Well after reading the other two reviews for Dartford, I thought I would jump to its defense.

I have lived in Dartford for 13 years, I moved here from Peckham when I was fifteen. My parents wanted to give us a better standard of living and I can certainly say that compared to my friends who still live there, they have achieved it.

I know from what people tell me that Dartford is nowhere near how wonderful it used to be and that some areas are in desperate need for regeneration but lets focus on some of the positives.

The Orchard theatre, a thriving theatre right in the middle of the town, it attracts many shows and has a great line up throughout the year.

Central park - Park attendants and gardeners work year round to make this park a beautiful environment for the community to use, the flowers always look stunning, there is plenty of grass areas to run around and have picnics, the huge play area is fantastic for children of all ages, they is a new water splash park opening in July 09. There is a basketball court, skate park and newly opened outdoor gym.
If you go under the tunnel at the bottom of the park, you will arrive at some of the prettiest lakes around with plenty of fishing spaces and benches to sit and watch the world go by.

Sports - Dartford has some of the best sporting venues in the country, Princes Park is one of the country's most sustainable sports stadiums and the best stadium in non-league football. Dartford Judo Club is the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art world class Judo facility in the UK and has been named as an official training area for the 2012 olympics.
Dartford is also home to the Harriers athletic club, The Kent Ravens rugby club and Dartford district swimming club.

Culture - Dartford has one of the most beautiful librarys I have seen, It is a grade II listed building of outstanding architectural merit and is a main feature of the town.
We have a museum which has different displays and exibitions throughout the year.
There is the Dartford festival which is a busy, fun place to be, last year Jason Donavon and Chas and Dave were the headliners brilliant free entertainment.

Schools - Dartford has some of the best schools in the country, many people come to live in Dartford for this reason alone, this is why when all over the country house prices were falling, Dartford house prices were and still are steadily increasing.

I could go on and on about the beautiful things we do have in Dartford, admittedly you have to look past the chavs and toot shops whibut ch unfortunately Dartford has in abundance to find them, but they are there and I think that they are really worth looking for.