10 Family Cycling Routes and Tours in Whitstable

You’ll find excellent family cycling options in Whitstable, from the famous 7.5-mile Crab & Winkle Way connecting Canterbury to Whitstable Harbour to scenic coastal routes like the Oyster Bay Trail to Herne Bay. Traffic-free paths through ancient Blean Woods, guided tours with Col’s Kent Bike Tours, and flat seaside routes from Minnis Bay to Reculver Towers offer safe adventures for all ages and abilities. Discover how these carefully selected routes transform family outings into memorable cycling experiences.

Crab & Winkle Way: Canterbury to Whitstable Harbour

When you’re ready for a gentle family adventure, the Crab & Winkle Way offers a perfect 7.5-mile traffic-free cycling route that connects Canterbury to Whitstable Harbour. This former railway line features paved paths and gentle gradients suitable for children and cyclists of all abilities.

You’ll start at Canterbury West Station and cycle through Blean Woods, southern Britain’s largest ancient broadleaved woodland. The route takes families about 1 hour 15 minutes one way, making it manageable for young riders.

Pack 1.5L of water per person and bring lunch for stops at scenic spots like Winding Pond. This historic route follows what was once one of the first passenger railways in the world, opening in 1830.

Kent Cycle Hire offers child bikes and tandems if needed. Keep dogs on leads throughout the journey.

The path concludes at Whitstable Harbour, where you can explore oyster bars and the maritime museum.

Guided Canterbury–Whitstable Family Tours With Col’s Kent Bike Tours

For families who’d prefer guided support along the Canterbury-Whitstable route, Col’s Kent Bike Tours offers small-group cycling adventures that remove the stress of navigation and pacing.

You’ll enjoy approximately 7 miles of nearly traffic-free cycling on converted railway paths, graded easy-moderate for mixed ages and abilities.

The leisurely tours emphasize storytelling and sightseeing over speed, with regular stops for photos and snacks.

Small group sizes allow tailored pacing and extra support for children.

You can use your own bikes or hire standard hybrids, with helmets and safety equipment included.

Pricing starts from £45 per adult and £25 per child, including bike hire.

Electric bike upgrades cost an additional £20, perfect for less confident riders or grandparents joining the family adventure. These tours are specially designed for families, solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking memorable cycling experiences.

Whitstable Seafront and Tank Traps Coastal Loop

This 8-10km coastal loop combines Whitstable’s bustling harbour with gentle seafront cycling towards the historic WW2 tank traps at Seasalter. You’ll follow mainly flat promenade paths and paved seawalls, making this route perfect for families with children on standard bikes.

Start at Whitstable’s working harbour, passing oyster sheds and colorful beach huts before climbing gentle Tankerton Slopes for panoramic North Sea views. The seafront path continues westward to Seasalter’s concrete anti-tank blocks—fascinating WW2 relics that mark your turning point. Along the way, you’ll discover diverse coastal diversity showcasing the area’s varied maritime landscape and natural habitats.

Surface conditions suit hybrid and children’s bikes throughout. You’re separated from traffic on most sections, though watch for pedestrians on shared-use areas. The route connects easily with NCN 1 for longer adventures.

Check tide times—low tide reveals mudflats and oyster beds, transforming coastal scenery dramatically.

Whitstable to Herne Bay via Swalecliffe

Although this 7-8km coastal route connects three seaside towns, you’ll enjoy nearly traffic-free cycling along the smooth Oyster Bay Trail between Whitstable and Herne Bay. The flat concrete promenade suits families with child seats and trailers, though you’ll share space with pedestrians during busy periods.

You can start from any of three railway stations—Whitstable, Chestfield & Swalecliffe, or Herne Bay—making one-way rides practical. The route follows Regional Route 15 signposting through Swalecliffe’s sea wall section to Hampton, ending at Herne Bay’s Central Parade. The cycle path extends eastward to connect with the Viking Coastal Trail, offering opportunities for longer rides towards Reculver and beyond.

Allow 45 minutes each way for cycling, plus stops at Whitstable’s harbour area and Herne Bay’s traditional pier and seafront attractions. Watch for summer crowds on shared sections and maintain steady, courteous speeds.

Minnis Bay to Reculver Towers Family Ride

Moving westward from Herne Bay, you’ll discover another gem of Kent’s coastal cycling network along the Viking Coastal Trail between Minnis Bay and Reculver Towers. This 6-7km stretch offers completely flat cycling along a well-maintained sea wall, perfect for families with children of all ages.

You’ll enjoy continuous sea views while cycling on tarmac surfaces that accommodate child seats, trailers, and tag-along bikes easily. The traffic-free path connects Blue Flag Minnis Bay beach with historic Reculver Towers and Country Park.

Both endpoints provide essential amenities including toilets, cafés, and picnic areas. The route features minimal elevation with only 4 meters of ascent and descent throughout the entire journey.

Be prepared for coastal winds that can affect your ride despite the flat terrain. The wide, paved path accommodates walkers, so maintain awareness around pedestrians.

This internationally important wildlife area offers excellent opportunities to spot migratory birds during winter months.

