The Bowling Green and Clubhouse
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Hesketh Park Dartford

4.4
·237 reviews·, United Kingdom

A diverse community park in Dartford, featuring playgrounds, sports courts, and a cricket ground for free family fun and recreation. :park:

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Watch free cricket matches

CrowdMedium
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The Bowling Green and Clubhouse

Hesketh Park Dartford

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Watch free cricket matches

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A diverse community park in Dartford, featuring playgrounds, sports courts, and a cricket ground for free family fun and recreation. :park:

4.4
(237 reviews)

"A little known treasure, tailored to different age ranges with a good atmosphere for little ones. :star:"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Snacks

No eateries on-site, so pack your picnic basket and drinks! :sandwich:

Check Cricket Schedule

Enjoy free live cricket matches on Sundays. :cricket_bat:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playgrounds Galore

Playgrounds Galore

Various locations within the park

Dedicated play areas for toddlers and older kids, ensuring fun for all ages. :playground_slide:

Dartford Cricket Club

Dartford Cricket Club

Cricket ground

Catch a free cricket match on Sundays and experience the local sporting spirit. :cricket_bat:

Multi-Sport Courts

Multi-Sport Courts

Designated court areas

Enjoy basketball, football, and tennis on the available courts. :basketball:

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Park Perks & Practicalities

Hesketh Park offers diverse activities from playgrounds to cricket matches. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note occasional litter. Check for local events, especially cricket games, for a lively atmosphere. :park: :cricket_bat:

Family Fun & Facilities

This park is a hit with families, boasting separate playgrounds for different age groups. Pack snacks and drinks as eatery options are limited. Public toilets are available but could be improved. :child: :apple: :toilet:

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Watch free cricket matches
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter play for little ones
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇬🇧 Exploring the green spaces of Dartford today while I ticked stuff off my todo list - Hesketh Park, East Hill Cemetery and St Edmund's Pleasance
mandy.southgate
32 likes • 276 views

Bring Your Own Snacks

No eateries on-site, so pack your picnic basket and drinks! :sandwich:

Check Cricket Schedule

Enjoy free live cricket matches on Sundays. :cricket_bat:

We are delighted to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the new cricket pavilion at Hesketh Park. The attached video details just some of the many challenges that the project faced. Under the wonderful leadership of Jim Lowrie and aligned with strong stakeholder support (not least from Dartford Borough Council) we were able to take possession in 2015 of a building fit for the 21st Century. ...
dartfordcricket
38 likes • 1.1K views
Easter Holidays Monday 14th @mojientertainers Had a fun afternoon meeting our friends @laila_and_mummy_kent We then headed to Hesketh Park Dartford, My brother usually brings our eldest here on her own for an hour or so before musical theatre on a Monday, but we quite fancied tagging along today too! This place brings back so many wonderful memories of when I used to come to this park as a ch...
medway_mum
24 likes • 1.7K views

Playgrounds for All Ages

Separate areas for infants and older children. :child:

Free Sports Courts

Basketball, football, and tennis courts are free to use. :basketball:

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Snacks

No eateries on-site, so pack your picnic basket and drinks! :sandwich:

Check Cricket Schedule

Enjoy free live cricket matches on Sundays. :cricket_bat:

Playgrounds for All Ages

Separate areas for infants and older children. :child:

Free Sports Courts

Basketball, football, and tennis courts are free to use. :basketball:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(237 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hesketh Park is a well-loved local green space offering a variety of free activities, particularly for families and sports enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the playgrounds and sports courts, though some note that on-site amenities like eateries and public toilets could be improved. It's a valuable community resource for recreation and relaxation. :park:

"Large park with a nice playground off the main road. Nice and quiet too."

A Tek

"Little known treasure. The park is not as grand as Regents Park but for it is, it tailor to different age ranges. It has a little forest area, a basketball/football court (free), a young children’s playground, a infant playground, a fenced off grassland (likely once grass courts), the cricket ground where you can watch free cricket matches on Sunday, 2x concrete tennis courts, Bowls, small public toilet by the concrete courts, a little flower garden, bowls club, plenty of benches, a picnic are, shame no real eatery’s in the park and it’s got some litter about. Still, for someone who lives local it’s a good little park. It’s also got the odd dog waste bin and plenty of public bins.

Points to improve, the crickets club advertisements for the cages as softball club could be set up here and if the grass fenced area became concrete courts a tennis club. Plus public toilets could be improved and a food stand made available."

