Playground

Right in the castle grounds, this one’s a proper local favourite for families with primary school-age kids. The big wooden pirate ship is the obvious draw — it keeps 5 to 10 year olds busy for a good stretch, and there’s a merry-go-round, slides, and swings to round things out. The whole area is fenced off, so little ones can’t wander, and parents can actually sit on the benches and relax rather than hovering the entire time. Parking nearby makes it an easy stop, and the setting inside Whitstable Castle’s grounds gives it a bit more character than your average rec ground playground. Kept in good nick too — nothing worse than showing up to rusting equipment.