Darenth Country Park
Dartford, North Kent
Photo: David Anstiss, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo: David Anstiss, CC BY-SA 2.0
A country park on the site of the former Darenth asylum, opened in 2002, looking over the Darent Valley. It has chalk grassland with rare wildflowers, a traditional orchard of more than 150 fruit and nut varieties, and paved and unpaved paths including cycle routes.
Highlights
- Traditional orchard with over 150 varieties
- Chalk grassland SSSI with the rare Watling Street thistle
- Picnic area by the car park
- Sculpture by Andy McKeown
Good to know
- Buses 96, 428 and Fastrack B stop at Darenth Hospital, a five-minute walk away
- Home to the Arrow Riding Centre for disabled riders
Getting there
Darenth Country Park, Gore Road, Darenth, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6LZParking: Car park off Gore Road, between the B260 and the A255. A charged vehicle release service operates after locking.
Get directionsChecked on 16 October 2026 against dartford.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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Nearby
Image: Hangloose AdventureHangloose Adventure Bluewater
Hangloose Adventure Bluewater sits in the old chalk quarry beside Bluewater shopping centre, where Skywire, billed as England's longest zipline, flies over the cliffs and lake. There is also a giant swing, a treetop high ropes course, an outdoor skydiving machine and an inflatable Aqua Park. It suits thrill-seeking families, teens and groups, and you can easily pair a couple of activities with a trip to the shops.
Image: BluewaterBluewater
Bluewater is a large shopping and leisure destination near Dartford with more than 250 shops, plus restaurants and cafés. On a rainy day it also offers a Showcase cinema, Gravity trampoline park and Dinotropolis. Parking is free, so it is easy to make a day of it.
Photo: Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0Beacon Wood Country Park
Beacon Wood Country Park near Bean is a rolling woodland on old clay pits that have largely returned to nature. Follow the trails, look out over the pond and wetland from the viewing platform and stop at the shady picnic area. It suits dog walkers and families wanting an hour or two outdoors near Dartford.