Map of Hospital Grounds and Buildings showing car-parks and main entrances.
Note - clicking on the image will take you to an interactive map (some sites may block this from opening).
Changes to car parking charges at Darent Valley Hospital
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust would like to let patients, visitors and the local community know about upcoming change to some car parking charges at Darent Valley Hospital, and explain why this change is being made.
From 1 August 2026, some car parking charges for patients and visitors at Darent Valley Hospital will increase, bringing us more in line with other NHS hospitals across Kent and Medway. This is the first increase to parking charges for several years.
We understand that the cost of parking can add to the pressures of attending hospital. However, while parking charges have remained unchanged for a number of years, the cost of operating, maintaining and improving the hospital's car parks has continued to rise.
New parking charges from 1 August 2026
|
Length of stay |
Charge |
|---|---|
|
Up to 1 hour |
£2.00 |
|
Up to 2 hours |
£3.00 |
|
Up to 3 hours |
£4.00 |
|
Up to 4 hours |
£5.00 |
|
Up to 5 hours |
£6.00 |
|
Up to 6 hours |
£7.50 |
|
Up to 7 hours |
£9.00 |
|
Up to 10 hours |
£10.00 |
|
Up to 16 hours |
£11.00 |
|
Up to 24 hours |
£12.50 |
|
Weekly pass |
£32.00 |
|
Blue Badge holders |
Free |
Key information
- Blue Badge holders will continue to park free of charge.
- Improvements are also being made to the layout and access of the hospital's car parks to help people find a space more easily and improve traffic flow. These changes will be introduced alongside the new charges.
We recognise that any increase in costs may be difficult for some patients and families, particularly those who need to attend hospital regularly. This decision was not taken lightly.
Income from car parking helps cover the costs of maintaining safe, accessible and well-managed parking facilities and supports the delivery of services for patients and the wider community.
We recognise that parking at the hospital is limited and can be challenging for patients, visitors and families. We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to manage parking spaces as fairly as possible.
Parents with a baby admitted to Walnut Ward at Darent Valley Hospital are eligible for free hospital car parking for the duration of their baby’s stay.
This support has been introduced to reduce some of the financial pressure faced by families whose babies require ongoing hospital care. Parents on neonatal units are closely involved in their baby’s care and play an important role in their wellbeing and development.
Some babies remain in hospital for several weeks or months, and national evidence shows that travel and parking costs can be a significant financial burden for families during this time. On Walnut Ward we promote Family Integrated Care, which supports parental involvement and is associated with improved outcomes for babies and families.
We remain mindful of the wider pressures on hospital parking and will continue to review arrangements to ensure they are fair and proportionate.
For information about eligibility and how to access parking support, please speak to a member of the Walnut Ward team.