River boat and ferry trips, forts, and fables the market town of Dartford also has a rich industrial heritage. With Gravesend a captivating fusion of past and present.
Dartford & Gravesend
River boat and ferry trips, forts and fables – Dartford and Gravesend have lots of history and high seas adventure stories. Throw in shopping experiences with boat rides, mini golf, and a Princess statue and you won’t be disappointed with a visit to either North Kent towns.
Dartford sits just 20 miles to the east of London on the bank of the river Thames. A market town with a rich industrial heritage, it is home to the oldest human remains ever discovered in Europe – the Swanscombe Skull – which can be found at the Swanscombe Heritage Park, a nature reserve that holds a number of events throughout the year. To find out more about its history and the area, visit the Dartford Borough Museum which details its archaeological significance thoroughly.
This historic area offers a range of experiences, taking you through a journey that highlights both its past and present. Such as a visit to St John’s Jerusalem, a rare surviving chapel built in 1113.
Central Park at the heart of the town highlights the many outdoor spaces that Dartford has to offer, as does the Darenth Country Park with orchards and sculptures offer also amazing views of the area. There is also the Darenth Woods, Beacon Wood, Hesketh Park and Dartford Heath.
Modern life in Dartford is a perfect illustration of the seamless integration of history and heritage with contemporary life. Bluewater Shopping Centre offers not only retail therapy but also a trampoline park, an indoor dinosaur-themed play centre, boat rides and mini golf. Hangloose skywire, England’s longest zipline, is the newest activity – with plans for it to become the biggest adventure centre in Europe. In addition, the unique Young Driver experience gives little, and not so little, ones a chance to get behind the wheel.
Modern life in Dartford is a perfect illustration of the seamless integration of history and heritage with contemporary life.
In Gravesend this captivating fusion of past and present can also be seen. The Statue of Pocahontas standing proudly in the churchyard of the idyllic parish Church, St George’s, with a stop at Milton Chantry, the oldest building in the town, serving to quickly acquaint oneself with the extensive history of the area. Nodding to the historical significance of the Thames to Gravesend, visitors can take a ferry or boat trip from the town’s pier which often hosts impressive re-enactments of its life as an artillery fort at the New Tavern Fort. Alternatively, the plethora of activities available at the Cyclopark gives the town its simultaneously modern feel, as does the thrilling challenge of escaping The Panic Room, and the many productions held by the Woodville Theatre, home to both a cinema and gallery.
Mini train rides in the Summer, one of the oldest markets in Kent, and plenty of open spaces from play areas to country parks to enjoy. Throw in a windmill, a boat offering arts events and an open air cinema, Gravesend, like Dartford also has something for everyone to enjoy.
See Kent, Know Kent
Picture credits top to bottom: © Adventure Experience Ltd © Cyclopark © English Heritage.
Find More Things To Do & See
To find out more, use the filters below: choose Things To Do for attractions, What’s On for events, or All for everything in Dartford & Gravesend. Plus, scroll down for our latest guides, or browse Ideas & Inspiration for round-ups of festivals, seasonal events and days out across Kent.
What’s on and things to do in Dartford & Gravesend
Latest guides and ideas
Winter Trails In Kent Discover wonderful seasonal trails, Winter walks, and hunts in Kent and explore magical gardens, forests and cathedrals in the Garden of England. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, a couple yearning for a romantic escape, or a solo adventurer thirsting for discovery, Kent’s Winter trails hold something for everyone. So, lace up […]
2024 update here for Best Pumpkin Picking In Kent 2024 Searching for where to go picking for pumpkins in Kent this Autumn? Look no further we have plenty of great places to pick pumpkins in the county – plus scarecrow hunts, face painting, spooky night picking and lots more family fun. Pull on your wellies […]
See our latest events for 2024 here. Looking for great ideas for Halloween for grown-ups only? With our latest blog post find fright nights and terrible terror times. With our Halloween In Kent Adult Events blog post find what’s on near you – if you dare! Some events still coming in so keep […]
Festivals of theatre, crafts, poetry, and lots more in Garden of England for 2024 will be coming soon as we update our new year listings. See our Festivals in Kent for the year for details of similar events. Festivals In Kent 2024 Theatre, Arts & Crafts Coming Soon See Kent, Know Kent Picture Credit: © […]
Kent is home to a great range of festivals inspired by a range of themes – classic cars, kids, military displays, and plenty more- our update for 2024 coming soon Festivals In Kent 2024 Themed Shows Coming Soon KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S GOING ON & SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER You can unsubscribe […]
Great ideas for the school holidays include children’s trails in Kent, with fairy and teddy bear trails, underwater monsters & lots more. Adding more as we find them. Plus, all-year quiz trails and themed hunts too – see under our tours and trips category for more inspiration. Also, check our Summer Holidays Events in Kent round-up and our Things […]
Round-ups, seasonal guides and inspiration for days out in Kent. Browse them all in Ideas & Inspiration.
