Whitstable is a historic harbour town on the north Kent coast, situated approximately 7 miles north-west of Canterbury. It is internationally celebrated for its native oysters, which have been harvested from local waters since Roman times, and hosts the popular annual Whitstable Oyster Festival each July. The town is known for its distinctive weatherboard buildings, colourful beach huts, thriving arts scene and independent shops, and has become a fashionable destination for day-trippers and second-home owners from London.