About Downe

Downe is a village located in the Greater London area, specifically within the BR6 postcode. It is situated approximately 15 miles southeast of central London, making it a convenient location for those who wish to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the capital. The village is known for its attractive countryside and is surrounded by several parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The village has a small selection of shops, cafes, and local amenities, catering to the needs of its residents. Downe is also home to the famous Down House, the former residence of Charles Darwin, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The area is well-connected by public transport, allowing for easy access to nearby towns and the city.

School Ratings in Downe

Families in Downe have access to 99 local schools. Warren Road Primary School, Darrick Wood Infant & Nursery School and Newstead Wood School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downe

Homes sell for an average of £603K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £567K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downe

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Vehicle crime is the leading concern across Downe, with 46 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downe

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Downe among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Downe

Downe benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 6,618 sales

Average Price £603K
£1K £21M
Detached £908K 1,757
Semi £567K 2,368
Terraced £442K 1,307
Flat £307K 1,010

Deprivation and Employment in Downe IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Downe experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
12,247 Children (0-15) 19%
38,040 Working Age 58%
18,614 Older (60+) 29%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 15.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.6% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Downe 314 crimes · January 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Downe is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

88 Violence & Sexual Offences
46 Vehicle Crime
39 Anti-Social Behaviour
26 Criminal Damage & Arson
23 Other Theft
22 Burglary
18 Public Order
16 Shoplifting
11 Drugs
10 Theft from Person
8 Robbery
4 Other Crime
2 Weapons
1 Bicycle Theft
Local Policing
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Chelsfield Train Station 2.6 miles
Orpington Train Station 3 miles
Knockholt Train Station 3.2 miles
Hayes (Kent) Train Station 3.6 miles
Petts Wood Train Station 3.9 miles
West Wickham Train Station 4.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bromley
County Kent
Ward Petts Wood & Knoll
Constituency Orpington
Parish Bromley, unparished area
Region London

Notable & Famous People from Downe 3 people

Bernard Darwin
Writer
golf writer and amateur golfer (1876-1961)
Horace Darwin
Engineer
British engineer (1851-1928)
Leonard Darwin
Engineer
English politician and eugenicist (1850–1943)