South East - Kent

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THE HOME OF CHARLES DARWIN

Down House, Luxted Road, Downe,
Kent
BR6 7JT
t: 01689 859119
e: down.house@english-heritage.org.uk
w: www.english-heritage.org.uk/darwin

Transport your group back to Victorian times with a visit to the country home where the scientist Charles Darwin wrote his world-changing book, On the Origin of Species. The house reflects both Darwin’s work on the theory of evolution as well as the family life he enjoyed with his wife and ten children. His recently recreated bedroom is an intimate window into his moments of private reflection and recovery. The garden, Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’ is a memorable opportunity for your group to explore his work and the great variety of plants still growing there today. A hand-held multimedia tour means everyone’s free to explore at their own pace and chosen level of detail.


  • View the Old Study where On the Origin of Species was written.
  • Get a glimpse of Darwin’s family life in rooms furnished with items original to the house.
  • Uncover Darwin’s personal side. His recreated bedroom offers insights into the non-scientific books he read, his taste for Old Master prints, and the impact of his ill health.
  • Browse the interactive exhibition on Darwin’s work, the furious controversies it aroused and its past and continuing influence.
  • See a full-scale re-creation of Darwin’s cabin aboard the Beagle, the ship on which he developed his theories.
  • Study his diary entries in a digitised version.
  • Observe Darwin’s experiments in the gardens and greenhouse, with its orchids and carnivorous plants. In summer, see honeybees working in the fascinating observation beehive.
  • Literally follow in Darwin’s footsteps along the original Sandwalk – his famous ‘thinking path’.

 

ITINERARY IDEA

Journey from Victorian history back to the Roman Empire with a trip to nearby Lullingstone Roman Villa.

TIE IT INTO YOUR TRIP

If you’re skirting London on the M25, take a break at junction 4 for a 6-mile trip to the property.