Harbour Day is a free, outdoor maritime heritage event at Whitstable Harbour. We aim to make the event welcoming and accessible, while being honest about the realities of a working, tidal harbour.
General information
Getting to the Whitstable Harbour
- Train and bus routes serve Whitstable.
- Blue Badge parking and drop-off available nearby.
- Walking routes include mixed, sometimes uneven surfaces.
Moving around
- Mostly step-free with some uneven ground.
- Seating and rest points available.
- Clear signage across the site.
Toilets & facilities
- Accessible toilets on site.
- Quiet rest space available.
- Food stalls with allergen information.
Boats & activities
- Some boats offer assisted access.
- Where boarding isn’t possible, we provide dockside talks, demonstrations and hands-on heritage activities.
Sensory access
- Busy, lively environment.
- Quiet area available.
- Sensory maps and schedules will be provided.
Assistance dogs
- Welcome across the site (with some boat restrictions for safety).
Need help?
Please contact us via our contact form.
Whitstable Harbour Day: Key Accessibility Features FAQs
These FAQs have been designed for People with accessibility requirements. This includes not just wheelchair users but also people who are deaf or have hearing loss, have a sensory or cognitive impairment, older people, families with young children, and more.
Designated Accessible Parking
- Designated accessible parking bays are available within 50 metres of the main entrance to Whitstable Harbour and there is step-free entrance.
- The route is firm and has a reasonably smooth surface to accommodate wheelchair users and others with accessibility requirements.
Whitstable Harbour – Harbour Access & Facilities:
- There is step-free access into Whitstable Harbour via 3 entrances, all are suitable for wheelchair users and pram users.
- The Harbour is all on one level, with no steps or raised thresholds.
- There is step-free access to all or most areas around Whitstable Harbour. This may include access by ramp or lift.
- There is a designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, including step-free access and hoist, available within the main public areas.
- There are outdoor food and beverage facilities. There are mostly on one level. There is a ramp at one facility to enable wheelchair access.
- There are variety of catering outlets and a selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
- Seating is available at a number of locations around Whitstable Harbour.
Whitstable Harbour – South Quay Shed Facilities:
- There is step-free access into the South Quay Shed, at Whitstable Harbour, in which there are a number of food and beverage outlets and seated areas.
- There are automatic doors which open either on approach or by a push-button.
- The venue is on 2 levels and there is a lift to enable access to the 1st floor in the South Quay Shed.
- Due to the structure of the South Quay Centre the ground floor can be loud and difficult for hearing-impaired visitors. The quieter area is on the 1st floor where noise is minimised. There are tables and chairs here.
- There are variety of catering outlets on the ground floor and a selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
- Facilities are available for assistance dogs e.g. water bowls, toilet area, within the Harbour area
On the Day Support:
- A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available on the day.
- During Whitstable Harbour Day there will be a number of Stewards available at Whitstable Harbour. These volunteers have been provided with disability awareness and equality training.
- There will be a number of announcements made during the day regarding the programme of events. This programme can be downloaded from the Whitstable Maritime website and paper copies are available on the day. Please note a braille version is not available and an assistive listening system is not available.
