Willow Cottage

Dartford is the principal town in the Borough of Dartford, Kent, England. It is located 18 mi (29 km) south-east of Central London and is situated adjacent to the London Borough of Bexley to its west. To its north, across the Thames Estuary, is Thurrock in Essex, which can be reached via the Dartford Crossing. To its east lies the Borough of Gravesham and to the south the district of Sevenoaks. It had a population of 51,240 in 2018.

One of the most fascinating things about Dartford is its connection to Charles Dickens, the famous English writer. Dickens spent his early years in the town and it is said that his experiences here influenced some of his most famous works. For instance, the Marsh Country in Great Expectations is believed to have been inspired by the landscape around Dartford.

Aside from its literary connections, Dartford is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. One of the most popular is the Central Park, which covers over 26 hectares of land and has a wide range of facilities including a children's playground, a lake, and a cafe. The River Darent also runs through the town, providing opportunities for scenic walks and picnics.