Whitstable

Ive been missing in action for the last 2 weeks as we have all been on holiday, camping in Normandy, France. Ive been to some divine places and have lots to "show and tell".

On our way down to the ferry (we took the cheapskate option and went Dover to Calais), we scheduled an overnight stop in Dover, but stopped off at Whitstable (or Whitstabubble as I preferred to call it - remembering an old Aero advert!). Whitstable has been on my "places to visit" list since I saw it featured in a Sunday Supplement, and the Nigella Lawson waxed lyrical about it too. (I always feel as if Nigella could be my "posh" friend).

It was very different to what I thought it would be - much hyped I'm afraid, but still with a charm that I really liked. It is famous for its Oysters - something none of our family had ever tried, so "when in Rome" (or Whitstable) and all that, we decided to give them a go. The Dancing Queen likened the experience to body boarding - when you get a mouth full of disgusting sea water! and I must admit, I didn't see the appeal at all. We tried them with lemon and with chilli sauce. Everybody else seem to be downing them with white wine - perhaps next time.

The sea front has some lovely clapboard houses - but all well below sea level. Very worrying! It was positively buzzing, and full to the brim with holidaymakers - as every decent seaside town (worth its seasalt) should be at the end of July. All the (gorgeous and very tempting) shops were busy too.

I loved the pub on the shingle beach. I bet in Autumn when the crowds are gone, that this feels like its in a Dickens novel!

The Fisherman's huts are now turned into holiday accommodation. In parts, this place feels a bit like London-on-Sea. It is easily accessible from the "big smoke" and certainly very "hip and happening" with just the right amount of "vintage" to make it "seasidey" yet "trendy". I could easily stay a week here, but it does feels a bit contrived.

This beach front house looked interesting - in need of much renovation, but with soooooooooooo much potential. How wonder how much it will fetch?

After a stroll along the beach, we turned in land to the shops. These two beauties were outside a very smelly but interesting cheese shop - I knew you would love them!!

Someone obviously has a knitting habit!!!

And I also saw a sign that I loved.

I'm off to catch up with you all - and I'll show you some of the delightful places Ive visited later on.

xxxxxx