Charles Darwin is one of the most celebrated and influential figures in human history and you can visit his house.

Down House in Downe near Orpington was where Charles and his wife Emma lived.

It is now open to the public, showcasing the unique place that was used as a backdrop for groundbreaking research.

Who was Charles Darwin?

Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution, establishing that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors. Darwin lived in Down House for the 20 years before he died in 1882.

What makes Down House so special?

There is so much to see at Down House. You can stand in the study in which Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, stroll through the gardens that inspired the influential figure and visit the bedroom that Darwin shared with his wife.

Has Down House been kept as a house since Darwin lived there?

In 1907 the house was briefly turned into a girls' boarding school and stayed this way for at least 20 years until it was turned into a museum to celebrate Darwin.

Then in 1996 the property was taken over by English Heritage and completely restored to give visitors the most accurate representation of where Darwin worked.

Where is Down House?

Down House stands in Luxted Road south of Downe. When Darwin was around Downe was a parish in Kent, it then came under Bromley Rural District and since 1965 has been situated within the London Borough of Bromley.

What else makes Down House so special?

You can visit the bedroom that Darwin died in, which has been reconstructed for the purpose of keeping the space rooted in its original history. He shared this room with his wife Emma. Charles and Emma had 10 children, but three died at early ages. The bedroom features novels Darwin would have read, a soundscape to conjure the experience of Emma reading to her husband, and a dressing closet allowing both children and adults to dress up as Charles and Emma. There's also a brand new free family trail taking visitors across the house and gardens as they explore what family life was like at Down House.

Down House is open 10am to 6pm every day and tickets start at £12 for adults and £7.20 for children.