Dartford

Travel Guide
Photo by Kieran Hatton
The birthplace of music legend Mick Jagger is also known for its old churches and huge modern shopping mall.

As a town with religious and cultural importance, Dartford has many charming churches and museums. Its most famous tourist attraction, however, is the Bluewater Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in Europe.

Catch a bus from Dartford centre to reach the Bluewater mall east of town. Browse more than 300 stores then enjoy the mall’s many attractions. Play mini golf and ride pedalos on a man-made lake at the Pirate Cove Adventure Park. Parents can take a break at the Bluewater mall’s day spa. 

Head back in to Dartford to visit The Mick Jagger Centre, which hosts community arts performances and live music concerts. The famous Rolling Stones lead singer was born in Dartford and used to sing in the local church choir. Enjoy a day out at the 26-acre (10-hectare) Central Park, just south of Dartford centre. Admire the colourful flowerbeds that bloom in spring and relax by the River Darent, which runs through the park.

Learn about the town’s origins at the Dartford Borough Museum on the edge of Central Park. 

Uncover the religious and historic sides of Dartford. The most well known of the town’s churches is the Holy Trinity, which was built in 1080. Find blue plaques scattered around the town that celebrate historic events and people. See the inn where famous novelist Jane Austen stayed in the early 19th century.

Visit the Manor Gate House north of Dartford. The manor was built in 1541 by King Henry VIII for his personal use and lies just south of the River Thames. Cross the river on one of Europe’s largest cable-supported bridges, The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. On the north side, locate the Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve to take scenic walks and spot birds and other wildlife.At the end of your day of sight seeing, attend a play or musical at The Orchard Theatre.

Dartford is located on the banks of the River Darent in the northwest region of Kent. Take a 40-minute train ride from the centre of London to discover the town’s many charms.

Where to stay in Dartford

Crayford

Crayford might not have many top sights, but Crayford Greyhound Track and Orchard Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Crayford

Wilmington

Spas and restaurants are some things travellers note about Wilmington. Check out Birchwood Park Golf Centre or Crayford Greyhound Track while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Wilmington
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is RM671 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM671
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,279 reviews)
"Really nice rooms, great location, good food, nice bar."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

The Tower Hotel, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM825 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM825
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,019 reviews)
"Very convenient for the theatres, with Joe Allen’s restaurant on site, close to three tube stations"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Strand Palace Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel
5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,135 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM1,135
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,054 reviews)
"Good service and very clean"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Royal Garden Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Leman Locke
Leman Locke
4 out of 5
15 Leman St, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,333 reviews)
Super Contemporary and Clean
"Super contemporary apartment style hotel. Extremely clean and happy to have the extra space with good size living room and kitchen area with sizeable table. Washing machine and dryer a definite plus. Enjoyed early morning and evening views of the Tower Bridge. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Leman Locke
Locke At Broken Wharf
Locke At Broken Wharf
4 out of 5
Broken Quay House, 2 Broken Wharf, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (383 reviews)
My go-to place in the City
"I've stayed at this property five times for extended business trips. Always clean and quiet. For the City location the prices are reasonable and we love being close to Borough market and the ability to make our own meals."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Locke At Broken Wharf
Bermonds Locke
Bermonds Locke
4.5 out of 5
157 Tower Bridge Road, London, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (339 reviews)
"There is a bus stop right outside the door(188, or C10 buses). Also if you need a taxi, and your phone isn't working...there is a button on the front desk. Just push it, and a taxi will arrive within 10 min. The hotel is a short walk to the tower bridge & tower of London. Also close to Borough market. ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Bermonds Locke
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Dartford

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 17.391304347826086%
4 - Good
22
" "4 - Good 47.82608695652174%
3 - Okay
13
" "3 - Okay 28.26086956521739%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 4.3478260869565215%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.1739130434782608%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
20 Feb 2020

Nothing really around and tube wasn’t very close

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Jan 2020

Room lights are a bit dim. We went there to attend a party. And could not put my make up on properly as lights are not bright enough. There is a big mirror but would help if there is a make up mirror in the toilet . There is a table in the room but

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Nov 2019

Only at weekends easy reachable

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

Stayed one night whilst visiting Brands Hatch. We were impressed with the amount there was in easy walking distance. Very convenient for visiting so many places.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
27 Aug 2019

Dartford wasn't the purpose of my visit so I can't rely say what I thought about Dartford

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
11 Aug 2019

Dirty and noisy.