A Coastal Awakening: The Sights, Sounds, and Scents of Kiora

Tucked away at the edge of Tankerton Slopes in Whitstable, Kiora offers a clear view of the Kent coastline and a quiet space to unwind. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee on the terrace or taking a sunset stroll along the beach, Kiora invites you to slow down and simply take in what’s around you. 

👀 See: A Living Seascape from West to East 

From Kiora’s garden or upper windows, the view stretches in a sweeping arc from Hampton in the east to the Isle of Sheppey in the west. Here’s what you can spot along the horizon: 

Hampton & Hampton Pier – At the western edge of Herne Bay are the remains of Hampton Pier built in the 1860’s to enable oysters from the blossoming, but ultimately doomed, local oyster industry to be loaded on to boats at all tides. 

Herne Bay Pier Head – A ghostly remnant of what was once England’s second-longest pier when it was completed in 1899, but now only the old pier head remains nearly three quarters of a mile out to sea. The pier was closed in 1968 with very little maintenance carried out and in January 1978 was badly damaged after a big storm and finally demolished in 1980. 

Distant Windfarms – On clear days and a low tide, you might glimpse the three windfarms: Gunfleet Sands (48 turbines, due north), The London Array (175 turbines, north-northeast), and Thanet Offshore Wind Farm (100 turbines, due east). 

Kentish Flats Wind Farm – Just over six miles offshore, its 30 turbines were one of the UK’s first large offshore windfarms. 

Maunsell Sea Forts – Almost due north at 8 miles offshore. These WWII gun emplacements were positioned in the Thames Estuary to try and hit the Luftwaffe as they used the Thames to navigate into London on their nightly booming raids! 

The Greta – A beautiful Thames sailing barge offering trips from Whitstable Harbour to the windfarms, forts and sandbanks. 

Fishing Boats – Watch the local Whitstable fleet of trawlers and cockle boats come and go with the tide. 

The Waverley – The world’s last sea-going paddle steamer occasionally docks in Whitstable. 

Shipping Lanes – Various ocean-going vessels, including huge container ships bound for or departing Tilbury Docks, glide along the horizon, their lights twinkling at night. In shore, two large shingle carrying ships; the Neptune and the Pluto, are regular visitors to the harbour and can often be seen manoeuvring at the harbour entrance.  

MOD Shoeburyness – Sometimes visible as a plume of smoke on the horizon – more often heard than seen! This is a testing centre for munitions and explosives and if they are firing and it’s an onshore wind, you will hear loud booms that have been known to rattle the windows! They fire out to sea so the casings can be retrieved at low tide from the mudflats.  

Southend-on-Sea – Depending on the weather, you might spot its skyline across the estuary. 

The Thames Estuary – Leading all the way to London, this historic waterway is full of life. 

Sunsets – Depending on the time of year, the sun sets off the northern tip of Sheppey or over the Swale, painting the sky in spectacular fiery oranges and soft purples. 

Isle of Sheppey – Home to the Swale National Nature Reserve and a long sandy beach where Grey and Common seals are often spotted. 

Kingsferry Bridge – A vertical-lift bridge connecting Sheppey to the mainland—just visible with binoculars. 

The Swale – A tidal estuary cutting the Isle of Sheppey from the mainland, and a haven for migratory birds. 

The Sportsman – A Michelin-starred pub in Seasalter, just visible with binoculars. Well worth a visit, but book in advance!! 

Seasalter – A peaceful stretch of coast with beach cabins beyond Whitstable. 

The East Quay – Marking the entrance to the bustling Whitstable Harbour. 

The Lobster Shack – A very popular seafood spot right on the beach. 

The East Beach – Lined with colourful beach huts, a classic Whitstable view. 

The Street – A natural shingle spit that appears at low tide, stretching half a mile out to sea - perfect for a walk directly in front of Kiora. 

👂 Hear: Nature’s Soundtrack 

At Kiora, the soundtrack is soothing and ever-changing throughout the seasons: 

Birdsong – The garden is alive with our resident Robin, Wren, and other woodland birds. 

Stag Beetles – In early summer evenings, you might hear the gentle buzz of these rare beetles in flight and witness their rather unsteady journeys in search of a mate.  

Pipistrelle Bats – Use the bat detector provided at Kiora to listen in on their ultrasonic sounds for echolocation as they hunt at dusk during the summer months. They can often be seen over the patio and along the tree line up by the garage, performing their aerial acrobatics as they locate their prey.  

Spitfires – That unmistakable roar of a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine often signals a Spitfire flying along the coast. Look up and admire the iconic silhouette with their rounded wing tips, often on their way back to Biggin Hill.  

Waves and Wind – The rhythmic lap of the tide. 

👃 Smell: The Scent of the Sea

The air around Kiora carries the familiar smells of the coast and garden: 

Seaweed and Driftwood – After high tide, the shoreline has a raw, earthy scent. 

Sun-Warmed Shingle – On warmer days, the beach gives off a dry, mineral smell. 

Garden Herbs and Wildflowers – Depending on the season, the garden offers subtle floral and herbal scents.  

Barbecues and Seafood – Occasionally, the breeze brings the smoky aroma of people enjoying a BBQ on the beach! 

🌿 A Place to Pause

Whether you're here to explore or simply to rest, Kiora offers a quiet spot to take in the coast at your own pace. It’s a quiet invitation to slow down and enjoy what’s around you.