English Heritage

Down House is best known as the home of Charles Darwin. Darwin lived here with his family for 40 years, worked on his revolutionary theories, and wrote On the Origin of Species – the book which shook the Victorian world and has influenced scientific thinking ever since.

Visit, and you’ll find Darwin’s work and personality reflected throughout the house and grounds. A handheld tour lets you explore at your own pace. It includes commentaries by experts along with animations, film footage, games and narration by David Attenborough.

The house’s extensive gardens were Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’ and the place where he made many of his discoveries. Interactive panels help bring his experiments to life.