About Dartford
For those of you that already know me, I love Dartford.
Dartford lies along the south bank of the River Thames, just east of and adjoining the metropolitan area of Greater London.
In the old days it was a market centre and the fording of the River Darent by the road between London and Canterbury gave Dartford its name.
Because of its location on the main route between London and the mainland of Europe, Dartford has been associated with many events in British history. Isabella, sister of Henry III, was married by proxy there to the Holy Roman emperor Frederick II in 1235. And Henry VIII’s wife Anne of Cleves, and Elizabeth I all had private residences in Dartford.
But that’s enough history for one day. Let's focus on what makes Dartford great today.
Culture:
Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery
If you love art, then you must visit his gallery.
“I try to achieve a loose interpretation of the subject allowing the viewer to engage with the piece. Working with my hands, palette knives and other tools to create movement and texture, helps me to achieve my view of our world.”
What the locals say:
Lovely Gallery and fine selection of gifts
“Stephen Oliver Gallery is lovely, obviously a very gifted artist. From original pieces to framed prints his work is gorgeous. Copies of his work exist on fridge magnets and cards starting at a few pounds. Owner also does alot for the local community.”
Amazing
“Amazing painting. So much love and time goes into each and every painting. Artist is always happy to great you and chat to the children. He has a space for painted rocks which my children absolutely love going to see all the different rocks. We often swap our painted ones for ones on the table to either hide or keep. Always so welcoming.”
https://www.stephen-oliver-art.co.uk/
The Orchard Theatre
The Orchard Theatre is conveniently located in the heart of Dartford’s town centre and attracts the latest and most sought after touring productions in the UK. They offer a range of entertainment from leading West End musicals, top comedians, bands, dramas, dance, classical music and opera. And of course, their ever popular annual pantomimes.
What the locals say:
West End in Dartford
“A great theatre putting on great shows. Having trod the boards there myself 30 years ago it is always a pleasant place to visit and feels like home .. great raking of the seats and excellent views from most.”
Show
“We went to see the dance show, the staff are very friendly, the seats are comfortable, the bar area is nice the atmosphere is good, highly recommended.”
Eating Out:
Efes Turkish Restaurant
Conveniently located in the town centre means you’re never too far from this fantastic restaurant in Dartford, I honestly can’t praise them enough.
They have been cooking up a storm since 1974, and now have venues in Whitechapel and Kent. Go along and give them a visit, you’ll not be disappointed.
What the locals say:
Tasty Food!
Absolutely love this restaurant. If you want tasty, hearty Turkish food this is definitely the place to go. When I found out this place was still doing takeaway i couldn’t believe it!
Amazing
I came here with a few of my colleagues for a business meeting. The atmosphere was calm, the food was amazing and the service was attentive. Will certainly be back again
Outdoors:
Darenth Country Park
Darenth Country Park was developed from the grounds of the former Darenth Asylum. The Park is located on the edge of the North Downs above the Darent Valley and it is home to the Arrow Riding Centre for the disabled.
The site resembles a river valley with the main Chestnut Driveway marking the bottom. It includes a scheduled ancient monument. Although little remains today, this was once the site of ancient Saxon burials.
What the locals say:
Great walk
I've been to this one a few times and have to say it is in my top ten best walks of Kent. I love the scenery and the various paths that keep both me and my family and dogs entertained.
Really lovely
Went here to walk my dog, plenty of parking spaces and a nice mix of paved walks, walks in the woodland and grass. Also a nice war memorial and orchard with apple trees of the ages. Lots of trails and a nice view at the top of the hill. Really enjoyed the walk, and would recommend it.
Shopping:
Bluewater Shopping Mall
Since Bluewater opened its doors on March 16, 1999, it has set the benchmark for the ultimate shopping and leisure experience.
With 300 stores, over 50 bars, restaurants and cafes along with 13,000 free car parking spaces, Bluewater attracts millions of visitors per year.
What the locals say:
Such a great shopping centre
This shopping centre is very smart and well laid out. Hundreds of shops, restaurants,coffee shops and the cinema.
Plenty to see and do worth a visit or two!!!
Soft play area
My 2 year old loved this area although he found the dinosaur noises quite scary. We had trouble getting him to leave ! But we thought it was too exspensive if you had more than one child
Farmers Market:
Stanhill Farm Kent
Stanhill Farm's 150 acres are managed by brothers Toby and Max Williams and are ideally located just 17 miles from the centre of London, making it one of the capitals most local farms.
When the brothers took over Stanhill back in 2004 the farm was producing cabbage for Waitrose, Runner beans and courgettes for the wholesale trade and had only a small Pick Your Own. Over the next few years it was decided to move away from the supermarkets and concentrate on the wholesale market. The Pick Your Own was developed further and a produce box delivery service was introduced.
What the locals say:
Farm shop visit
Great selection of fresh veg and fruit, popped in at Christmas as well, loved the assorted carrots .
Give this place a try, also a sausage van was outside.
Maize maze WOW
Great day out , huge maize maze to get lost in , map is provided with a mini game inside of the maze , we went on the last day of the season and had the whole place to ourselves and it was really good fun
https://www.stanhillfarm.co.uk/
So, These are my best parts about Dartford. What are your thoughts? Is there anything I have missed?
This is Dartford and I love it.
P.s. Let’s all get involved in supporting local and getting our towns and city centres back on track.
Gary Lintorn - Let Me Get You Moving...
Who is Gary Lintorn?
Gary is your proven and trusted property expert with a huge heart. Not only does Gary take care of his clients and the sale & rental of their homes, he also works with the local community of Dartford and the surrounding areas too. Find Gary Lintorn on his Youtube channel here.
