Located 3.4 miles (5.5 km) south west of Orpington, the village of Downe is a picturesque slice of countryside nestled still within the M25, and within the London borough of Bromley (it was part of Kent until 1965 when it officially became part of London). The village lies on the North Downs, and much of the centre of the village has been unchanged for centuries. The famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, lived in Down House in the village for 40 years, from 1842 until he died there in 1882. A favourite place of Darwin’s was Downe Bank, now a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, and several members of his family are buried in the graveyard of the village’s St Mary’s Church.
If you’d like to reside in a village, yet still be commutable to central London, then Downe could well be the spot for you. Have a read of our handy guide, all about Downe Village…
Getting about
Eastwards of Downe there’s the line from Knockholt to Charing Cross (43 minutes, half-hourly) and a little further on is Sevenoaks (eight minutes, half-hourly), OR you can drive 4 miles from the village to Hayes (Kent), which has trains to Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street every 15-30 minutes. Buses that serve Downe are the 146 (into Bromley) and the R8 (Orpington).
Local amenities
The Queens Head and George & the Dragon are popular public houses, and the Dakshin Indian Restaurant has a great reputation. The relatively new Holwood Farm Shop, located between Keston and Downe, is a lovely family-run farm shop, cafe and deli that sells fresh produce from the local area. Nearby Biggin Hill has a decent sized Swimming Pool, Gym and Library.
Schools
Primary school-wise, Downe Village is served by Downe Primary School (OFSTED rating ‘Good’), and when it comes to Secondary Schools, Biggin Hill’s Charles Darwin is “good”; Darrick Wood in Locksbottom is ‘Oustanding’, and the nearest Grammar schools are represented by St Olave’s (boys) and Newstead Wood (girls).
Fancy moving to Downe? Contact us and we can arrange viewings at any suitable properties within the village.
