can affect the planned timings. The team can discuss the available arrangements with you when changes are needed.
The MyTailoredTours team can help with questions about your Whitstable and Canterbury day trip, including pickup arrangements, the oyster farm visit, tide timings, Canterbury stops and the day’s schedule.
You can contact the team before your trip to discuss the itinerary and any places you would like to spend more time at during your free periods.
Call: +44 20 4620 4272
Email: enquiries@mytailoredtours.com
An Ideal Time of Year to Plan a Whitstable and Canterbury Day Tour
A visit to Whitstable and Canterbury can work across different seasons, with each period carrying slightly different conditions for walking and sightseeing.
March to May | Spring
Spring has milder days and fresh coastal scenery. There are more daylight hours, meaning more time to walk around Whitstable Harbour, learn about the town and spend free time in Canterbury.
June to August | Summer
Whitstable can be busy during this popular travel period, so the private pickup and planned morning arrival help you get to the oyster farm according to its tide schedule.
September to October | Autumn
These are the cooler months, and you get a quieter atmosphere around the Kent coast. Carry a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking around Whitstable and the streets of Canterbury.
November to February | Winter
Winter days have fewer daylight hours, so the timing of the tour becomes more important. Warm layers, waterproof footwear and a suitable jacket can be useful for the outdoor parts of the day.
The Best Things to Do at a Whitstable Oyster Farm Visit
On your Whitstable and Canterbury day trip, don’t just stop for a quick look. Slow down, taste the oysters, meet local growers, explore the harbour, and soak up the seaside atmosphere.
See how oysters are actually grown.
When visiting a Whitstable oyster farm, take a closer look at the work behind those famous shellfish. You can learn how oysters are cultivated, handled, and harvested.
Taste fresh Whitstable oysters.
Nothing quite beats trying Whitstable oysters close to where they’re produced. You may be an oyster lover or may be trying them for the first time. Well, tasting them fresh is actually a memorable local-food experience for your day.
Learn about oyster farming in Whitstable.
Take some time to hear about oyster farming in Whitstable and its long connection with the town. The stories it carries and traditional methods are included. Learning about these is also an inspiring experience for life.
Wander around Whitstable Harbour
After your farm visit, you can even go to Whitstable Harbour for an easy stroll along the waterfront. Look for the boats, watch harbour life, and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to slow down before continuing towards Canterbury.
See the Best of Whitstable & Canterbury with My Tailored Tours
Capture the charm of a Whitstable oyster farm visit, have fun tasting fresh local flavours, and take in the historic beauty of Canterbury with My Tailored Tours. Our private day tour from London gets you the coast and city together in one relaxed experience.
We are the professional driver-guide who handles the transportation and guided parts of the day, so you can be free to stroll around Whitstable and Canterbury the way you like.
So, what’s holding you back? Book your private Whitstable and Canterbury day tour with My Tailored Tours and experience a day filled with coastal flavours, fascinating history and beautiful places.
FAQs
Q1. How far is it from Whitstable to Canterbury?
A: The journey time from one location to the other is roughly 20 minutes. Once you have seen the delights of Whitstable in the morning, we will take you to Canterbury, and then back again to Whitstable, to make sure you see as much of the area as possible.
Q2. Will I be able to experience eating Whitstable oysters?
A: Yes, absolutely. You will have the chance to sample oysters on our tour at an oyster farm in Whitstable.
Q3. What will my time be like in Canterbury?
A: You will be able to leave the coach at 12:45 pm and will have time to look around Canterbury until 3.30 pm, when we will leave. This will allow you time for lunch.
Q4. Will I see Canterbury Cathedral?
A: You will be able to visit Canterbury Cathedral and other places of interest in the City Centre during your free time.
Q5. What should I wear at Whitstable oysters farm?
A: You should wear and take whatever you feel is appropriate for the expected weather. You may want to take a waterproof or windproof jacket.
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