For 40 years, Down House was the quiet and secluded home of Charles Darwin - one of the world's most influential scientists. It is situated in the village of Downe in the picturesque North Downs countryside, just 16 miles from central London.
Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) is world renowned for his still controversial book, On the Origin of Species (1859). It was this work which ignited the debate on the origins of life, and Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection ensured his place in scientific history.
As a young man Darwin made an epic, five-year voyage on board HMS Beagle. This journey of discovery brought him into close contact with the varied and exotic life-forms, both living and extinct, around the globe. His careful observations during the voyage ultimately led him to his ideas on how this amazing variety came into being.
From 1842 until his death forty years later, Darwin lived at Down House in Kent. He moved there with his wife Emma and their first two children. Here in tranquil isolation, disturbed only by the rituals of Victorian domestic life, Darwin pursued his scientific work.
Even at the time of Darwin's death his fame drew visitors to the house. Today Down House is kept as a museum to preserve Darwin's home and to promote understanding of his work.
The Darwin Museum, Down House, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT
By road from London
Via the A21 to Bromley and Orpington, signposted at Farnborough and the A233 near Biggin Hill.
By Public Transport
By train to Bromley South and then bus No. 146; or to Orpington and then bus R-2 to Downe (no service on Sundays, contact local transport authority for details).
Opening hours
Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays from 13.00-18.00. There is an admission charge.
The Museum is closed on Mondays (except bank holidays) and Tuesdays. It is also closed in February and from mid December until New Year's Day.
More information
Telephone +44 (0)689 859119 for further information including how you can help to support the development of this important historic building.
