Here’s something to do that’s not just educational and enjoyable, but also genuinely unique: the opportunity to visit Down House – former family home of the world-renowned English naturalist, biologist, and geologist Charles Darwin. See the beautiful Kent countryside, a short trip away from the hustle and bustle of London, as you journey through country lanes to the idyllic village of Downe.
It was in this village, at Down House, where Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection and wrote his controversial, yet ground-breaking work, ‘On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’ in 1859. Now managed by English Heritage, we will tour inside Charles Darwin’s home and get a great sense of how this well-known Victorian family lived. (History lovers should be sure to explore our full range of Private Tours of South East England, with each tour taking in famous sites to uncover the stories of England’s past.)
Be awed when you visit the house’s museum and learn what Darwin discovered during his voyage on HMS Beagle. Take a stroll around the pretty gardens, which includes seeing Darwin’s greenhouse where he conducted many of his plant experiments.
N.B. Down House is closed during the winter months. Please enquire for more information.
As John is local guide, let him know your requirements and if you would like to see another place of interest (these include the remains of a Roman Villa nearby, Churchill’s former residence at Chartwell House, or one of the region’s castles). Charles Darwin’s home can also be visited as part of one of our Tailor-Made Tours.
#LetLondonBreathe and avoid the stresses of the city centre’s notoriously heavy traffic. John will collect you by car at Bromley South station, in London’s suburbs, where your private tour will begin. He will drive you through scenic country lanes in Kent countryside for around 30 minutes before you reach your destination at Down House.
