Down House, the home of Charles Darwin, is rated the top attraction in Bromley, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 800 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Best known as the family home of the renowned scientist, and the place where Darwin penned ‘On the Origin of Species’, this historic site makes for “brill day out” according to reviewers.
Guests are treated to an interactive multimedia tour around the house, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, as well as getting the chance to discover how the scientist developed his ground-breaking theories.
A visitor from Devon called it “an amazing little house”, giving the day out five stars.
A walk round the gardens that inspired Charles Darwin finishes off a perfect spring day out (Image: Google Maps)
Overall, they said: “Great day out, great staff, great accessibility.”
Another reviewer, visiting with friends in April 2023, found it so “surreal” to stand in the study where Darwin wrote ‘On the Origin of Species’ that they were left “crying tears of joy”.
The historic rooms, still organised the way Charles Darwin left them, make the experience enriching and insightful for visitors.
Open between 10am and 5pm, Down House offers plenty of time for visitors to soak in the vast knowledge of Charles Darwin.
The recently recreated bedroom of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma gives a personal touch and overlooks the gardens that once inspired Darwin’s theories.
Visitors also raved about the homemade food served in Emma’s Kitchen, with some dishes inspired by Emma Darwin’s recipe book.
Jacqui B, who visited the house last month, said: “The food in the cafe was lovely.
“Homemade soup and sour dough bun for lunch all made on the site were so good.
“We had to go back for scone cake and tea after a walk around the glasshouse and very peaceful gardens.”
Down House, awarded the Travellers’ Choice title in 2023, consistently earns praise for the knowledge and helpfulness of its staff.
One south east Londoner, who has visited the house many times, said: “Always impressed with how nice, knowledgeable and helpful all the staff, cafe staff and volunteers are.
“They are always smiling and seem to be enjoying their day.”
The attraction even draws in visitors from across the world, with one couple from Minneapolis describing it as a “blessing” to “see sites of tremendous significance”.
They concluded with: “The British show such a keen commitment to retaining and presenting their role in history and we were delighted to have the opportunity to visit.”
