🇬🇧 Sittingbourne, United Kingdom
The Coniston
📍 70, London Road, Sittingbourne, ME10 1NT
Your stay — The Coniston
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Sittingbourne.
The Property — The Coniston
The Coniston is a humble, family-run hotel that exudes warmth and comfort. Its 1930s façade has been lovingly restored, with a soft colour palette and plush furnishings that evoke a bygone era. The hotel's USP lies in its proximity to the River Swale and the scenic Swale Way footpath, making it an ideal base for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Standing in the lobby, you'll feel like you're in a traditional Kentish pub, with its rustic wooden beams and fire crackling in the hearth. It suits couples and solo travellers looking for a relaxing, no-frills stay in the countryside.
Chronicles of Sittingbourne
Sittingbourne has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, with evidence of Roman settlement and a 12th-century parish church. The town's strategic location on the River Swale made it an important centre for the wool and grain trades. In the 19th century, Sittingbourne became a major hub for the railway industry, with the arrival of the London, Chatham and Dover Railway. Today, the town is proud of its industrial heritage, with the Sittingbourne Heritage Museum showcasing its history and the Sittingbourne Steam Railway offering nostalgic train rides. The town's cultural identity is reflected in its annual festivals, including the Sittingbourne Scarecrow Festival and the Sittingbourne Food and Drink Festival.
Best Time to Visit
Full Sittingbourne guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Sittingbourne, with pleasant summer weather (average highs around 22°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months also bring the town's festivals and events, making it a great time to experience local culture.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month, with school holidays and the Sittingbourne Scarecrow Festival drawing large crowds. Expect higher hotel prices and book well in advance. The festival features giant scarecrows, live music, and a parade, making it a fun event for families and couples alike.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer a great shoulder season, with mild weather (average highs around 17°C) and lower prices. You can enjoy the town's attractions with fewer crowds and take advantage of discounts on hotel rooms and local tours.
Weather & packing
Sittingbourne's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers even in the summer. Pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared for any weather conditions.
Live City Briefing — Sittingbourne
- The Sittingbourne Heritage Museum is currently undergoing renovations, with a new exhibit on the town's railway history set to open in summer 2026. The Sittingbourne Steam Railway has introduced a new vintage-style carriage, offering a unique and nostalgic experience for passengers. The town's riverside path is being upgraded, with new signage and improved accessibility for walkers and cyclists.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Coniston, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) to minimize street noise from London Road. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests that rooms are well-maintained, with concrete floors on higher floors likely to be quieter due to reduced foot traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or 1st floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from London Road. Also, steer clear of rooms near the lift, as it may cause disturbance, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on London Road doesn't offer stunning views, but rooms on the higher floors might have a glimpse of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for noise from the nearby London Road, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the hotel's service entrance and bar may generate some background noise.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as it's not a standard amenity, but it's available upon request. Also, arrive early for check-in to avoid long queues, as the hotel's reception area can get busy during peak periods.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Coniston
Free Wi-Fi; 100 Mbps speed; login required via room key card
Serves all floors; historic section on the upper floor has stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and The Times; physical papers available in lobby
15:00-22:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 £20 fee
Limited storage available at £5 per bag per day
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance and lifts; no structural limitations
On-site parking available £10 per night; nearest public car park is Sittingbourne Railway Station car park £6 per day; EV charging available at £3 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £20 advance deposit + £50 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
You can exchange currency at the Post Office on Milton Street, but be aware that airport bureaux de change often have poor exchange rates. ATMs are widely available and accept international cards.
Contactless and mobile payments are widely accepted in the area, but some older shops may not accept card payments. Major banks and cash machines are available on the High Street.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is considered polite for cafe and pub staff. For taxis, round up to the nearest pound or 10% of the fare.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a high-street cafe for around £2-£3.
You can get a budget lunch at a local pub or cafe for around £5-£7, often including a sandwich, chips, and a drink.
