Name: Parks and open spaces
Description: There are many opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities in the Parks and Open Spaces in the Borough

Parks and open spaces

  • Image of a Dartford river

    Parks and Open Spaces - General Information

    There are many opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities in the parks and open spaces in the Borough

  • walking in woods

    Wonderful walks

    There are so many great walks around Dartford that it's only fair to share
    so we've produced a series of wonderful walks for you to enjoy

  • The Cafe in the park

    Cafe in the park

    Dartford's Central Park is now home to a brand new cafe and visitor centre - the perfect place to stop for tea and a slice of cake on a stroll through the park

  • Map of the Dartford Borough

    Become a volunteer walk leader

    Do you enjoy walking? Do you have a few hours that you could spare? Would you like to lead a small walking group? If you answered yes to all of the questions then we would love to hear from you!

  • Image of the flower beds in Central park

    Central Park Vision

    Since 1906, Central Park has been the green heart of Dartford - so popular in its heyday that trippers would come from miles around to enjoy the attractions, river and formal gardens

  • Image of the Central park bridge

    We've built bridges

    The bridges provide a vital link in creating the new Central Park entrance at Darenth Road, making access to the park easier and far more attractive
  • Parks and Open Spaces

    Play bid

    The Council has been granted £200,027 to spend on specific improvements for children’s play to which it is adding a further £50,000 to ensure that first class improvements are delivered

  • Image of the Central park Skate Park

    Skate park

    The £45,000 extension to Dartford Skate Park was opened by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Councillor Jeremy Kite on Saturday, 26 September 2009

  • Image of the Central park Outdoor Fitness

    Fresh air fitness

    The Fresh Air Fitness equipment installed in Central Park provides a free, accessible facility for anyone who wishes to exercise in the natural environment of the park
  • Image of the Central park Prince's tunnel

    Prince's tunnel

    The Princes Tunnel, commemorated by a plaque, has been modified to allow cyclists and walkers to pass through
  • Image of Walking and Cycling routes around Dartford

    Connect 2

    Dartford's residents and visitors are set to benefit from improved cycling and pedestrian routes thanks to the Connect2 project which was successful at winning the Big Lottery Fund's

  • Countryside

    More park

    For too long, Dartford’s river has been forgotten and overlooked. We want to bring it back to life as a vital ecological hub and a haven for local wildlife, as well as a place for recreation; just as the Edwardians used it
  • Image of a Playground in Hesketh park

    Hesketh Park

    Hesketh Park is about one half the size of Central Park and is very different in character. The main areas are dominated by sports facilities and the park is home to the Dartford Cricket and Bowls Clubs

  • Image of the Dartford Heath

    Dartford Heath

    Dartford Heath is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty but it is also home to a wonderful variety of wildlife

  • Image of a Volunteer working group

    Volunteer groups

    Would you like to help look after your local environment? Have fun and exercise in the great outdoors? Meet new people?

  • Image of the Darenth Country park

    Darenth Country Park

    Darenth Country Park was developed from the grounds of the former Darenth Asylum, as one of "Changing Places" National Millennium Projects and opened to visitors for the millennium

  • Image of the Central park children's playground

    Children's playgrounds

    The Council has over 20 children's playgrounds throughout the Borough. The largest of these are at Central and Hesketh Parks, and there are numerous small and medium sized playgrounds elsewhere, in residential areas

  • Image of the Rose gardens in Central park

    Grounds maintenance of open spaces and parks

    The overall management of the parks is under the Council's Property and Regeneration Directorate, however the Leisure Services Section administer horticultural maintenance through English Landscapes Ltd

  • Drawing depicting Central Park

    Central park

    Central Park comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road

  • Question or more information

    Ragwort

    What is it?
    A yellow flowered weed which grows on pasture, rough ground and disturbed land

  • Image of a tree

    Trees and hedges

    The Council is responsible for the maintenance of trees and hedges on its own land. These fall into several categories

  • Image of Woodlands

    Darenth Woods site of specific scientific interest 'SSSI'

    Darenth Woods is an area of approximately 300 acres of ancient coppiced woodland

  • Image of the Park rangers

    Countryside rangers

    The Ranger Team consists of one Senior Ranger and two part time Rangers.The team manages a variety of sites from urban green space to rural countryside

  • Image of an allotment

    Allotments

    The Council acts as a point of contact between individuals who are interested in taking on an allotment and the allotment site representatives. There are 9 allotment sites within the Dartford area

  • Dartford Park

    Friends of Dartford's Parks and Open Spaces

    Several of Dartford's parks and open spaces have 'Friends' groups who meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the parks and receive updates from the Council, Police and other organisations

Last Updated: 08th September 2020