Dartford is situated just 20 miles to the east of London on the south bank of the River Thames, between the Boroughs of Bexley and Gravesham.

Originally a Roman settlement, Dartford is an old market town with a rich industrial heritage. Paper-making and cement production were major industries in the area for centuries, and many technological advances in production were made by Dartford companies.

Dartford is also proud of its architectural heritage and has many notable buildings - see the section on Places to Visit.

The Borough also contains marshland, parks and fields and forms part of the Garden of England. To the south of the town lie a number of beautiful and ancient parishes, each of which has its own links with English history.

Dartford is set to grow considerably over the next twenty years, and Dartford Borough Council recognises the importance of celebrating this local heritage and protecting sites for future generations of Dartfordians and visitors to the Borough.