Living in Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne is known for its close-knit community feel, supported by an active calendar of events and local groups. Residents enjoy weekly markets held in the town centre, as well as monthly farmers’ markets featuring Kentish produce. Community halls, the Swallows Leisure Centre, and libraries provide regular activities for all ages, from fitness classes to reading clubs.

Outdoors, Sittingbourne connects easily to the Milton Creek Country Park, a large green space offering walks, cycling trails, and birdwatching along the water. The central Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway appeals to both enthusiasts and families, while the town’s churches, scouts, and sports clubs create opportunities for community involvement. Local festivals, such as the Sittingbourne Carnival, bring the town together, and a range of voluntary organisations foster neighbourly spirit.

The town is surrounded by the Swale marshes and the beginnings of the Kent Downs, making it easy to access countryside walks or coastlines. The overall social environment balances quiet neighbourhoods with a lively town centre during weekends and special events.

Safety in Sittingbourne, as with many towns in Kent, is considered typical for the region, though experiences may vary by neighbourhood. The town centre has seen regeneration and investment that has contributed to improvements in public spaces and overall perceptions of safety. Certain areas, such as the High Street on weekends, can be busier and subject to increased policing.

Kent Police maintain an active presence in Sittingbourne, working closely with local community groups and schools to address anti-social behaviour and maintain neighbourhood safety. Many residents report feeling secure, especially in more suburban or village areas surrounding the town. Neighbourhood watch initiatives are active, and specific community policing teams cover the Swale district, which includes Sittingbourne.

Like many commuter towns, incidents linked to property crime or youth activity may occur, but ongoing local policing and a visible commitment to community engagement help maintain confidence among residents. Checking recent crime maps or local police updates offers the most current insight for prospective residents.

Parking in Sittingbourne is generally available, especially outside of the town centre, where on-street parking is common in residential areas. The town itself operates several pay-and-display car parks, including those at the Forum Shopping Centre and at Bourne Place. Resident parking permits may be required in certain central zones to prevent commuter overflow. Away from the centre, most modern estates and suburban roads provide adequate parking for residents and visitors alike.

Road access is straightforward, with Sittingbourne situated directly on the A2 and just a short distance from the M2 and A249. These routes provide fast links to Kent’s other main towns and London. Local traffic can be busy at peak commuting periods, especially along the A2 and during school run times. Sittingbourne’s role as a commuter town and its proximity to the Isle of Sheppey mean that the A249 can be a busy route, particularly in summer months.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Faversham – approx. 15 minutes via A2 (8 miles)
• Maidstone – approx. 25 minutes via A249 (14 miles)
• Canterbury – approx. 35 minutes via A2 (22 miles)
• Gillingham – approx. 20 minutes via A2 (12 miles)

Sittingbourne’s food and drink scene includes a variety of options, largely concentrated around the High Street and surrounding roads. Traditional Kentish pubs like The Red Lion and The Golden Hope are popular meeting spots, offering real ales and classic ‘pub grub’. Several newer bars and restaurants bring a mix of global flavours, with Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Turkish establishments well represented in the local dining scene. Independent cafés and tearooms are scattered throughout the town and in nearby villages.

For takeaway food, Sittingbourne has an array of choices, with many national chains and local independents serving everything from pizza and burgers to Asian cuisine. Evening entertainment is centred on relaxed pubs and bars, with live music nights hosted in select venues. The Light Cinema multiplex provides the latest films, and the Avenue Theatre supports local drama, music, and comedy performances.

Sittingbourne does not feature a major clubbing scene, instead offering a sociable, lower-key nightlife that suits families and those looking for relaxed evenings out. Those seeking a broader nightlife experience often travel to larger towns like Maidstone or Canterbury, both within straightforward reach by road or rail.

School Quality: Sittingbourne offers a mix of well-rated primary and secondary schools, including grammar and non-selective options. Several schools are rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted, providing confidence for families with children of all ages.

Parks and Green Space: Milton Creek Country Park and nearby woodlands offer extensive areas for walking, play, and picnics. Local playgrounds, sports fields, and easy access to Kent’s countryside further enhance outdoor opportunities for families.

