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.