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Downe House
Downe House
Downe House in Luxted Road, Downe, was the home of Charles Darwin in the later part of his life, when he was writing The Origin Of Species. The house has been restored to its appearance during Darwin's time. Nineteenth century mail still waits for him on the porch table. Darwin's study, to me the most interesting room in the house, appears as it would have done when he worked there. Upstairs there are displays related to Darwin's work and his discoveries. The playroom, which retains toys and games from the nineteenth century illustrates Darwin as the devoted family man. Apparently the children used to come into his study and punt themselves about on a wheeled stool, which remains in the study today. They also used scrap paper from drafts of The Origin of Species as drawing paper.
In the gardens some of Darwin's experiments have been recreated. At the bottom of the garden there is the Sandwalk, a path which Darwin used to walk daily to help him think.
Opening Times: Downe House is open from 1st April to 30th June,11am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday; from 1st July to 31st August 11am to 5pm daily; from 1st September to 31st October 11am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday; from 1st November to 16th December 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. The house is then closed from 17th December to 29th February but re-opens 1st March to 20th March 11am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Some building work maybe undertaken during 2007/08.
The house is in Luxted Road, just off the A223, a few miles north of Biggin Hill. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Downe House.
Access: Wheelchair access is good, via the shop. There is a lift to the second floor. There is an adapted toilet on the ground floor. With prior arrangement disabled visitors can be set down outside the house.
Contact:
phone: 01689 859119