Darwin

Title: Exploring the Life & Legacy of Charles Darwin in the British Isles

Welcome fellow travelers! Today, we embark on a captivating journey through time and space as we delve into the life and works of one of history’s most influential thinkers - Charles Robert Darwin. This voyage takes us to some of the British Isles’ most enchanting locales where you can immerse yourself in the world that birthed the father of evolutionary theory.

Visit

  1. Down House, Kent: Darwin’s family home and the site where he penned his groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species.” Explore the beautiful garden and museum dedicated to this brilliant mind. Down House

  2. Cambridge: Home to the prestigious University of Cambridge where Darwin studied, you can stroll around the colleges and universities he attended, such as Christ’s College, Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. University of Cambridge

Eat

  • The Ivy Cambridge: Indulge in some contemporary British cuisine within a historic setting, reminiscent of Darwin’s time. The Ivy Cambridge

  • The Granary Tea Rooms, near Down House, offers a delightful selection of light bites and traditional afternoon tea. Granary Tea Rooms

Stay

  • Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Cambridge: A charming boutique hotel with luxurious accommodations, perfect for a relaxing stay in Darwin’s intellectual hub. Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Cambridge

  • The Bull Inn: A picturesque 16th-century inn near Down House, boasting comfortable rooms and a delightful pub atmosphere. The Bull Inn

Activities

  1. Darwin’s Walk: A beautiful 5-mile walk through the Kentish countryside, starting at Down House, following the route Darwin himself took daily to gather specimens for his research. Darwin’s Walk

  2. The Charles Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum: Discover fascinating exhibits about Darwin and his work, including the famous beetle collection he began as a child. Natural History Museum

Other Points of Interest

  1. The Beagle Project: Explore the HMS Beagle project, recreating Darwin’s voyage onboard a replica ship. The Beagle Project

  2. Scottish Highlands: Although not directly connected to Darwin, exploring the Scottish Highlands provides an appreciation for the natural beauty that inspired his theories and fueled his curiosity.