Kent for Art Lovers
Whitstable - charming, vintage and boutique - is the base for this arty tour. From your home on the beach, famed for its oysters, there is wonderful gentle pedalling adjacent to the sea and along the coast. Enjoy The Turner Contemporary at Margate, the mysterious shell grotto and several 'step back in time' moments. Ride inland too along the old Saxon shore and along the best medieval street in England to Faversham with 500 listed buildings, a barge lined creek and its vibrant art and design community. If you're an art lover, look no further.
Itinerary Summary
Practical information
1 All day
Arrive in Whitstable
Arrive in Whitstable and settle into your 150 year old fisherman's hut on the beach. Collect your cycling equipment at your leisure should you want to explore by bike. The harbour is around the corner, oysters are everywhere and the town is charming.
Explore Whitstable
2 All day
Whitstable to Margate
This is one of the best rides you could imagine - riding beside the sea with the cliffs at your elbow and the wind in your face. Think breakwaters, bandstand, Roman towers and tidal swimming pool. It's a gentle jaunt to Margate where The Turner Contemporary crosses your path and welcomes you in for free.
Turner Contemporary Gallery
2 Afternoon
Margate and Back
Leave time for the inexplicable shell grotto, a trawl through the vintage in the town's shops and a step back in time tea in the family run hotel and museum. Return to Whitstable by bike or hop briefly on the train if you've had enough. The journey is 15 or 30 miles (24 or 48 km).
The Ambrette Restaurant Margate
3 Morning
Whitstable to Faversham
Today offers the option of a different scene as you follow the old Saxon shore with its often remote atmosphere and rich maritime history. The route will take you to the remarkable streets of Faversham.
Explore Faversham
3 Afternoon
Faversham and Back
Discover Faversham's creek lined with barges, its many Georgian buildings and its gunpowder history. Take in the art and design community and gallery at Creek Creative before you return to Whitstable by bike or train hop. Leave your bikes for us to collect and depart. This trip is 10 or 20 miles (16 or 32 km).