Visit Reports
Visit to Lullingstone Castle and Down House May 2010
On 19th May 2010 there was a HEDFAS visit to Lullingstone Castle and Down House, the home of Charles Darwin. We chose the latter because we had just had a lecture
on Darwin, and the former because there had recently been a series of television programmes on the world garden there set up by the owners's son, Tom Hart Dyke.
The castle was opened specially for our group to visit and, as there were no refreshments available there, we first went next door to Kent county's leisure centre for tea, coffee, cold drinks etc.
We were then guided round the castle and church at Lullingstone, but the highlight was being shown around the world garden by Tom, a bubbly and enthusiastic young man and very knowledgeable.
He told us details of his imprisonment in South America for nine months and his amazing escape. He had gone there to collect plants such as orchids.
In the afternoon we went to Down House, an English Heritage property, full of Darwin memorabilia. When I went in 2009 on a recce it was very crowded as it was the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. This time it was merely busy.
We were very lucky in the weather which was warm but not flaming as at present!
This was the first visit I had arranged for HEDFAS and I believe it was enjoyed by all.
Patricia Lloyd