Dartford’s picturesque landscape complements the beauty of its many parks and hiking trails, and its town center is home to a variety of theaters, museums, and historical sites. Many guests choose to stay in a well-known downtown hotel, but there are also many unique historic homes that you can reserve for your stay. While exploring the town, take in the vibrant colors and soothing sounds of the local gardens, green spaces, and woodlands.
Geography of Dartford
Dartford is located in the area known as the London Basin. The lowland marshes north of the city consist of alluvial deposits lowered by the London Clay and two of his rivers, the Darent and Clay, which meet in the area. The highlands where the town stands and passes through the narrow Darent Valley are made of chalk topped by Blackheath beds of sand and pebbles.
As a human settlement, Dartford was established as a river crossing with the arrival of the Romans. and as the midpoint of the two routes: West to East, part of the main route connecting London to the continent. South Route to Darent Valley. As a result, the city’s main street pattern takes the shape of the letter “T”.
With Dartford Wetlands to the north and proximity to Crayford in the London Borough of Bexley to the west, the city’s growth is to the south and east. Wilmington is effectively part of the Southern City. On the other hand, the Thames Gateway is in almost continuous development, so the city boundaries are barely discernible on the eastern side.
The Top Things to Do in Dartford
A visit to Central Park
Spend a pleasant day at the park. Central Park is a 10.5-hectare park on the west bank of the River Darent with play areas, open green spaces, and elaborate garden areas. The summer gardens include a rose garden, pergola, and vibrantly colored bedding displays comprised of over 45,000 plants.
If you’re traveling with kids, the park has a fantastic playground complete with climbing walls, slides, and swings. The park hosts a variety of local events, so be sure to check the schedule for any that may be of interest to you.
- Location- Cranford Rd, Dartford DA1 1JP, United Kingdom
- Open – Daily from 6 a.m. to 5.45 p.m.
- Phone – +44 (0)1322 343434
Dartford Borough Museum is located in Dartford, Kent
Through historic artifacts, discover Dartford’s rich history. Dartford Borough Museum has permanent exhibits that tell the story of the Borough of Dartford through many archaeological finds, as well as items from more recent history on display.
In addition to sharing local history through the museum’s own exhibits, staff will try to identify any local objects found by visitors. They can usually identify items on sight, but objects can also be left if more research is required. The Dartford Borough Museum is located on Market Street, near the Central Park entrance.
- Location: Market St, Dartford DA1 1EU, UK
- Open: Monday–Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
- Phone: +44 1322 224739
Darence Country Park
Stroll through peaceful parks and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Durrence Country Park has trails and playgrounds, as well as meadows and wildflower meadows with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Darrence Country Park is about a 9-minute drive southeast of the city center. The park’s chapel orchard is home to wide varieties of apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees, and several paths meander through the space, providing a tranquil area for walks and bikes.
Kids will love the playgrounds and sculptures designed by school children and community groups with the help of local artists. The park is also an area of historical interest, as Saxon tombs and relics from the period have been found here.
- Location:68 Darenth Park Ave, Dartford DA2 6NN, UK
Beacon Wood Country Park
Walk along lush landscapes of forests, countryside, and wetlands. Beacon Wood Country Park is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, thanks to its diverse forest and wildlife, rolling hills, lush green vegetation, and fascinating history. The park’s pond area has platforms that offer great views of the moors and countryside, and there are several trails with shaded areas that provide great places to stop and enjoy a picnic.
The hollowed-out land you see here is the result of quarrying clay for cement production in the 1930s. Previously, the site was used for the production of gunpowder and as a signal area to warn of the advancing Spanish armada. The park is located on Southfleet Road.
- Location: 8 Southfleet Rd, Bean, Dartford DA2 8AR, UK
- Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 9 pm
- Phone: +44 (0)1474 832999
Dinotropolis
Dinotropolis spotlights 3 stories of soft play featuring fun-filled and educational interactive dinosaur activities. Children can run around and play in an endless maze of ball pits, drawbridges, and slides, and they’ll have many opportunities to get up close to animatronic dinosaurs, race through the Dino Escape Challenge, or power themselves through Raptor Run.
