Country houses
Down House: a chauffeured day
A chauffeured day at Down House. The Darwins moved in on 24 September 1842, and the architect Edward Cresy later extended the house for them. The extensive gardens served as Darwin's outdoor laboratory, including the Sandwalk and a greenhouse. The house was the family home of Charles Darwin, who lived and worked there for 40 years and wrote On the Origin of Species. Opening: open daily, 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
How the day runs
From Mayfair it is around 56 minutes by way of the A204, A214 and A232; from Heathrow around 59 minutes; from Oxford around an hour and 43 minutes. For lunch or a night, Nutfield Priory is around 38 minutes away. Pair it with Titsey Place, 22 min by road. While you visit, the car waits close by and is waiting when you come out.
- Mayfair, London to Down House56 min, 18 miles, in clear traffic
- Heathrow Airport to Down House59 min, 56.5 miles, in clear traffic
- Oxford to Down House1 hr 43 min, 98.8 miles, in clear traffic
Times are for clear roads. Allow longer on event days and at peak hours.
Worth knowing
Down House was the family home of Charles Darwin, who lived and worked there for 40 years and wrote On the Origin of Species.
Source: english-heritage.org.ukThe house was built in the early eighteenth century and extensively modernised in the later eighteenth century.
Source: english-heritage.org.ukThe Darwins moved in on 24 September 1842, and the architect Edward Cresy later extended the house for them.
Source: english-heritage.org.ukThe extensive gardens served as Darwin's outdoor laboratory, including the Sandwalk and a greenhouse.
Source: english-heritage.org.ukThe nearest railway station by road is Hayes, roughly 12 minutes away by car.
Source: wikidata.orgMeasured by road, the nearest main airport is London Gatwick Airport, around 44 minutes and 34.9 miles away.
Source: wikidata.org
Price this journey
We have started the journey for you. Change either end to the exact address, choosing it from the suggestions, and pick a date and time to see the full price.
Questions
When is Down House open?
Opening: open daily, 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Can we combine Down House with another house?
Titsey Place is around 22 minutes away by road.
Which railway station is handiest?
Hayes, 12 minutes by car.
Our undertaking
- 60 min
of waiting after landing on every airport collection, without charge.
- Nothing
is added after the quote unless you ask for more on the day. Airport fees, parking and tolls are in it.
- 24 hrs
before collection, cancel or move the journey at no cost.
- In full
refunded if we ever cancel a journey, however late the notice.