Groveland Park Care Home
CQC Outstanding
Groveland Park Care Home is a 55-bed residential care home in Bexleyheath, Greater London.
Care homes in Dartford
Dartford is a busy Thames-side town with slightly above-average numbers of older residents and solid care-home provision—5 homes rated well by the CQC. It suits people who want to stay close to London and value good medical access, though crime rates and urban bustle mean it's not the quietest retirement choice.
Average residential fee in Dartford: £1,165/week — below the UK average of £1,279
Living in Dartford
Green SurroundingsWell Served
What do these badges mean?
- Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyC
Limited — safer than 27% of similar areas
Green SpacesA
Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Daily ConveniencesA
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Dartford is about £1,165/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
The care market in Dartford
100% of Dartford’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstanding — above the national average of 79%, including 1 rated Outstanding.
Good or above in Dartford
100%
National average
79%
CQC-rated homes
13 of 13
Of the homes in and around Dartford, 4 offer nursing care, 4 offer dementia care and 6 offer residential care.
Based on 13 CQC-rated homes in and around Dartford. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).
Care homes in Dartford on the map
- Outstanding
- Good
- Requires improvement
Care homes (1)
updated September 2026
Top-rated in Dartford
Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission — the CQC’s highest rating.
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What care costs in Dartford
Residential (avg)
£1,165/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,223/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,235/week
Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
House prices in Dartford
The average house price in Dartford is £351,594, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £351,594
- Detached
- £708,191
- Semi-detached
- £429,868
- Terraced
- £345,142
- Flats & maisonettes
- £211,697
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Types of care in Dartford
Residential care homes
6 in DartfordResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
4 in DartfordNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
4 in DartfordSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
6 in DartfordRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
Safety
369 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime122
- Anti-social behaviour59
- Shoplifting48
- Other theft29
Is Dartford a good retirement location?
Dartford is a working town with a 20.5% share of residents aged 65+, above the national average, which signals established retirement infrastructure. Five care homes, mostly rated good or outstanding by the CQC, offer reasonable choice for later-life living. It works well for those who need to remain near family in or around London, value easy access to big hospitals and city services, and don't mind an urban, fairly busy environment. It is not a retreat into greenery or a quiet village.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are present in the town; Dartford is within reasonable reach of major hospitals including Darent Valley Hospital, which serves the area.
- Safety: Recorded crime (369 offences in the period April 2026) is above the national average, with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting among the most common types. This is a consideration for some.
- Family & connection: Dartford's location near London and good transport links mean it can suit people who need to stay close to adult children or wider support networks in or around the capital.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Five care homes are listed locally; home sizes range roughly 37–50 beds. Compare weekly fees for these specific homes against the national average to judge affordability for your budget.
- Transport: Dartford has rail links to London and the wider South East, and bus services connect the town. Day-to-day walkability depends on which part of town you choose; the town centre is more compact, but some areas are car-dependent.
- Housing options: Five care homes offer a modest range of choice. Visit each CQC-rated home to assess whether size, setting and philosophy match your needs.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: The town has 12 parks and 11 allotments, offering scope for gardening and walking. Dartford also has 44 restaurants and cafes and 26 pubs and bars, supporting a social life.
- Community: Look into memory cafés, social groups and day centres at or near your chosen home; local community groups and volunteer networks will add to what the home itself provides.
- Climate: South East England is generally mild but damp; expect cool, wet winters and moderate summers.
Things to weigh up
- Urban bustle and crime: Dartford is an active, fairly crowded town. Recorded crime is above average and includes violent offences and anti-social behaviour; if you prefer a very quiet, low-crime setting, a smaller village or more rural area may suit better.
- Modest care-home choice: Five homes is a reasonable but not extensive range. You may need to be flexible on location within or near Dartford, or consider visiting homes in neighbouring areas if your needs are specific.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Dartford?
There are 18 care homes listed in and around Dartford on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Dartford cost?
Care homes in Dartford range from around £850 to around £1,590 per week, with averages of £1,165 for residential, £1,223 for dementia, £1,235 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Dartford compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Dartford is about £1,165 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Dartford are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
13 of the 18 care homes in and around Dartford are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 1 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Dartford?
Homes in and around Dartford offer residential (6), respite (6), dementia (4), nursing (4). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Dartford offer dementia care?
4 care homes in and around Dartford offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Dartford offer respite care?
Yes — 6 care homes in and around Dartford offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Dartford area?
Dartford is graded C for safety on AskBart — safer than 27% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Dartford?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Kent Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Dartford?
A care home's weekly fee in Dartford usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Dartford may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Dartford?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Dartford?
Start by shortlisting homes in Dartford by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Dartford?
Care homes in Dartford are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Kent?
If you're widening your search beyond Dartford, nearby areas with care homes include Ashford, Birchington, Broadstairs, Canterbury and Charing. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Weighing up your options in Dartford?
Care needs change over time. Compare the other kinds of later-life care in Dartford:
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