Dartford Area Guide

With its convenient location and transport links to London, a property in Dartford allows for easy trips into the capital. There are plenty of shopping centres and big-name attractions close by, but Dartford combines these with peaceful parks and green spaces to offer residents the best of both worlds.

Welcome to Dartford

Situated less than 20 miles from London, Dartford is an attractive area for commuters and families alike. It's home to Bluewater Shopping Centre, a thriving retail and leisure destination that's packed with stores, restaurants and things to do, including an adventure play park and nature trail. For nature lovers, Dartford Heath is renowned for its wildlife and scenic walks.

Dartford is a winner with families

Families looking for property in Dartford aren’t just attracted by its proximity to the big city – there are some excellent schools in the area for kids of all ages. Dartford and Wilmington Grammar Schools are highly-regarded secondary institutions, while options for infants include the Brent Primary School and Fleetdown Primary Academy. For older students, North West Kent College offers further and higher education courses, apprenticeships and more.

Getting around in Dartford

Situated in Zone 8 of the Transport for London network, residents of Dartford can use the Oyster card system for travel in and around the capital. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes between Dartford, Charing Cross and Victoria, with a journey time of just over 40 minutes for each. Residents also benefit from discounted season tickets for the Dartford Crossing, which connects Kent with Essex.

A short history of Dartford

Dartford first rose to prominence as a market town and a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to visit Canterbury. It boasts a rich industrial heritage and was an important centre for everything from manufacturing to paper in the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the closure of several of its biggest employers in the 1970s, Dartford rebranded itself as a shopping and leisure destination with the opening of Bluewater in 1999.

Arts and Culture in Dartford

Famous as the birthplace of Sir Mick Jagger, Dartford has a long and proud cultural history. Highlights in the town include the Orchard Theatre, which hosts an exciting programme of plays, musicals and comedy all year round. In the summer, residents flock to Central Park to watch everything from Shakespeare to modern classics at the Dartford Open Air Theatre.

Outdoor activities in Dartford

As well as its impressive shopping and cultural amenities, Dartford offers plenty for sports fans, whether you're heading to watch a match at Dartford FC or putting in a session at one of the town's gyms and fitness centres. For a more leisurely day out, beautiful walking routes are available in the local area, including Dartford Country Park and Beacon Wood Country Park, both just a short distance from the town centre.