Dartford, Kent

Flower Delivery to Dartford by Clare Florist

With an awesome shopping experience in Bluewater and much more, Dartford is a perfect place for those who are looking for something modern yet relaxing. The town has very rich and varied heritage which include Domesday churches and buildings that have connections to the royals.

With attractions that range from historical to outdoor-related, Dartford also makes a wonderful romantic destination. Should this be your intent, make sure to send flowers to Dartford for your date to start the getaway right.

Being one of the smallest regions located in Kent, you might think that there's not much to do here. However, thanks to its position on the old Roman road from Dover to London, Dartford has received its fair share of visitors.

HISTORY

The first people to appear in Dartford were a tribe of hunter-gatherers whose examplar is called Swanscombe Man.

Thanks to the establishment of the Dover to London road by the Romans, it was possible to cross the River Darent by ford, which gave the settlement its name. Roman villas were built along the Darent Valley as well as the Noviomagus.

It was the Saxons who first established a settlement in the place where Dartford now stands.

Dartford was an important waypoint for pilgrims and travellers on the way to Canterbury and the Continent during the medieval period. As a result, various religious orders were established in the area.

The town also played a part in history during the 15th century as two kings of England marched through town to fight at the Battle of Agincourt.

Mostly an agricultural land, changes emerged during the 16th century as new industries were introduced.

PARKS & OPEN SPACES

Central Park – plays host to the Dartford Festival every July. This is located near the town centre and is home to formal gardens and ornamental displays of more than 40,000 plants. Basically, it's a place where you can get your fix of flowers in Dartford.

Other than blooms, the park has features that spell fun for children: swings and slides, climbing net and climbing wall. Adults can have some fun too thanks to fresh-air fitness equipment and a skatepark.

Dartford Heath – located on the southwest portion of the town centre, this is home to a wide range of birds and insects such as dragonflies, grasshoppers, rabbits and much more.

Other than animals, the place is also filled with lots of Dartford flowers that include heath bedstraw, foxglove and honeysuckle.

ATTRACTIONS

Bluewater – located on the eastern edge of Dartford, this shopping centre is hailed as one of the best in Europe and houses more than 300 brands, 50 restaurants and a parking space that can accommodate thousands.

The “Borough of Darford” Fire Engine – was rescued by the Dartford Borough Council in late 2011. This was purchased in 1939 and retired from service in 1955.

Blue Plaques – these celebrate historical events and figures in the borough. Some of these include plaques for Jane Austen, Dartford Football Club  and Dartford Borough Museum.

Manor Gate House – constructed by Henry VIII for personal use. After his death, the house was given to Anne of Cleves. It was retained by Elizabeth I.

Swanscombe Skull Site – this is where the oldest remains in Europe were discovered along with other primitive stone tools.

Churches – home to 11 churches included in the Domesday Book. One of the most interesting is the Holy Trinity which is located in the town centre.

TRANSPORTATION LINKS

Dartford, as well as the town of Gravesend, is both well-connected in terms of transportation. Eurostar trains which are located in nearby Ebbsfleet International Station direct you to Paris in over two hours and Brussels in one and a half hours. There are domestic trains too that link these areas with London St Pancras in just 18 minutes.

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