Darenth Country Park — Attraction in Dartford

Primarily a dog walking area with long walks and wide open fields in which to run and play. There is a nice picnic area, picnic benches, war memorial, etc. There is a small dog-free play area for children with tree-trunks on their sides and balance bars, but no modern play equipment. There is also an orchard with over 150 varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry and cob nut trees, which locals are encouraged to pick and eat. The park is also home to a Riding Centre for the disabled and in addition to watching horses in the paddocks, you can often spot rabbits basking in the sun, whenever dogs are absent. The paths are well maintained, flat and suitable for wheelchair users. A sculpture by Andy McKeown, can be found in this park (at the top of the hill), although there is no paved path to it. The large car park is totally free of charge and there is no admittance fee, just ensure you check the closing times on entry to avoid being locked in. Saxon graves and artefacts have been found here, including an intact glass bowl dating back to 450AD, although you wouldn't know it by walking around here. Sadly the park does look a little tired. Signs are worn or missing, and children's balance bars are loose and cracking. It is also worth noting that there are no facilities or shelter here, of any kind, and it is quite a distance to any public toilet should you be caught short. All that said, it is a great park and one we'll continue to return...

The park is smaller than I thought it was. Needs to be maintained properly and would be nice if there was footpaths going around the park. Some paths are really muddy. My favourite spot was the view overlooking the hill of Dartford bridge and behind the bridge you can see some more hills. There is a picnic area, a small children’s playground and car Parking next to the children’s playground. Blue water shopping centre isn’t too far and you can take a bus directly to this park from Woolwich. Get off at Darent Valley hospital and turn right keep walking past the hospital until you get to the car park. You’ll have to walk through the park then through the forest and once you get to the other side you’ll see some horses. I also visited Dartford market which wasn’t too far from here and picked up some bargains and enjoyed walking around the market, went into the library and also visited the local park there called Central Park. There’s also Bluewater shopping...

Absolutely lovely park- not too big- easily walkable due to payment walking strip made all around it. There were a lot of dog walkers- so it is a lovely park for one and all. There is also a small children’s play area next to the car parking. There is a single Car parking (which is free), so please put ‘Darenth Country Park car park’ on Google map when you drive here. There is no coffee cafe/restaurant that we could spot during our visit. Beautiful views of the A2 from the park- so its a lovely feel being on the other side of the world, and watching car zoom past at a distance.

It looked beautiful in February winter- and I can only imagine its glamor when the spring /summer arrives. Would...