Sittingbourne Area Guide

Situated close to the coast and a short drive from the North Downs, property in Sittingbourne offers the best of all worlds. This lively town is home to scenic parks and an array of shops and restaurants, as well as quick and convenient transport links that mean London’s never far away.

Welcome to Sittingbourne

From outdoor attractions to stylish dining, Sittingbourne offers something for everyone. The largest town in Swale, it’s a hub for shopping, sport and entertainment, and with an array of new-build developments and character properties to suit any taste. The beaches of Sheerness and Leysdown are close by, and the town’s proximity to the Kent countryside is a bonus too, putting charming villages and picturesque orchards right on your doorstep.

Why Sittingbourne is a great move for families

Property in Sittingbourne is the perfect choice for families who want to be close to coast and countryside. The area benefits from some great local schools, including Tunstall Juniors, St Peter’s Catholic Primary and Minterne Community Junior School. For older kids, there’s Highstead School, Borden School and Fulston Manor, to name just a few.

Getting around in Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne lies just off the A249, providing easy road links to the A2, M2 and M20. Several train stations are close to the town, including Sittingbourne, Newington, Rainham, Gillingham, and Chatham. It’s easy to reach London by rail, with regular high-speed trains departing from Sittingbourne to St Pancras and Victoria, each with journey times of approximately one hour.

A short history of Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne lay on Watling Street, one of the most important roads in Roman Britain that ran from London to the northwest. In the 19th century, the town began a significant period of industrial development, producing bricks for the expansion of London and the railways. Today the town remains an important industrial centre for the manufacture of cement, paper and other products.

Sport and Leisure in Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne's location in Kent means there are some great days out close by, including Milton Creek Country Park, where you will find peaceful walking trails, fishing lakes and beautiful coastal scenery. The Reynolds Fitness Spa and Swallows Leisure Centre offer various facilities, including swimming pools and gym classes. The town also has its own football team, Sittingbourne FC, which enjoys significant local support.

Shopping and Dining in Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne has a retail park packed with national stores, takeaways and chain restaurants, while its high street is home to independent retailers and boutiques. Sittingbourne also benefits from excellent restaurants, including Tacos Locos Mexican restaurant, the Greek Taverna on Oad Street and the Empress of India. Top-rated pubs and bars in the town include the Vineyard, Donna's Ale House and the Red Lion.