|
|
|
Welcome to Dartford, where the Garden of England meets the national’s capital. Only 17 miles from the heart of London, yet minutes from the orchards of Kent, and a short drive from Rochester and Dickens country. Dartford embraces eight parishes. Just a few minutes walk from the town centre and you’re deep in Kent countryside – orchards and woodland, tranquil lanes, peaceful villages, historic churches and welcoming inns.
Dartford owes much to the River Darent – not least its name as the town stands at the point where a ford made crossing the river possible. A way–marked path follows the river through the green and sheltered valley, which reminded Romans of their homeland. It became a popular residential district during the occupation, and remains of many fine Roman villas have been unearthed.
Explore the villages in turn; each has its rural charms and remnants of times long gone. Take your pick of interesting pubs serving fine ales and good value food. Dartford’s newest landmark, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, opened in October 1991, is the longest cable-stayed bridge of its kind in Europe. The bridge viewing area at stone offers a magnificent panorama of the River Thames, London and Essex.
There’s plenty to do and see in Dartford, for shoppers, in the town centre High Street trade is at its height on each Saturday, where the stalls of a market, established in early Medieval times, line the way. The huge Thursday market is held undercover behind the indoor Priory Shopping Centre. Also in the High Street is the Orchards Shopping Centre with a café and supervised play area, while Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is just a short drive away.
Tourist attractions include the Dartford Borough Museum – part of the grand Central Library building at the gates of Central Park. Permanent displays of local relics including a cast of the 250,000 year old Swanscombe Skull, and the unique Saxon glass Darenth Bowl, form backdrops to special one-off exhibitions.
Stone Lodge Farm Park is a working farm with rare breeds. Ride the horse drawn wagon, watch a craft demonstration, or if you time it right see a squealing pig litter being born. Special activities are organised at half-term and children’s birthday parties arranged. Picnic outdoors or enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Granary Tea Room. David Evans Craft Centre of Silk shows a fascinating insight into how traditional silk craftsmanship and its colourful history. The North Down’s Steam Railway is a heritage centre with rides, demonstrations and special events.
For those who enjoy sports, the Fairfield Pool is much more than just a swimming pool. You can enjoy a game of squash, relax in the sauna and steam rooms, or workout in the gym and also has a solarium, dance studio and crèche. Dartford Sports and Social Club has its own indoor tennis facilities at the Bailey Centre as well as squash, pitch and putt, table tennis and bowls. Brands Hatch Activity Centre lets you drive a car or four-wheel drive jeep off-road or you can have a try at karting or parascending. For the golfer, Birchwood Park Golf Club hosts a challenging 18-hole par 71 course; 9-hole beginner’s course; 38-bay floodlit Driving Range; Indoor Teaching Centre; Lounge Bar and Restaurant.
|
|
|
|
 |
Hotel Options |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
| Budget Hotels |
Premier Budget Hotels |
Late Availability |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
