Down House and Titsey Place

Down House was the home of Charles Darwin for 40 years and where he wrote The Origins of Man. The house has been restored and furnished with his original furniture and belongings gifted by his family, giving the house an authentic atmosphere in this historic place.

Darwin used the gardens as an open-air laboratory and developed his theory of natural selection by experimenting with many plants and insects, particularly in his greenhouses and the adjoining hot house which he developed.

This fascinating tour begins with coffee and biscuits on arrival. An audio guide is used in the house, featuring comments by David Attenborough and a guided tour of the garden is included.

We move on down the road to Titsey Place, which is one of the largest surviving historic estates in Surrey. This has been the magnificent ancestral home of the Gresham family since 1524, set in beautiful grounds and parkland with stunning views over the Surrey countryside.

The house holds family portraits and several Canaletto paintings, fine porcelain and furniture. The visit includes a guided tour of the house and has a fine tearoom in the grounds.

The cost is £57 per person.

For English Heritage members, the cost is £44 per person.

Please apply by 22nd August