Erasmus Darwin House

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Reviews

1. Annette, Andy Keith ★★★★★

   This is a fascinating museum that tells the story of Erasmus Darwin and the Lunar Society of scientists and inventors. The museum is well presented, with video and audio clips as well as hands-on models to demonstrate the inventions. Outside, there is an apothecary’s garden with medicinal herbs.

   almost 7 months ago
2. I Thomas ★★★★★

   Located across the green from the West Front of Lichfield Cathedral this small but perfectly formed museum tells the history of polymath Erasmus Darwin. Information boards, period costumes for younger visitors and many interactive exhibits bring his life and work alive. The courtyard garden is a hidden gem.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Jensen Interceptor ★★★★★

   A real gem of a museum about a relatively unknown great mind. Dedicated to the life Erasmus Darwin, grand father of Charles Darwin, who lived in Litchfield for a time. The museum can be accessed either from the front on Beacon Street or via an alley way at the back from The Close, which is opposite Litchfield Cathedral. It is right in the heart of Litchfield, so plenty of car parks nearby and places to eat. Entrance to the herb garden is free but to access the house/museum it is just £5 per person. You can pay by cash or card. The staff there are very friendly and knowledgeable. The museum consists of a large house with displays and information in each room. Surprisingly for a museum of this size, a lot of the exhibits are interactive so good fun for the kids. It will take about an hour to have a really good look and read all the information. It was fascinating to learn about Erasmus as I knew nothing of him before. Well worth a visit.

   1 year ago

1. The Cambridge Gardener ★★★★★

   Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin's grandfather, was a naturalist who developed one of the first formal theories of evolution. His work included ideas about how life evolved from a single ancestor, and how competition and sexual selection could cause species to change.

   1 year ago
2. Louise Ramsden ★★★★★

   Absolutely lovely little museum. Small but really interesting, beautiful architecture, and well cared-for. Kept my kids (5 and 8) engaged for a couple of hours - lots of hands-on things to try, from making a Georgian-style silhouette, to dressing up, to playing with a microscope. And they were really thrilled with their little prize for completing the 'mouse hunt' around the house - thank you!

   almost 2 years ago
3. Peter Robinson ★★★★☆

   Intriguing garden and setting with a real touch of history and awe. Didn’t go in the house but pop round the front and see the unsettling mannikin in the window.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Heather O'Sullivan ★★★★☆

   Very interesting, if a little limited. It was hard to work out where the entrance was, as there wasn't an obvious sign leading to the back of the building - unless you climbed a steep flight of steps to the main door. The displays of Darwin's sketches and inventions was really interesting. I was left wanting to know a lot more.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Graham Catlin ★★★★★

   an interesting museum about a fascinating man and his circle. our group were made to feel very welcome. recommended.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Karen Ballantine ★★★★☆

   Interesting museum in Darwin’s house. Lots of surprising facts and interactive exhibits, so interesting for all the family. Pretty garden to walk through with all the medicinal plants that would have been important. Wonderful views of the Cathedral from the windows. Worth a visit, friendly staff.

   almost 4 years ago

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