Just Generic

"Very good atmosphere, good for little ones"

Apiramy Vijaypaskaran

What People Like

Great playgrounds for kids
Free sports courts
Sunday cricket matches

What People Dislike

Limited food options
Toilet facilities could improve
Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hesketh Park is easily accessible by car and public transport. It's located off the main road in Dartford. For specific directions, use your preferred navigation app. :car: :bus:

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, parks of this nature usually have some on-site parking. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends. :parking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hesketh Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. :ticket:

As a public park, Hesketh Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours. :clock:

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

Hesketh Park offers a variety of activities including playgrounds for different age groups, basketball, football, and tennis courts. You can also watch free cricket matches on Sundays and enjoy a stroll through the flower garden. :running: :cricket_bat:

Yes, there are public toilets available in the park, located near the concrete courts. :toilet:

Hesketh Park is generally dog-friendly, with dog waste bins available. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them. :dog:

Absolutely! There are plenty of benches and picnic areas within the park, perfect for a family outing. :picnic_table:

Yes, the park has a dedicated infant playground, making it very suitable for young children. :baby:

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

Currently, there are no eateries or food stands within Hesketh Park itself. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks. :sandwich:

Dartford town center is a short distance away and offers various dining options, from cafes to restaurants. :forkandknife:

📸 📸 Photography

The flower garden offers colorful backdrops, while the cricket ground provides a dynamic scene, especially during matches. The playgrounds can also capture fun family moments. :camera:

While not a vast nature reserve, the park has a small forest area and a flower garden that can offer pleasant subjects for nature photography. :tree:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hesketh Park is a fantastic choice for families. It features two distinct playgrounds, one for infants and another for older children, ensuring fun for all ages. InstagramReddit The park also has plenty of open space for kids to run around and play games. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as there are no cafes or food vendors within the park. Reddit It's a great spot for a relaxed family picnic. :child: :apple:

⚽ Sports Enthusiasts

For those who love to stay active, Hesketh Park offers several sporting amenities. You can enjoy free basketball, football, and tennis courts. Reddit On Sundays, don't miss the chance to watch free cricket matches hosted by Dartford Cricket Club. Reddit While there are only two tennis courts, the variety of sports available makes it a popular spot for local athletes and casual players alike. :basketball: :cricket_bat:

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Strollers

If you're looking for a peaceful place for a stroll, Hesketh Park provides a pleasant environment. Enjoy a walk through the small flower garden or simply relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the park. Reddit It's a quiet and well-maintained space, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. The park also has a little forest area for a more natural feel. :walking: :flower:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Sports and Recreation at Hesketh Park

Hesketh Park is a hub for various sports and recreational activities. It features a dedicated cricket ground, which is home to the Dartford Cricket Club. Visitors can often enjoy watching free cricket matches on Sundays, offering a glimpse into local sporting culture. InstagramReddit The park also boasts multi-sport courts, including basketball and football facilities, making it a great spot for casual games. For tennis enthusiasts, there are two concrete tennis courts available. Reddit

Beyond the courts, the park includes a bowls club, adding to its sporting appeal. The presence of these facilities makes Hesketh Park a valuable community asset for active individuals and families looking for free or low-cost recreational opportunities. The reviews suggest potential for expanding these facilities, perhaps with a tennis club or softball setup, highlighting the park's versatility. Reddit

Community Feedback on Sports Facilities: While the existing courts are appreciated, some visitors have expressed a desire for more tennis courts or the development of other sports clubs. Reddit This indicates a strong local interest in sports and a potential for future enhancements to the park's offerings.

Family-Friendly Features

Hesketh Park is a popular destination for families, largely due to its excellent playground facilities. It features separate play areas designed for different age groups, ensuring that both toddlers and older children have safe and engaging spaces to enjoy. Instagram This thoughtful design caters to the diverse needs of families visiting the park. The park also offers ample open green space, perfect for running around, playing games, or simply enjoying a family picnic. Reddit

Visitor Insights on Play Areas: Parents and guardians frequently praise the park for its well-maintained and age-appropriate playgrounds. The inclusion of an infant playground is particularly noted as a positive feature for families with very young children. Reddit The overall atmosphere is described as good for little ones, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly spot. Reddit

Picnic Potential: With numerous benches and designated picnic areas, Hesketh Park is an ideal location for a family outing. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, as on-site eateries are absent. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for a day out with the kids. :picnic_table:

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