English Heritage

What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. We may need to continue making changes as we follow continually evolving Government advice, so we recommend checking this information before your visit. Here's everything you need to know.

• Do we need to Book?

  Advance booking is now essential. We have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe, and you won’t be able to visit without your booking confirmation. If you’re a Member, your ticket will be free, but you still need to book in advance. Make sure you've read our ticketing FAQ before you book.

  Book Tickets

  Booking FAQs

• What parts of the site are closed?

  To comply with the latest government guidelines, all indoor areas of the Home of Charles Darwin,  Down House, are currently closed. This includes:

  • House
  • Glass Houses and laboratories

• What changes have you made to your facilities?

  Toilets – our toilets will be open as usual. Additional hand sanitising stations will be available on site.

  Access – Please note that some pathways including the Sandwalk can be difficult for wheelchair users due to loose gravel.

  Plan your Visit

• How are you keeping us safe?

  We've made a number of changes to help keep you safe. Although things might be a little different when you visit, you’ll still be able to enjoy exploring the places where history really happened. And you’ll still be given a warm and safe welcome by our friendly – if socially distant – staff and volunteers.

  You can visit our reopening page for information on general safety measures we've taken to help keep you safe.

  General Safety Information

• Do I need to wear a face covering?

  Face coverings must be worn in all indoor areas. We won't be able to provide you with a face covering, so please come prepared so you don't miss out.

• I still have questions.

  The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

  Read our FAQs