Welcome to the website for the Parish of Darenth,
a village situated to the south-east of Dartford.
The name 'Darenth' has a number of derivations – ‘Daerintan’ from the 10th Century; ‘Tarent’ meaning ‘(Estate on) the River Darent taken from the Domesday Book whilst Darent itself is a Celtic river-name meaning ‘river where oak-trees grow’.
The village is proud of the common-land that extends along the length of Green Street Green Road from the Fox and Hounds PH at one end to The Ship Inn at the other. The village has one other pub, The Chequers in Darenth Road; and a renowned Indian Restaurant (‘The Green Spice’). Opposite the Darenth Hill/Green Street Green Road junction can be found a superb Fish & Chip Shop; a Hairdressers; a Betting Shop and a Co-Op Supermarket whilst there is a Doctor's Surgery in Bennett Way, all of which provide excellent service to the Village and surrounding communities.
St Margaret of Antioch Church on Darenth Hill has been in existence for nearly 1100 years, the earliest reference to it being in 940AD. The Church lays claim to a most important piece of Romanesque art in its font which dates back to the middle of the 12th Century. Visitors will also see, as they enter the Church, holes in the door which according to legend were caused by Cromwell’s soldiers pursuing a cavalier racing to reach the sanctuary of the building.
The village has two public halls both of which are owned and managed by the Parish Council. One of these is sited at Waller Park a public amenity space where, according to the Season, football or cricket matches take place. The other hall is used by a Playgroup and also is the venue and base for The Platform Players a local Am-Dram Group. For further information concerningn the halls and any booking enquiries please contact the Clerk, Keith Holmes,using the contact alternatives shown aside.
There is a thriving Village School on whose site is a recently established Children’s Centre.
Darenth has acres of woodland including Darenth Woods (See Article) and also a Country Park (See Article) which was established with a grant from the Millennium Fund. In addition to these public spaces there are spectacular views across the Darenth Valley. A walk along the signposted Darenth Valley Path will take visitors to The Darenth Lakes a very popular fishing venue.
Within the Parish boundary can be found The Arrow Riding & Carriage Centre for the Disabled. An internationally known centre of excellence which plays an important part in helping youngsters and adults with physical disabilities.
A few years ago the then Press Officer for the Parish Council called Darenth ‘a little piece of heaven’ and very few people disagree with this – so please visit us; enjoy the scenery and the local hospitality and let us know if you agree.
