Frequently Asked Questions

Filming & photo shoots
Q:
Can we access the beach, 'The Street', beach huts, tea gardens, boats, castle, harbour?
A:
No permit is required for stills shoots below The Beacon House on the beach, the tea gardens, beach huts, boats or on ‘The Street’ (the natural promontory out to sea at low tide). Permission or a fee may be necessary for ‘elaborate’ shoots/films/large crews and at the harbour from Canterbury City Council Military Road Canterbury CT1 1YW; contact: John Hawkins on 01227 862533.
The Castle is currently undergoing major refurbishment so there is no access at present.
Q:
What's the house layout?
A:
See ground floor & deck plans - downloadable .pdf
See first floor plans - downloadable .pdf
Q:
How do we get to The Beacon House?
A:
See Directions
Q:
Is there catering?
A:
We can provide catering at £12 to £22 per head, please contact us for further details. Otherwise there are numerous local caterers, including Wheeler’s, Oregano, The Rendezvous, Dave's Deli, The Hotel Continental, The Pearson’s Arms.
See Links
Q:
What's the parking situation?
A:
There is parking for three vehicles (one in front of the house and two in the drive). If in parking bay in front of house, the car has to be tucked well in to allow emergency vehicles to pass. There is a public car park at the end of the sea access road in front of The Hotel Continental, and free parking on the streets above and around the house.
Q:
Is there wireless broadband?
A:
Yes

Ceremonies
Q:
Is the house licensed for weddings, civil partnerships, namings, farewells?
A:
Yes
See Ceremonies and download floorplan .pdf
Q:
Where does the ceremony happen?
A:
On the verandah with the sitting room registered too in case of inclement weather.
See Ceremonies and download wedding floorplan .pdf
Can you recommend a photographer?
A:
James Drury, with his reportage approach, as well as portrait expertise and interiors at the house.
Web: www.jd-photographer.co.uk
Email: james@extra-sensory.co.uk
Q:
Are we allowed confetti?
A:
Yes if biodegradable.
Q:
Is there any outside lighting?
A:
There is lighting over the doors, and candles for tables.
Q:
Will someone be at the house to assist?
A:
Yes, a representative from the house team will be there for an hour prior to and during the ceremony. This is a legal requirement.
Q:
Is there a music system?
A:
Yes with DAB radio, I-pod dock and CD player at the house.
Q:
Can we just have the licensing ceremony and not stay at the house?
A:
Yes, there is a fee for the licensing plus the KCC charge. This is a midweek option only.
Q:
Is there room for a marquee?
A:
Not at present, although there are plans to create space for one in the garden;
(a) gazebo(s) can go in the garden or on the beach below.
Q:
Do you supply tables,chairs, gazebos etc.?
A:
We have some tables and chairs. Best Intents: www.bestintentmarquees.co.uk can provide more; clients have bought Cath Kidston Gazebos, etc.

Holidays
Q:
What is the cost of staying for a long weekend?
A:
See Availability
Q:
When is the house available?
A:
See Availability
Q:
How many does it sleep?
A:
The house sleeps 8 – 10.
See Holidays
Q:
How are the rooms laid out?
A:
See ground floor & deck plans - downloadable .pdf
See first floor plans - downloadable .pdf
Q:
What are the arrival and departure times?
A:
For a weekend visit, arrival is 6 pm on Friday, departure 10 am on Monday. If you stay for the week, then departure is 10 am on the following Friday.
Q:
Are children welcome?
A:
Yes
Q:
Is there a travel cot and high chair?
A:
Yes
Q:
Are pets allowed?
A:
Yes, but not on furniture, upstairs or on their own. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to October.
Q: Is there wireless broadband?
A:
Yes

Festivities
Q:
Is there room for a marquee?
A:
Not at present, although there are plans to create space for one in the garden;
(a) gazebo(s) can go in the garden or on the beach below
Q:
Do you have caterers, invitation & event designers, marquee, table &/chair suppliers?
A:
We can supply you with a list of recommended suppliers.
Q:
Can we spend the week/weekend too?
A:
Yes. Please check availability. If you wish to hold a festivity over a weekend/ during school holidays, staying at the house is usually required.
Q:
Can we use the beach below?
A:
Yes, but it is a public beach and it is your responsibility to ensure that other beach users are not disturbed in any way. Please note, no glass is allowed on the beach – acrylic/plastic cups only.
Q:
How large a festivity can we have?
A:
House parties and intimate festivities are ideal. In case of inclement weather, a maximum of 40 guests can be accommodated for most festivities.
Q:
How do we cater for more friends too?
A:
We recommend that you book a larger venue for large groups: The East Quay, Duke of Cumberland Stables bar and The Pearson’s Arms are alternatives you might explore.
Q:
Where can friends and family stay nearby?
A:
B&Bs – Pearlfisher 771000; Copeland House (near Oyster house) 266 207; The Marine (up above The Beacon House) 272 672; The Victorian 779 191 (1 Victoria St near Oyster House); Hotel Continental alongside (280280), The Marine Hotel, Tankerton.
See Links

Activites
Q:
Is there plenty to keep us, our children & elderly relatives entertained?
A:
At the house there are plenty of books, games, cards, binoculars, tennis & badminton racquets, balls, badminton net, wellies, fleeces, buckets, spades, (adult) bikes, walking & cycling books, easel, art books, rugs, picnic hampers, comfy outdoor furniture.
Whitstable, with its gastronomic delights, working harbour, cafes and quirky shops, is a 10-minute beach-side stroll from the house.
The house is on the coastal walk, The Saxon Shore Way,; and The Crab & Winkle Line, the cycle route to Canterbury along the disused 1st passenger railway track in the world Canterbury, Broadstairs, Sandwich, the verdant Ealham valley, Deal & Dover castles are delightful outings.
See Activities