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Down House
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Down House

Area Guides: Downe
Attractions:

Great House & Halls

Telephone - please mention Let's Stay Kent: 01689 859119


Details: NB: Due to improvements, the tea room will be closed to visitors from 30th November 2007, re-opening 1 March 2008.

Charles Darwin moved to Down House in 1842 with his wife and two children following the conclusion of his many sea voyages and it was here that he wrote his famous work 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection' that was published to notorious acclaim in 1859. Darwin spent the next 40 years changing the 18th century farmhouse near Biggin Hill in Kent to suit the needs of him and his family. The considerable grounds surrounding the house were idyllic for the renowned naturalist to carry on his study of plant life and to carry out scientific experiments.

Down House was the home of Charles Darwin and his family for the last 40 years of his life. The Darwins added to the house in various ways. On 24 March 1843, construction work started on a large bay window at the front of the house. A new drawing room was added in 1858, and at the same time an extension was added to the main entrance. The former drawing room was transformed into a new dining room, and the old dining room became a billiard room. In 1872 a verandah was added to the side of the drawing room. In 1877, a new study, entrance hall and Georgian-style porch were added and the old study where Darwin wrote ‘The Origin’ was converted into a smoking room.

Charles Darwin died at the house in 19 April 1882, aged 73.

Facilities
Parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes Shop: Yes
Plants for Sale: Yes
Dogs Allowed: No
Toilets: Accessible WC on ground floor.
Shop: Level accessible.
Refreshments: Tea room on ground floor.

Opening times
Apr - 30 Jun, and 11am - 5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
Jul - 31 Aug, ground close 6pm) 11am - 5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep - 31 Oct 11am - 5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov - 16 Dec 11am - 4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
17 Dec - 29 Feb Closed
1 - 20 Mar 11am - 4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Some building works may be undertaken during 2007/8.

Entrance fees
Adult: £7.20
Children: £3.60
Concession: £5.40
English Heritage Members: Free
Family Ticket: £18.00

The address is:
Down House
Luxted Road
Downe
BR6 7JT

Directions
By road: Luxted Rd, Downe; off A21 or A233
By train: Orpington 3¾ miles


Disclaimer: The information on this leisure attraction was presented with the best of intentions. Any reported errors will be corrected immediately. People interested in contacting the above leisure attraction should confirm for themselves the accuracy of any data presented.



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Another Kent Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Kent.
To have your business listed please call James Neve on 01580 761457 or 07939 187685