This municipal park land was established at Hesketh Park in 1904 as a result of a donation by local businessman Everand Hesketh. Like many other parks around Dartford, Hesketh Park has a wildflower meadow and orchard as part of a borough-wide initiative to improve biodiversity. This scheme means there are more pollination corridors throughout Dartford, which help support local wildlife.
During the creation of the wildflower meadow, meticulous turf rolling prepared the ground for a new seeded seed mix to take root without the competition of already well-established grasses. This strategic approach not only ensures long-term soil improvements but also cultivates a high-quality habitat with a substantial carbon capture capacity. Additionally, it offers a year-round sanctuary for insects, helping stabilize their populations.
The natural beauty of these additions not only enhances the park's aesthetic but has been proven to contribute to the well-being of visitors. Furthermore, the orchard trees yield delicious fruit in late summer and early autumn, ready to be picked and savoured.
When picking the fruit, please be considerate of fellow park goers and leave any surplus for others to enjoy.
Hesketh Park also serves as the home of Dartford Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in the United Kingdom. The cricket ground here was established at the beginning of the 20th century and has been used as a first-class cricket venue by Kent County Cricket Club.
Hesketh Park will be unlocked at 6.30am. Locking commences at the following times during the year.
| Month | Date/Time | Date/Time | Date/Time | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - 7th | 8th - 15th | 16th-23rd | 24th-end | |
| April | 19:50 | 20:00 | 20:15 | 20:25 |
| May | 20:40 | 20:50 | 21:00 | 21:25 |
| June | 21:25 | 21:30 | 21:35 | 21:35 |
| July | 21:35 | 21:30 | 21:25 | 21:25 |
| August | 21:00 | 20:50 | 20:35 | 20:20 |
| September | 20:00 | 19:45 | 19:25 | 19:05 |
| October | 18:55 | 18:55 | 18:20 | 18:05 |
| November | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 |
| December | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 |
| January | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 |
| February | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:30 | 17:45 |
| March | 17:55 | 18:05 | 18:20 | 18:35 |
Outside of these hours a vehicle release service will operate for which there will be a charge.