Home of Darwin

We'll be reopening on 4th July and can't wait to welcome you back! 🙌 🎟️ You'll need to book tickets in advance: eht.social/3e3Wxv3 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Some things may also be a little different when you arrive to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable: eht.social/2VwjvGb

Darwin was also subject to scientific survey in his lifetime. As part of a wider survey into alcohol or tobacco, Darwin replied, “I drink 1 glass of wine daily and believe I should be better without any… I have taken snuff all my life and regret that I ever acquired the habit.”

Join us on Thursday 2nd May for Emma Darwin's 216th Birthday. Come along to one of our presentations, Emma Darwin: A life in pictures. Don't forget to visit our lovely tearoom and try out Emma Darwin's very own Scotch cake recipe. We look forward to welcoming you then.

When visiting Down House, it’s hard to miss the Great House Meadow – 15 acres of wildflowers and trees used by Darwin for monitoring plant and insect activity. It was here in 1854 that he worked with his children to watch the behaviour of bumblebees. >>> english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

The book written by Erasmus Darwin speculating on the origin of species was called “Zoonomia”. Darwin’s impact on 18thC British society, from science to literature, has been described as “unequalled”. >>> brnw.ch/21wIWSO

Time for a pop quiz on a Tuesday evening. Charles was not the first Darwin to speculate on the origin of species. His grandfather, Erasmus, also offered commentary on evolutionary biology in his 1796 book called… what? Answers on Thursday!

Darwin was held in high regard by many, including American botanist Asa Gray according to this letter from 11 Apr 1863 - “You are the only Britisher I ever write to on this subject (the American Civil War), and, in fact, for whose opinions about our country I care at all.”

There's still time to come visit us at Down House for a cracking good time on our Easter Adventure Quest. Hunt down the clues in the beautiful garden and maybe even earn yourself a chocolately treat! Ends 14th April - brnw.ch/21wIEBV

Take part in our cracking adventure quest at Down House this Easter! Hunt for clues in the grounds of Charles Darwin’s home, track down the eggs and delight in a delicious chocolaty reward. 🥚 🍫 Book online and save 15% ➡️ english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

Take part in our cracking adventure quest at Down House this Easter! Hunt for clues, track down the eggs and delight in a delicious chocolaty reward. 🥚 🍫 Book online and save 15% ➡️ english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on…

As many of you correctly guessed, the compass also included a clinometer used for measuring gradients in rock formations. For more insights into Darwin’s voyage aboard the Beagle, visit Down House – now open daily! - english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

Time to test those little grey cells! 🧠 This piece of equipment was specially made for Darwin for his voyage on the Beagle, and combined a compass with what other important tool?

Down House was not an island, and the Darwins were active in village life. One letter, dated after 21 March 1872, indicates Charles was involved in a local protest against proposed changes to the church. Visit Down House today and meet the Darwins >>> english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

Search for clues and track down the eggs in our picturesque gardens of Down House this Easter. You may even get a chocolaty reward to take home! 👀 Book your visit ➡️ english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

The Descent of Man would be translated into many languages, but not without issue. V.O. Kovalevsky to Darwin, dated 14/03/1871, “The press of the Russian edition is progressing but… I cannot print more than one volume, as our civilised Government has prohibited Your new work”

The weather may be dismal, but the house remains dry for everyone to enjoy from Wed – Sun, 10am – 4pm. Come along and walk in the footsteps of the renowned Victorian scientist Charles Darwin. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

Treat your mother to a charming visit to Down House this Mother’s Day. Explore Darwin’s “Living Laboratory”, the vibrant glasshouses, and the recreation of how the house may have looked during Charles and Emma’s residency >>> english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and while the garden of Down House was used for Charles’ experiments, it was his wife Emma who designed and managed the garden. Find out more about the influence of women in gardening >>> english-heritage.org.uk/learn/historie…

Join us at Down House, the Home of Charles Darwin on Sunday 10th March for a Mothers Day Afternoon Tea. Please call 01689859119 to reserve your booking.

It might be wet out but don’t let that dampen your spirits! Escape to Down House this blustery March morning for an invigorating walk in one of Kent’s most beautiful gardens. >>> english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/h…

The gardens are looking especially lovely this time of year as the Daffodils and Hellebores begin to sprout, while the eternal summer of the greenhouses continue to provide an oasis of colour with Cattleya and Cymbidium in bloom >>> bit.ly/3snriXO