Childcare: The town supports a variety of nurseries and pre-schools, alongside wraparound care at many primary and secondary schools. Childminders and after-school activities are actively advertised in local community boards.

Safety: Neighborhood watch schemes and visible policing in residential areas contribute to a safe environment. Most parents describe the area as peaceful, especially in suburban and village neighbourhoods.

Family Activities: Sittingbourne’s leisure centre, cinema, theatre, and family-friendly pubs provide a range of local entertainment. Regular community events, fun days, and holiday clubs are popular family attractions. Younger children benefit from play centres and seasonal festivals throughout the town.

Sittingbourne is considered pet-friendly, thanks to its mix of urban and rural environments. Milton Creek Country Park offers dog-friendly walks, wide open spaces, and access to nature. The numerous parks and footpaths through Borden and nearby villages extend walking options for pets and their owners, while the close proximity of the Swale marshes and North Downs means countryside adventures are never far away.

Several local vets, including well-established practices in the town centre, provide comprehensive animal care. Pet shops and grooming services are available, and many cafés and pubs, particularly those on the outskirts, welcome dogs. The housing stock generally accommodates pets, from terraced homes with gardens to larger suburban properties, and letting agents frequently list pet-friendly rentals, although there may be restrictions in some new developments or flats.

Sittingbourne’s community is welcoming to pet-owning households. The town hosts dog shows and pet-related events at community venues, and local social media groups provide resources and advice for all animal lovers.

Sittingbourne’s transport links make it a practical base for those commuting across Kent and into London. The town is situated along the A2, with close access to the M2 motorway, connecting Medway and London to the west and Canterbury, Faversham, and Dover to the east. The A249 provides a key north-south route across the Isle of Sheppey to Maidstone.

The Sittingbourne railway station is positioned on the Chatham Main Line, offering regular direct services to London Victoria, London St Pancras (via High Speed 1), and Kent’s coastal towns. Fast trains to London St Pancras take about 1 hour 10 minutes, while connections to Victoria are frequent. Local buses provide links to nearby villages and towns including Faversham, Sheerness, and Maidstone.

Key commute times from Sittingbourne:

• London Victoria – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by train
• Canterbury – approx. 30 minutes by train or 35 minutes by car (22 miles via A2)
• Maidstone – approx. 25 minutes by car (14 miles via A249)
• Sheerness – approx. 20 minutes by car (9 miles via A249), 10 minutes by train
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 55 minutes by car (48 miles via M20/M25)

The proximity of ferry ports at Dover and the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone enhances Sittingbourne's accessibility for European travel, while Ebbsfleet International station for Eurostar services is about 35 minutes’ drive away.

Sittingbourne offers a broad selection of schools, making it an attractive choice for families seeking a range of educational options. The town features both well-established state schools and independent alternatives.

Primary Schools in Sittingbourne
• South Avenue Primary School – A popular local choice, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (last inspection: November 2018).
• Grovehurst Primary School – Recently refurbished, Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (May 2022).
• Westlands Primary School – Well-regarded by local families, Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (October 2017).
• Tunstall Church of England Primary School – Noted for its community ethos, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (May 2013).

Secondary Schools in Sittingbourne
• Borden Grammar School – Selective boys’ school, long-established and high-achieving, Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (February 2016).
• Highsted Grammar School – Selective girls’ school, known for strong results, Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ (November 2015).
• Sittingbourne School – Non-selective, offering wide curriculum, Ofsted ‘Good’ (June 2019).
• Westlands School – One of the largest local schools, Ofsted ‘Good’ (January 2020).

Colleges and Further Education
• Sittingbourne Adult Education Centre – Offers a variety of courses for adults and young people.
• Westlands Sixth Form – Provides A-level and vocational courses.

Universities
While there are no universities based directly within Sittingbourne, several are within easy reach. The University of Kent (Canterbury), Canterbury Christ Church University, and the University for the Creative Arts (Rochester and Canterbury campuses) are accessible via direct road and rail routes, making higher education opportunities readily available to Sittingbourne residents.