Introduction: Sheppey as your Kentish base

With Seaview Park in Leysdown-on-Sea as your base, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the beautiful Isle of Sheppey and the wider Kent area. From the iconic Canterbury Cathedral to enjoying the open air and nature at Milton Creek Country Park, the region offers something for everyone.

The Isle of Sheppey, located in the Swale district of Kent, is known for its diverse landscapes and historical significance. Beyond the island, the Swale includes the vibrant market town of Sittingbourne and the historic hop-growing hub of Faversham. This central location allows visitors to enjoy Sheppey’s coastal charm while staying close to these unique mainland destinations, each offering its own character and attractions.

This guide highlights the best of the area’s history, nature, and attractions, all within easy reach of your stay. Seaview Park is the ideal starting point for your adventures.

Canterbury Cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in the region and a must-visit is Canterbury Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture dating back to 1070. With over 1,400 years of stories, this cathedral sits at the heart of English history.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features intricate stone carvings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and fascinating historical artefacts. You can climb the bell tower for panoramic city views and discover the cathedral’s rich history and architectural significance as the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Wingham Wildlife Park

Just a short drive from Canterbury, Wingham Wildlife Park is a highlight for animal lovers and families. This award-winning park is Kent’s fastest-growing wildlife park, home to over 200 species, including tigers, penguins, meerkats, moon bears, and chimpanzees.

Visitors can enjoy educational talks, feeding sessions, and explore 26 acres of habitats. The park also features two large indoor and outdoor play areas, a sheltered tropical house and a reptile house, making it a great destination no matter the weather.

Wingham Wildlife Park is family-owned and committed to conservation, supporting global projects to protect endangered species.

Kent Battle of Britain Museum

Located on the former RAF Hawkinge airfield near Folkestone, the Kent Battle of Britain Museum offers an unparalleled experience for history enthusiasts. As the world’s largest collection dedicated to the Battle of Britain, it showcases over 700 artefacts from crashed aircraft, along with an impressive range of memorabilia.

You can explore display hangars featuring iconic World War II planes like Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Messerschmitts, all up close. The museum also houses an extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, and personal belongings of the pilots who heroically fought in the battle.

Beyond its remarkable exhibits, the museum brings history to life with educational talks and interactive experiences. Guests can test their skills on a flight simulator or sit in a replica Spitfire cockpit for a truly immersive experience.

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum tells the story of the battle with care and without bias, preserving the legacy of those who served and sacrificed. A visit here is not only educational but also deeply moving.

Milton Creek Country Park

Milton Creek Country Park is a stunning green space in the heart of Sittingbourne, covering 128 acres. Once an industrial site, it has been transformed into a vibrant and peaceful nature reserve, making it a favourite spot for families, dog walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The park is rich in wildlife, home to a variety of birds, insects, and small mammals and is ideal for birdwatching or nature photography. Rare species such as the Nightingale and the Shrill Carder Bee can be found here, highlighting its ecological importance. The park also includes diverse habitats, from meadow and scrub to aquatic environments, all linked by an extensive network of trails.

Located at the northern end of Sittingbourne, the park connects to Milton Creek, a shallow tidal inlet leading to the Swale at Elmley Reach. Once a landfill, the site has been rejuvenated into a “green heart” for the town, offering a tranquil escape and a vital space for nature and outdoor activities.

Wildwood Trust

Discover the Wildwood Trust, a haven for British wildlife nestled within 40 acres of stunning ancient woodland in the heart of Kent. Home to over 200 fascinating native species, Wildwood offers a unique opportunity to explore a living, breathing ecosystem. Unlike traditional zoos, the animals thrive in spacious, natural enclosures designed to reflect their wild habitats. Towering trees, lush greenery, and the tranquil sounds of birdsong create the perfect setting for an unforgettable visit.

Wildwood is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled family adventure. Children can enjoy the extensive playground and burn off energy, while parents relax in scenic picnic areas scattered throughout the woodland. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot incredible animals like bears, wolves, bison, elk, badgers, arctic foxes, wild boar, deer, lynx, wildcats, owls, storks, and even snakes. The collection is one-of-a-kind, focusing entirely on the conservation and rewilding of native British wildlife.

Conveniently located between Canterbury and Herne Bay on the A291 Canterbury Road, Wildwood Trust invites you to explore the wonders of nature and reconnect with wildlife.

Faversham

Experience the archetypal English town of Faversham, where ancient gabled buildings nestle along a gently lapping creek. The aroma of hops, the taste of fresh produce from surrounding orchards – it’s all here.

Browse the market on a square that’s barely changed since Elizabethan times, wander past old barge sheds on the creek, or sample centuries of brewing craft at Shepherd Neame and its microbreweries.

Indulge in some of Kent’s finest food from land and sea, or simply follow green lanes and orchards along routes trodden by pilgrims for millennia.

This is Kent as it was and still is – preserved yet vibrant, tranquil yet creative. It’s a place with historic nuance and all the contemporary comforts you crave. Come be a guest in the ‘Market Town and Port of Kings’ and you’ll understand why they wouldn’t change it for the world.

Sittingbourne

Discover the charm of Sittingbourne – a lively hidden gem offering heritage, countryside, and fantastic food, all just a 21-minute drive from Seaview Park. Wander the high street and admire the old Georgian buildings above the shops, explore the rolling green hills of the Kent Downs, or enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee at Baileys before stepping back in time at the Milton Regis Court Hall Museum.

Sittingbourne offers a mix of intriguing history, outdoor adventures, creative culture, and modern comforts. Recent investment and regeneration have brought exciting new additions, including The Light Cinema, a bowling alley, and a variety of food and drink options. New restaurants like Sentado Lounge, Tacos Locos, and Amalfi Ristorante Pizzeria complement the existing High Street, giving you plenty of choices for a special evening out.

For a family-friendly adventure, hop aboard one of Sittingbourne’s two heritage railways. The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway takes you into the heart of the country park, while the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, just outside town, boasts over 10 locomotives to explore.

Discover Kent’s best from Seaview Park

Whether you’re seeking history, nature, wildlife, or culinary delights, the areas surrounding the Isle of Sheppey offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From the vibrant towns of Faversham and Sittingbourne to the historic landmarks of Canterbury, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With Seaview Park as your perfect base, you’re set to discover the very best that Kent has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Your new chapter awaits in one of our cosy 12-month chalets. Take the first step toward your seaside escape today. To learn more or to arrange a viewing, call us at 01795 510 275.

Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions and help you begin your journey.

Start creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones in this stunning and picturesque part of England.