Home of Charles Darwin Down House

Down House was once the home of Charles Darwin. The house is maintained by English Heritage and it is located close to the village of Downe in Kent. It was in this house and garden that Darwin worked on his theories of evolution by natural selection. It is now a Grade 1 listed building and the family first moved into the house in the mid 19th century.

Darwin made extensive alterations to the house and grounds and the Darwins’ clearly loved living there as they added to their family even more while at the house and in the end had 10 children, although sadly not all survived for long. The house was restored in 1996 and opened to the public a couple of years after that.

Today you can explore the very rooms where Charles Darwin once lived and worked including the beautifully displayed study where he wrote ‘On the Origin of the Species’. There is also an exhibition detailing his life and work. There are interactive exhibits and also many important objects. There is also a hand-held multimedia guide that you can take around the house.

They have also recreated Charles and Emma Darwin’s bedroom where he died in 1882, he also spent a lot of his life in this room recovering from various illnesses. They have tried to match the bedroom as closely as possible. Here kids can dress up in Victorian-style clothes. There is also a new and free family trail that takes you across the house and gardens and this gives a sense of what family life used to be like. There are award-winning gardens waiting to be explored including his quarter-mile-long circular ‘thinking path’. They often host family-friendly events.

Further Information Home of Charles Darwin Down House

Is there food and drink available?

There is a tearoom serving hot and cold food and drinks. You are welcome to bring a picnic.

What are the main things to do?

Historic family home of Charles Darwin with restored rooms you can explore, an interactive exhibition, trails and gardens. There are toilets and a tearoom.

What are the ticket prices?

Free for members of English Heritage. An adult peak ticket costs £18.10 without donation, children 5-17 £11.30 Other pricing options including family tickets are available. Prices do vary as they offer off-peak, standard and peak prices.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is parking nearby for 42 cars, there is overflow parking but only in good weather.

When are they open?

Down House is open for most of the year with some closure mid-week during autumn and winter. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.