town east of the Isle of Sheppey on the Thames Estuary shore in the city (district) of Canterbury, administrative and historic county of Kent, southeastern England. From Roman times it was known for the oysters gathered from the sea. In the Middle Ages Whitstable was a port and a stopping place for pilgrims to Canterbury, 7 miles (11 km) southeast. In modern times it has grown as a seaside resort and residential town. Pop. (2001) 30,195.