Dartford

Travel Guide

Bluewater Shopping Centre featuring modern architecture and a city
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 center 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 center. Admire the colorful 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 center 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

Some popular features of Wilmington include its spas and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Birchwood Park Golf Centre or Orchard Theatre are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Wilmington
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is ¥27,631 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
¥27,631
¥33,157 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,140 reviews)
"Excellent hotel , so close to many attractions and Charing Cross station. I loved being able to walk to Trafalgar Square to visit the amazing National Gallery in just 5 minutes!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥17,634 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥17,634
¥21,161 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,890 reviews)
Cozy Stay in London
"Our stay was comfortable. We had a full itinerary so we didn’t spend a lot of time in the room. The rooms are small and windowless but if you only need it to shower and sleep like us, it’s a great deal. It was conveniently located and what we needed for our trip to London. Tons of restaurants and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
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 ¥21,088 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥21,088
¥25,305 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,558 reviews)
Excellent hotel
"The hotel was perfect for our weekend break. Service was excellent , beds comfortable & a great buffet breakfast. The location was great for everything & also a lovely view of Tower bridge from our room. We were so happy with everything we have already booked again"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
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
Dartford
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Dartford. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (291 reviews)
"Helpful staff, great location, clean rooms, near shops and restaurants"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (611 reviews)
10/10 stay
"First time staying at this hotel and we’ll definitely be back! Clean, great location and lovely, helpful front desk staff."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Dartford