Dartford: History, Parks and Paths

Dartford combines historic buildings and exhibitions with parks and heathland. If you’re looking for a hotel in Dartford, you can start by considering whether you’re particularly interested in local history, nature or walks. Each theme offers different ways to shape your stay.

Church, Gatehouse and Local History

Holy Trinity Church was built around 1080 by Bishop Gundulf. Inside the church are an impressive 15th-century mural depicting George and the dragon, and the tomb of Sir John Spilman, dating from the early 17th century. The church’s construction and its later artworks and tombs represent different historical periods.

Another reminder of the area’s history is the historic gatehouse, the only surviving remnant of the former manor house. Henry VIII had a manor house built here for his personal use between 1541 and 1544. The exterior of the surviving gatehouse is worth seeing.

Exhibitions at Dartford Borough Museum

Dartford Borough Museum presents the history of the Borough of Dartford through chronologically arranged archaeological exhibitions and supporting social history materials. A display of a Roman kitchen includes replica food and tools, as well as genuine Roman pottery and glass vessels. Archaeological finds are thus complemented by vivid depictions of everyday life.

The exhibitions also include a reconstruction of a cloth merchant’s shop that once stood on the High Street. On display are an original shop counter, a storage cabinet and a till; a cash rail runs above the shop. The reconstruction brings the former shop to life, while the archaeological exhibitions offer a different way to explore the past.

Central Park and Dartford Heath

Central Park has designated play areas for children under five at Buccaneer Bay, as well as suitable play equipment for older children. There is also a water park, which operates during the summer months; seasonal operating hours may vary. If you’re planning to visit the water park on a particular date, check in advance whether it is scheduled to be open then. The centre of Central Park is right next to the water play area and is connected to the Darent Valley Path route via the main path network.

The River Darent flows through Central Park and provides a habitat for roach, bream, pike, perch and eels. This is a distinct natural feature of the park, alongside its play areas. Dartford Heath, in turn, has three seasonal ponds: The Donkey Pond, The Woodland Pond and The North Pond. The landscape also includes acid grassland, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, heathland and dwarf gorse. The natural features described for the heathland therefore differ from the river landscape in the park.

Walks, Routes and Theatre

Free guided walks are offered in Dartford through country parks, heathland, lakes and open landscapes. These different types of scenery give an idea of the variety of walks available. Dates and availability may be important when planning your visit, so check the details for the walk you’re interested in.

Route 125 connects Brooklands Lake with the Thames via Dartford town centre and Central Park. As routes and conditions may change, check the latest route information before planning your journey. The Orchard Theatre is located in the centre of Dartford and attracts touring productions. It was opened on 14 April 1983 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. The town’s cultural offering therefore ranges from historic buildings and museum exhibitions to theatre.

Discover more destinations: Bridge, Leaveland, Frittenden, Biddenden, Willesborough, Sandgate, Chilham, Southborough.

For the main travel overview: Kent.