Dartford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bluewater Shopping Centre which includes a city and modern architecture
Photo by Kieran Hatton
Photo by Nicholas Greenfield
Photo by Steve Bennett
Photo by Snappy David

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 Orchard Theatre and Bluewater Shopping Centre 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 Orchard Theatre while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Wilmington
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is Rp2.279.200 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp2.279.200
Rp2.735.040 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,298 reviews)
"Noisy room next to house keeping trolley storage"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.465.455 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp2.465.455
Rp2.958.546 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,930 reviews)
"Very good location. Walkable to train station, tower bridge and Tower of London. Nice view from the room. Easy check in and check out. Reasonable price."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is Rp3.561.212 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp3.561.212
Rp4.273.454 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,970 reviews)
"Wry impressed with the hotel and location"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
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.
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre

1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre

3 out of 5
Essex Road, 7C, Dartford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Dartford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Bluewater Shopping Centre and Lakeside ...
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (370 reviews)
"This hotel is beautiful the area is so perfect there are some beautiful restaurants close by the staff are so lovely and helpful simon and vicky answered any questions i had and were very happy to help with anything i am returning next week it was that nice"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Rockwell East

Rockwell East

4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (660 reviews)
Will be back!
"The faculty at this hotel were always friendly and able to assist. The apartment itslef was clean and comfortable. If you're looking for somewhere to say by some attractions for a good value this is the place."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Rockwell East
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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