A budget dinner at a local restaurant or pub can cost around £10-£15 for a main course.
The area around the High Street and Milton Street has a variety of street food options, including fish and chip shops and kebab houses.
The local Sainsbury's supermarket on the High Street offers a good range of affordable groceries.
The High Street has a range of high-street shops, including TK Maxx and Primark, where you can find affordable clothing.
The day saver bus pass costs around £4.50 and allows unlimited travel on the local bus network. From the airport, take the train to Sittingbourne station (£8-£10) and then the local bus from there.
Consider purchasing a day saver bus pass for unlimited travel on the local bus network.Take advantage of the 2-for-1 deals at local pubs and restaurants on weekdays.Shop at local markets, such as the Sittingbourne Market on Saturdays, for fresh produce and affordable goods.
Good to know — Sittingbourne
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
SittingbourneWhere to Eat
Book a table →No restaurants found locally on OpenStreetMap for Sittingbourne. Use OpenTable to search for dining options in the area.
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Sittingbourne, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Coniston
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Hempstead House Hotel bus stop → Sittingbourne Town Centre
💡 Buy a return ticket from driver (exact change). Bus stop is 2-min walk from hotel entrance on Hempstead Road.
Sittingbourne Station → London St Pancras
💡 Use a Railcard or book advance singles online for half-price. Taxi from Hempstead to station costs £8.
Hempstead House Hotel → Bluewater Shopping Centre
💡 Get off at Bluewater for direct coach to Heathrow (National Express). No Sunday service.
Hempstead House Hotel → Gatwick Airport (LGW)
💡 Book with local firms like Sittingbourne Cars or Arrow Cars for fixed rates. Add 20 mins for M25 traffic.
About Sittingbourne
Wikipedia ↗
Sittingbourne is an industrial town in the Swale district of Kent, southeast England, 17 miles (27 km) from Canterbury and 45 miles (72 km) from London, beside the Roman Watling Street, an ancient trackway used by the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons. In 2021 it had a population of 54,392. The town stand...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Coniston?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) to minimize street noise from London Road. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests that rooms are well-maintained, with concrete floors on higher floors likely to be quieter due to reduced foot traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Coniston?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or 1st floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from London Road. Also, steer clear of rooms near the lift, as it may cause disturbance, especially during peak hours.
Is The Coniston noisy?
Be prepared for noise from the nearby London Road, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the hotel's service entrance and bar may generate some background noise.
Which rooms have the best views at The Coniston?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on London Road doesn't offer stunning views, but rooms on the higher floors might have a glimpse of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at The Coniston?
Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as it's not a standard amenity, but it's available upon request. Also, arrive early for check-in to avoid long queues, as the hotel's reception area can get busy during peak periods.
What time is check-in at The Coniston?
Check-in at The Coniston is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Coniston have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi; 100 Mbps speed; login required via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Coniston?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Coniston?
You can get a budget lunch at a local pub or cafe for around £5-£7, often including a sandwich, chips, and a drink.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Coniston?
The day saver bus pass costs around £4.50 and allows unlimited travel on the local bus network. From the airport, take the train to Sittingbourne station (£8-£10) and then the local bus from there.
When is the best time to visit Sittingbourne?
June and September are ideal months to visit Sittingbourne, with pleasant summer weather (average highs around 22°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months also bring the town's festivals and events, making it a great time to experience local culture.
Top Attractions in Sittingbourne
💡 Ask the churchwarden if you can climb the tower for views over town—it's not always offered, but worth a polite request.
💡 Call ahead or check their Facebook page before visiting as it's staffed by volunteers and opening times can vary.
💡 Best in the morning before the teenagers take over; bring your own safety gear as there's no hire on site.
💡 Go at high tide for the best views of wading birds; the car park is free but fills up fast on sunny weekends.
💡 Visit in September for the Apple Festival when tastings and tours are included. Don't bother with the cafe—pack a picnic instead.