As a person who is of the English-ness kind, I admit that I was a little bit pleased to discover that the English seaside town of Whitstable had been graced by the presence of Aaron and Lauren Paul, and family recently for a couple of weeks – and that it had been so loved during their stay enough for Lauren to post about it.
Ok, I also admit, first reaction was a double-take and then I might have smirked, before once again checking that I had in fact read that right. This is by no means a slight on the town of Whitstable, far from it, it’s just so unsual, refreshing and amazing that a quiet seaside town gets that attention from anyone not of English residency.
It was much later that I realised that filming of an episode of Black Mirror that Aaron Paul was recently announced as staring in (which also made me extremely happy!) was filming around that part of the UK – but that by no means takes away the joy I felt that a little seaside town was being adored so rightly by two people I simply respect and admire.
It’s now I admit I’ve never been to Whitstable, and now I’ve moved out of London it’s nearly a three hour drive away from me (ok, ok maybe I did check on discovering the Pauls were there but it was curiosity only, that’s all lol!) I did however feel that maybe a short post about Whitstable on this site, would shine a light on this new much loved location, for a bit of light reading.
A brief history
Located on the North Kent coast of England, Whistable has been a settlement since the Palaeolithic era, that pre-dates the Bronze and Iron ages. The Romans built settlements in the area and also harvested Oysters on the low tide sea-beds. Oysters remain a big attraction of the town, with a long going yearly festival to celebrate their harvest.
In 1830 Whistable was a stop on the world’s first steam train service for passengers and freight, that complimented the long established shipping route to London. The town boasts shingle/sandy beaches, and is unique for not having a full promenade which is a usual feature of English seaside towns. The town also claims to have the largest village green at the size of 52 acres. The many criss cross allys of the town are also a feature, with one so narrow you can only go down it side ways, it’s name is ‘Squeezegut alley’ (I promise I’m not making this up!)
Oh… we do like to be beside the seaside
That’s how the song goes, the song about how we all like to be beside the seaside. Whilst I’ve never set foot in Whitstable, I am a big fan of English seaside towns and have visited plenty of others (including the very next town to Whistable – ‘Margate’). It’s one of the best things about England, you are never too far away from the coast, no matter where you live, and a good English seaside town will always provide a great day out for all the family.
If you ever happen to visit a seaside town in England you must make sure to have a fish n’ chip supper (dinner), a 99 ice cream cone, and a paddle in the sea as standard.
But take a moment to look at these stunning photos that Lauren Paul took during her stay on this coast. Amazing sunsets that simply show a side to England I’m sure few would beleive, and making me think I need to venture away from my inland location a few more times than I currently do!
Heatwave – hottest day on record for England!
It’s fair to say the Pauls timed their visit to Whistable during an English heatwave (July 2022) that boasted one of the hottest days ever recorded in England! I’m sure this was great for that vacation feeling (and amazing sunsets as seen in Lauren’s photos), but also horrendous when you remember England doesn’t do air-con as standard, I can only hope the sea breeze compensated at least!
Suffice to say there is a lot to discover in England, beyond London, places like Whitstable that have their own history and appeal. It’s something I always miss when I go overseas, and visit coastal towns and find very little to do once you get there, by comparison to what you can find in English ‘seasides’. The exception possibly being Seal Beach in LA, which almost came close to what I was used to, I also recall a couple of other places in Washington and New York (I really do need to visit that beach where Mr Robot and The Path filmed)
Thank you to Lauren Paul for sharing such amazing sunset photos.
