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English Heritage collaborates with New York's American Museum of Natural History
English Heritage collaborates with New York's American Museum of Natural History
The experience of visiting Down House is brought to the doorstep of an American audience.
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The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House

Down House newly painted
Down House newly painted (c)
Down House newly painted - Down House newly painted (c) Bluebells at Down house - Bluebells at Down house (c) Snow Scene - Snow Scene (c) View of The Sandwalk - View of The Sandwalk (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Bluebells at Down house - Bluebells at Down house (c) The old study - The old study (c) Interior of the Greenhouse - Interior of the Greenhouse (c) Down House newly painted - Down House newly painted (c)

It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection - the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when published in 1859.

The house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family, while the study holds his writing desk, chair and numerous objects connected with his work. The first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, research and discoveries.

English Heritage has restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin's time. Some of his outdoor experiments on natural selection are recreated in the garden and the greenhouse, with its orchids and carnivorous plants. The observation beehive enables visitors to see honey bees at work building honeycombs, just as Darwin did almost 150 years ago when trying to prove his theory of evolution. Visitors can also stroll around the famous Sandwalk, the path Darwin paced as he worked out his ideas.

Discover more about Darwin and his family from our inclusive audio tour, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar - 30 Jun11am - 5pmWed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
1 Jul - 31 Aug, Grounds close at 6pm11am - 5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep - 31 Oct11am - 5pmWed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov - 12 FebClosed 
13 Feb - 31 Mar11am - 4pmWed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Some building works may be undertaken during 2007/8  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£7.40
Children:
£3.70
Concession:
£5.90
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £18.50

How do I get there?

Address:
Kent - BR6 7JT
Road Access:
Luxted Rd, Downe; off A21 or A233
Train Access:
Chelsfield 3 1/2 miles; Orpington 3 3/4 miles
Bus Access:
TfL 146 from Bromley North and South railway station; R8 from Orpington railway station (does not run on a sunday)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01689 859119

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
ParkingSuitable for people with disabilitiesEducationGuidebooksNo dogs allowedAudio tours (included in admission price)ShopGardensAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holdersTea RoomMale ToiletsFemale Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC on ground floor.
Shop: Level accessible.
Refreshments: Tea room on ground floor.
Sorry no picnics allowed in house or grounds.
Access:
Access to house: Disabled access via shop. All ground floor rooms are level with seats in every room.First-floor reached by lift and ramp to mount two steps.
Access to grounds: Most areas can be reached via gravel paths, including Darwin's 'thinking path' and greenhouses. The gravel can be slippery when wet. The rest of the area is lawn which cannot be used by wheelchairs.
Parking:
50m from house with separate disabled bays. Disabled visitors may be set down outside the house by prior arrangement. Level path to house.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Interactive exhibition on first floor allowing visitors to touch and participate
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop provided. Audio guides included in admission price. Braille guide available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
All groups must be booked in advance - please call 01689 859119
Group Booking:
Coach parking for one coach is available in gardens, 20 metres from house
Average Length of Visit:
2 hours

Further Info

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