Whitstable has evolved from a working fishing town into a fashionable weekend destination, famous for its native oysters celebrated at the annual Oyster Festival. The shingle beach is lined with weather-boarded cottages and colourful beach huts, while the high street offers independent boutiques, antique shops, and excellent seafood restaurants. The harbour still lands fresh fish daily, and the town retains an authentic, creative atmosphere that attracts artists, writers, and Londoners seeking coastal charm.