Pictures of Downe
About Downe
Part of the urban sprawl that is Greater London contains amid the muddle of vast acres of concrete, little gems from the past that continue to enthrall and fascinate. Such a place is Downe, an almost secluded village on the ridge of the North Downs. In common with most of this region the history of Downe reaches down the centuries to the days of the Romans and William the Conqueror. Roman remains have been found here, and close to nearby Biggin Hill is Caesors Well, the source of the Ravensbourne River.
Most of the houses and cottages in Downe are built of flint and it is here that you will find the interesting home of the great Victorian Naturalist, Charles Darwin. Down House, mainly of 18th-century build, was Charles Darwin's home for 40 years until his death in 1882. It is an pleasant house to visit and shows many relics from Darwin's life and times.
Other places of note in the area are nearby Biggin Hill Airfield and Chislehurst Caves - a vast cavernous area where prehistoric fossils and Druid alter remains can be seen. These caves hid Royalists during the Civil War and in the last century were used as air-raid shelters.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Downe
| Down House | (0.5 miles, 0.8 km) | Pictures |
| Emmetts Garden | (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Lullingstone Castle | (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Lullingstone Roman Villa | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Chartwell | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| South Norwood Country Park | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Beckenham Crematorium & Cemetery | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Eynsford Castle | (7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Eltham Palace | (7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Crystal Palace National Sports Centre | (8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Knole House & Deer Park | (8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Crystal Palace Park | (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Red House | (8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Hall Place | (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
All attractions in DowneAll attractions in Greater LondonComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Downe
Oxted, in the county of Surrey (6.1 miles, 9.7 km, direction SW)
A walk around the village reveals a riot of attractive 17th and 18th century cottages all standing on a rise surrounded by pretty flower-filled gardens.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Eynsford, in the county of Kent (7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction E)
This is a small town in the Darent Valley. Way back in the mists of history it was thought to be an important town, but is now...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Eltham, in the county of Greater London (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction N)
The attractive suburb of Eltham is part of the urban sprawl of Greater London.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Dartford, in the county of Kent (10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction NE)
The interest of the town focus's on The Holy Trinity Church, this originated in the 11th century and has a Norman tower.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Greenwich, in the county of Greater London (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction N)
The might of british sea-power and the historic town of Greenwich are inseparable. Two famous English sea-faring vessels are here, one is the Cutty Sark, a famous old clipper that shipped tea from China in the 19th-century, and the other, from the 20th-century is Gypsy Moth 1V, sailed round the world by Sir Francis Chichester.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Chiddingstone, in the county of Kent (10.7 miles, 17.3 km, direction S)
Fascinating village, owned by the National Trust which is crammed with beautiful properties from the 16th and 17th-century probably built with iron-industry money.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Shipbourne, in the county of Kent (11.5 miles, 18.4 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Plaxtol, in the county of Kent (11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction SE)
This is a picturesque Kentish village at the centre of the counties hop growing fields. It has interesting Oast houses and a concentration of charming brick built cottages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Greenhithe, in the county of Kent (12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction NE)
Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Meopham Green, in the county of Kent (12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction E)
This is an attractive Kentish village lying to the south of Gravesend. It is picked out by its Windmill of 1801, which has been lovingly restored back to its original working order and is now one of the best preserved in Kent.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Reigate, a Historic Market Town in the county of Surrey (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction SW)
This is a bustling part of the Surrey landscape, it is easily reached via the M25 from London and is right on the North Downs Way.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Tonbridge, in the county of Kent (13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction SE)
Fine streets show a rich variety of architecture including typical Wealden tile-hung properties, and handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings dominating the river scene.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Westminster, in the county of Greater London (14.0 miles, 22.5 km, direction NW)
Of all the jewels in the City of Westminster, none shines more brightly than Westminster Abbey, stunning setting for the coronation of almost every English monarch since William the Conqueror was crowned there in 1066.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Epsom, a Historic Market Town in the county of Surrey (14.0 miles, 22.6 km, direction W)
Epsom, is known world-wide for what is perhaps the most famous horse race of all time - The Derby.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
London, a Historic City in the county of Greater London (14.3 miles, 23.1 km, direction NW)
London is one of the World's most exciting, cultural destinations where visitors can walk with history whilst enjoying all that...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in Greater LondonComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Chelsfield Station | (2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction NE) |
| New Addington Tram Stop | (3.0 miles, 4.7 km, direction W) |
| M25 Junction 4 | (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction E) |
| M25 Junction 5 | (4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction SE) |
| New Cross Tube Station | (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction NW) |
| New Cross Gate Tube Station | (10.5 miles, 17.0 km, direction NW) |
| London City Airport | (11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction N) |
| Downe to London | (14.3 miles, 23.1 km, direction NW) |
| London Gatwick Airport | (16.3 miles, 26.2 km, direction SW) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Downe
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Downe center |
| Mary Rose Hotel | (4.8 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE) |
| The Kings Arms Hotel | (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S) |
| Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel | (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction SE) |
| Selsdon Park Hotel | (5.1 miles, 8.3 km, direction W) |
| The Crown Inn | (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction N) |
| Best Western Bromley Court Hotel | (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction NW) |
| South Park Hotel | (6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction W) |
| The Moorings Hotel | (6.9 miles, 11.0 km, direction SE) |
| Hayesthorpe Hotel Croydon London | (7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction W) |
| Jurys Inn Croydon | (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction W) |
| All hotels in Downe |
