Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin

Dartford

Type:Historic House / Palace

Luxted Road, Downe, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7JT

Tel: +44 (0) 1689 859119

Exterior of Down House, home of Charles Darwin

About

Set in stunning Kentish countryside and only 15 miles from London, Down House is a day out to inspire all the family.

The home of Charles Darwin for 40 years, here you can learn about his life and work and see our award winning exhibition. Don’t miss the study where he wrote ‘On the Origin of Species’ and take a walk down his ‘thinking path’. You can also relax on the veranda and in the gardens or have a bite to eat in the tearoom.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult ticket£9.90 per ticket
Child ticket£5.90 per ticket
Concession ticket£8.90 per ticket
Family ticket£25.70 per ticket

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant

Establishment Features

  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - very limited

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 2 hours
  • Groups Accepted - please call 01689 859119 to book in advance
  • Special group rates - 15% discount for groups of 11 or more. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

The house is a modest sized Victorian villa and car parking is limited. The small village of Downe does not offer additional car parking facilities for visitors to the house, therefore people may prefer to visit using public transport.

Public Transport Directions

Owing to limited car parking facilities, it is recommended to use public transport where possible, especially on weekends. Recommended route direct to Bromley South from London Victoria, followed by Bus 146 at 36 minutes past the hour. Visitors can also travel to Orpington, followed by bus R8 (not on Sundays)
Bus Access:
TfL 146 from Bromley South railway station at 36 minutes past the hour; R8 from Orpington railway station (not on Sundays)

Awards

  • Tourism South East Award -Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2009

Opening Times

2024 (1 Sept 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00*
2025 (1 Apr 2025 - 30 June 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00*
2025 (1 July 2025 - 31 Aug 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00*

* Please check in advance as opening times vary throughout the year.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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