Dartford Heritage Open Days 2011 - Buildings
Princes Park Community Stadium
Grassbanks, Dartford, DA1 1RT
www.dartfordfconline.com
Princes Park is a unique, award winning, environmentally friendly stadium. When the stadium opened to a capacity 4097 crowd on 11th November 2006, a new era was begun. The stadium is now home, after 14 years of exile, to The Darts of Dartford Football Club.
Manor Gatehouse
Priory Road, Dartford, DA1 2BJ
The Manor Gatehouse was constructed in the 16th Century as part of a Manor House for Henry VIII. Anne of Cleves was given it as part of her divorce settlement, and lived there between 1553 and 1557. The building is currently used as a registry office and offices.
Orchard Theatre
Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
This was a backstage tour of the Orchard Theatre to find out how plays, musicals and concerts all happen. From the orchestra pit to the star dressing room, experience life in a working theatre.
Bluewater
Greenhithe, Kent. DA9 9ST
www.bluewater.co.uk
Enjoy 330 of the best UK and International brands, over 50 restaurants, cafés and bars, a 13-screen multiplex cinema, 50 acres of parkland, seven lakes and a Pirate Cove Adventure Golf Park at Bluewater, the leading fashion, leisure and events destination. With an Events Venue opening in late 2011, Bluewater is one of the UK's focal points for leisure and retailer led events. The tour showed local residents around explaining the significance of the art and design of the building.
Dartford Judo club
Cotton Lane, Dartford, DA2 6PD
www.dartfordjudoclub.com
Opened by HRH The Princess Royal on Thursday 23rd March 2006, the Dartford Judo Club is the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art world class Judo facility in the UK. The facility is home to the thriving world renowned Dartford Judo Club and the facility is currently being used by the British Judo Association in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.
Twistleton almshouses
West Hill, Dartford DA1 2EP
This was a rare opportunity to take a look around the Almshouses which were rebuilt in their present form in 1704. The well tended garden to the rear is perfect for moments of quiet reflection.
