'Downe' is a
village in the
London Borough of Bromley,
England.
Downe is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) south west of
Orpington and 14.2 miles (22.8 km) south east of
Charing Cross. Downe lies in a wooded valley, and much of the centre of the village is unchanged; the former village school now acts as the village hall.
Darwin
Charles Darwin lived in
Down House for 40 years, from
1842 until he died there in
1882. A favourite place of his was Downe Bank, now a
nature reserve.
Down House and the surrounding area was nominated by the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport to become a
World Heritage Site but has to be resubmitted.
Buckston Browne Farm

Buckston Browne Farm
Downe is the location of Buckston Browne Farm, built in
1931 as a surgical research centre by the
Royal College of Surgeons. It is currently being developed as a training centre.
Downe Scout campsite
The village is home to the nationally recognised
Downe Scout Activity Centre.
Stage Door Theatre Group, Downe
Downe Village is also home to Stage Door Theatre Group (formerly known as the Young Downe Arounders, due to its affiliation with the Downe Arounders Dramatic Society) which presents one major production each academic year, plus other events throughout the season. The group is open to all young people between the ages of 7 and 17. It is managed by a group of adult volunteers and parents. The group was formed in December 2003 by members of the Downe Arounders, its aim is to provide for youth in the community as well as giving young people the opportunity to learn through the experience of performing arts. SDTG is a member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.
Nearest places
★
Cudham
★
Farnborough
★
Keston
★
Orpington
Downe village is served by two London Transport bus links:
146 Bromley North - Downe (Daily from 15th July)
R8 Biggin Hill - Orpington
Both these buses run hourly with no Sunday service.
Nearest station
★
Orpington railway station
External links
★
Audio tour of Downe and Down House
★
Downe Bank Nature Reserve
★
Darwin at Downe - World Heritage Site nomination