Southend on sea or whitstable?

[bebeboeuf]

For a day trip to a harbour or seaside town which would you recommend?

Or anywhere better that is not far from either of those two places?

Whitstable! Great fish market and fish and chips. I've found some great finds in their charity shops too. There's a lovely seafood restaurant there. Travel along to nearby Tankerton's beach and picnic on the hill.

I've only been to Southend and not gonna lie, it's quite rough. Am going to try Whitstable now you've mentioned it tho, I've looked it up and I think it looks so cute

Herbs Bay is more touristy with arcades and a pier if you prefer that. Or Broadstairs has nice beaches.

Southend has no charm or character. It's a grotty town and the seafront is full of rough pubs.

It depends what you want. For amusements, ice creams & loud fun, Southend is fine (although not the cleanest beach I've been too). There are also fountains the kids can run through & the pier is worth a visit. I would not go in the sea there.

Whitstable is miles prettier & more upmarket. We've only visited once but found it altogether charming.

*Herne Bay

Thank you Whitstable it is

Parking is v. Expensive in Whitstable though. And can be hard to find a space in the height of summer (Saturday's in August!) We usually park just outside Whitstable in Tankerton.

Agree with pps about Southend.

Thank you for starting this thread op , I was looking for a beach day out close to London and hadn't considered Whitstable.

We are thinking of somewhere to go today

I'd go for Whitstable. It's very pretty, lovely places to eat and drink etc. Then if you want a pier, ice cream and arcades - Herne Bay is only 10 minutes down the road!

The walk from Whitstable to Herne Bay is lovely but a fair distance. If you've got time I'd recommend doing it, but maybe get a taxi back the other way if you leave your car where you started!

I love Southend for its grotty tired seaside resort vibe. Reminds me of childhood trips to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

It also has the most amazing pier. Stroll along the mile long pier, lunch at the end and stroll back. Meander along the seafront, shops are shit, don't bother with them.

I'm incredibly fond of Southend for it's tacky charm, but Whitstable wins hands down - and I say this as someone who owns and runs a business in Southend.

I live near Southend. Do not pick Southend!! Yes there are some good parts but it’s turned so rough recently it’s really sad to see.
Plus if you’re coming today the weather isn’t great currently.