Reculver to Herne Bay Coastal Path

Why not extend your coastal adventure eastward from Reculver’s iconic towers to the vibrant seafront at Herne Bay? This 5-mile traffic-free route follows the Oyster Bay Trail along concrete and tarmac paths, perfect for children and family bikes. You’ll enjoy flat terrain with stunning Thames Estuary views and wildlife spotting opportunities at the Special Protection Area.

Start at Reculver Towers car park (CT6 6ST) where facilities include visitor centre, toilets, and cafés. The 45-60 minute ride ends at Herne Bay’s classic seaside promenade with pier and bandstand. This section forms part of the historic route that connects all the way back to Whitstable, making it possible to experience multiple coastal destinations in one cycling adventure.

Watch for sand martins nesting in cliffs and skylarks in meadows.

Exercise extra caution on Herne Bay’s shared-use promenade—cycle slowly around pedestrians. Both endpoints offer parking and refreshments, while Herne Bay station enables convenient train returns.

Margate to Minnis Bay Beach Circuit

For an even more expansive coastal adventure, the Margate to Minnis Bay Beach Circuit offers families a delightful 7.5-mile round trip along Kent’s stunning Thanet coastline.

You’ll cycle on mainly traffic-free promenades and sea walls, making it perfect for children and less-experienced riders on the flat terrain.

This “Beaches and Bays” route takes you past six sandy bays and hidden coves, including Turner Contemporary, Westbrook Bay, and Blue Flag-status Minnis Bay.

The 30-minute one-way journey follows broad, paved surfaces suitable for child trailers and cargo bikes. Along the way, you’ll discover excellent opportunities for rock pooling at the various beaches and tidal areas.

Note seasonal cycling restrictions at Westgate and Minnis Bay seafronts between May and September require brief walking sections.

You’ll find refreshments, toilets, and parking at Margate, Westgate-on-Sea, and Minnis Bay, with bike hire available at both ends.

Whitstable Harbour to Long Rock Nature Trail

Starting from Whitstable’s bustling harbour, you’ll set out on a gentle 5km coastal adventure that’s perfect for young riders and families seeking a safe, traffic-free experience.

You’ll begin along the harbour boardwalk, passing colorful fishing boats and market stalls before heading west toward Seasalter and Swalecliffe.

The route follows designated Regional Route 15, combining promenade cycling with quiet residential roads and new traffic-free paths.

Your kids will love spotting wildlife in the salt marshes and mudflats while enjoying panoramic sea views.

The flat terrain makes pedaling easy for little legs. For families looking to extend their adventure, the historic Crab and Winkle Way provides an excellent traffic-free connection back to Canterbury through scenic farmland and wooded areas.

You’ll reach Long Rock Nature Reserve, where coastal paths remain cycle-friendly.

Download maps from Whitstable Maritime’s website before departing, and consider catching the train back from Whitstable station if young cyclists tire.

Blean Woods and Clowes Wood Forest Explorer

Where can families find the perfect blend of ancient woodland adventure and safe cycling paths just minutes from Whitstable? You’ll discover this at Blean Woods and Clowes Wood, one of southern Britain’s largest ancient broadleaved woodlands.

The forest offers gentle tracks away from traffic, perfect for children learning to ride.

Start at Clowes Wood car park near Gypsy Corner for easy access to the Crab and Winkle Way. You’ll cycle along wide gravel tracks through chestnut coppice, sharing paths safely with walkers and horse riders.

The stile-free routes accommodate trailers and adaptive cycles, making it truly family-inclusive.

Expect some climbing—about 200 feet total—but gradual inclines keep it manageable for kids. You can tackle short woodland sections or join longer circular routes connecting to Whitstable’s coast. The full route stretches 7.6 miles from Canterbury to Whitstable Harbour as part of the Sustrans network.

Viking Coastal Trail: Herne Bay to Whitstable Segment

While the ancient woodlands offer inland adventures, the Viking Coastal Trail delivers seaside cycling magic along one of Kent’s most scenic stretches.

You’ll cycle 7 miles from Reculver’s towering medieval ruins to Herne Bay’s colorful beach huts, mostly on traffic-free paths perfect for families.

The route’s 54% off-road terrain keeps kids safely away from cars, though you’ll need extra caution on shared sea wall sections popular with walkers.

Strong sea breezes are common, so check wind direction before starting.

Bike hire’s available at Minnis Bay car park if you don’t want to transport bikes.

Multiple train stations along the route let you cycle one-way and return by train—ideal for tired little legs.

The trail connects to the Oyster Bay Trail at Reculver, extending your cycling options toward Whitstable’s famous harbor.

Seaside cafes provide perfect pit stops for refueling hungry cyclists.

The Sum Up

You’ve now discovered nine fantastic family cycling routes around Whitstable that’ll keep everyone entertained and active. Remember to always wear your helmets, check your bikes before setting off, and pack plenty of water and snacks. Start with shorter routes if you’re cycling with younger children, and don’t forget to bring a basic repair kit. These coastal paths and woodland trails offer something for every family member’s cycling ability and interest level.