Dartford is a historic town in Kent situated on the River Darent, just southeast of London. Its position close to the River Thames and major routes between London and Kent has made it an important transport and commercial centre for centuries. The town has medieval origins and later became associated with industry, manufacturing and the development of major transport infrastructure. Today Dartford forms part of the wider London commuter belt and is one of the principal urban centres in north-west Kent.
Dartford: Historical sights and information
Facts about Dartford
- Latitude:
- 51.456785
- Longitude:
- 0.246748
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°27' N, 00°15' E
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Dartford's historic centre contains St Edmund's Church, the remains of Dartford Priory and buildings reflecting the town's medieval and industrial past. The nearby Darent Valley provides attractive walking and cycling routes through the Kent countryside. Bluewater shopping centre and the surrounding Ebbsfleet area offer major modern leisure and retail attractions. London, Greenwich, Rochester and the historic towns of Kent are all easily accessible for day trips.
Food, shopping and leisure
Dartford has a broad selection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, with further retail opportunities at nearby Bluewater. Traditional British food and international cuisines are both widely available. Spring through early autumn is particularly pleasant for exploring the Darent Valley and surrounding countryside. Dartford is also a practical stop for travellers moving between London, Kent and the Channel ports.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Dartford.