Premier Inn Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne has made a name for itself over the years thanks to its industrial heritage. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was one of the UK’s most important centres for brickmaking – its bricks helped build Victorian London. It also became a major hub for the paper industry, with mills producing tons of paper each week, much of it shipped along the nearby Swale. Sittingbourne also played a role in railway history, with one of the oldest light railways in the country still running today. Today, the town is known for its fast transport links to London and Kent’s north coast.

Sittingbourne is one of Kent’s larger market towns. While it’s not a city, it has a wide catchment area that includes smaller villages like Borden, Tunstall and Iwade. The town centre has a mix of independent shops, big-name retailers, supermarkets and leisure centres, making it feel well-equipped but still manageable in size. 

Historically, Sittingbourne is known for its contributions to the brick and paper industries. Its proximity to the Swale made it a key location for transporting goods by barge. The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, originally built to move paper products, is a proud part of the town’s heritage and still runs steam trains for visitors. The town is also known for its traditional market, countryside surroundings and access to the Isle of Sheppey. In recent years, it’s been recognised as a practical base for commuters, with high-speed trains linking it to London in under an hour.

Sittingbourne is close to the sea but not technically a seaside town. It sits on the edge of the Swale estuary, a stretch of water that separates mainland Kent from the Isle of Sheppey. While you’ll find scenic riverside paths and marshland views nearby, there’s no sandy shoreline in the town itself. However, Sittingbourne’s location means you’re just a short journey from classic seaside destinations like Sheerness, Whitstable and Leysdown-on-Sea.

No, Sittingbourne doesn’t have its own beach, but there are lots within easy reach. The Isle of Sheppey is just across the bridge, with beaches like Sheerness Beach and Minster Leas, which combines grassy banks with shingle shorelines – perfect for a summer picnic. Further afield, Leysdown-on-Sea has a more traditional seaside feel, complete with arcades and fish and chip shops. All of these spots are reachable by car or train in 20–30 minutes.

Yes, Sittingbourne has a traditional market that takes place regularly in the town centre. You’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to clothing, household items and gifts. It’s a great place to soak up local life and pick up a few treats. There are also occasional seasonal and artisan markets throughout the year, especially around Christmas. 

Sittingbourne has a mix of indoor and outdoor things to do, especially if you’re happy to explore the surrounding area.

• Milton Creek Country Park has walking trails, wildlife-spotting and play areas for families.

• Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway is a must for train enthusiasts and families—it runs old steam locomotives along a 2-mile track.

• Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, just outside town, is another heritage gem with engine sheds and picnic areas. 

• Swallows Leisure Centre has a pool, gym, soft play and fitness classes for rainy days.

• For something different, visit Avenue Theatre, a small venue in the Forum shopping area that hosts local plays, live music and film screenings.

• Nearby, you can take a short trip to Doddington Place Gardens, Mount Ephraim Gardens or the nature reserves at Elmley Marshes on the Isle of Sheppey for scenic walks and nature spotting.

Yes, Sittingbourne has a train station right in the heart of town. It’s well-connected, with Southeastern services heading to London Victoria, London St Pancras (via High Speed), Canterbury, Ramsgate and Dover. Trains run frequently, making it easy to use Sittingbourne as a base for day trips across Kent or into the capital.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.