Discovery Cove is focused on arts, crafts, and technology, offering guests a chance to dig for fossils or build a volcano. Once kids have made their way through each zone, they will earn the title of ‘ranger’. Deli meals and snacks are available at the Fossil Café, and you can find the center located in the Bluewater Shopping Centre.
- Location : Dinotropolis UPPER PLAZA, SVU10, Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9SG, UK
- Open: Sunday 10am to 7pm, Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 9pm
- Phone:+44 (0)1322 876127
Darent Valley Walk
Hike this trail offering stunning views and opportunities for all skill levels. The Darent Valley Path is a 30km walking trail that climbs past historic inns and to breathtaking views from the top of the Downs. There are numerous access points nearby, such as Sevenoaks and Dartford train stations, to name a few.
There are several public transports stops near the trail, so you can take a break from your hike at any time. We offer a variety of courses to suit all skill levels. You can navigate to the Darent Valley Path from your guide or follow the highlighted route on the OS Explorer map.
Stephen Oliver
Studio & Gallery showcases contemporary art by local artists in the heart of Dartford. Oliver’s intimate gallery and studio his space offer a quiet and peaceful viewing experience, and many of the paintings on display are for sale.
You will soon find that nature is a great inspiration for Oliver’s work. He has always seen himself as a creative person and spent his youth as a photographer. Locally trained, his work uses many techniques in oil, acrylic, and watercolor.
- Location: Orchards Shopping Centre, High St, Dartford DA1 1DN, UK
- Open: Thursday–Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)
- Phone: +44 (0)1322 278674
Dartford Open-Air Theatre
Dartford Open Air Theatre’s outdoor stage in Dartford Central Park is a great spot to enjoy a summer play and is a favorite amongst the locals. Guests are encouraged to set up a blanket, relax and enjoy a picnic while they watch a live performance.
Among the shows that have been performed on the outdoor stage here are William Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and Illyria’s take on Mary Shelley’s classic ‘Frankenstein’. Show listings and tickets can be accessed on the city council’s website.
- Location: Central Rd, Dartford DA1 1LU, UK
The Orchard Theatre
The Orchard Theatre offers a variety of shows including musicals, plays, popular live music, comedy, and family events, as well as a yearly pantomime show. Located in Dartford town center, the train station is just a 2-minute walk from the theater.
The theater can accommodate the 1,025 people in comfortable seats with beautiful views of the stage. The hotel restaurant is a great place to have dinner before the show. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase to enjoy during the show.
- Location: Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)1322 220000
Where To Eat In Dartford
Fighting Cocks Pub & Riverside Restaurant
This restaurant and pub are fun for the whole family, with beautiful gardens, a large playground, and a petting zoo for children. The food is delicious, professionally prepared, and served by well-trained staff. Enjoy stunning views of the gardens and nearby river while dining and socializing. Whether it’s a place to celebrate a birthday or a family get-together, the Fighting Cocks Pub & Riverside Restaurant in Houghton Kirby is perfect.
Lady Darence
This Daren’s pub is comfortably furnished with a dining table and a large bar for those who just want a drink. There is also a beer garden. The bartenders are friendly and the pub grub is delicious. Dogs can also be brought to the table by agreement with management.
If you’re looking for a casual pub with a great atmosphere and character, visit Checkers Her Darence.
Sedir Restaurant
A lovely Turkish restaurant on Lawfield Street serves delicious, carefully prepared food. The food tastes authentically from Turkey, so if you like something a little different, definitely give this restaurant a try.
In addition to the Mediterranean atmosphere, you can enjoy traditional Turkish live performances in the evenings. You also get a complimentary bread basket and a small number of olives.
Where to Sleep
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
- Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa
- Travelodge Dartford
- Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel And Spa
- Holiday Inn Express London – Dartford, an IHG Hotel
- Premier Inn Dartford Hotel
- Campanile Dartford
- The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel
