Horniman Museum and Gardens, London - green and red plants near brown wooden building during daytime
1 / 10

Horniman Museum and Gardens London

4.6
·9k reviews·, United Kingdom

A Victorian treasure trove of natural history, world cultures, and stunning gardens with panoramic London views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Horniman Museum and Gardens, London - green and red plants near brown wooden building during daytime

Horniman Museum and Gardens London

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Victorian treasure trove of natural history, world cultures, and stunning gardens with panoramic London views.

4.6
(9k reviews)

"A delightful mix of the quirky, educational, and beautiful – a true South London gem!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, Paid Exhibits

General museum entry is free! Some special exhibits or the butterfly house may have a fee.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the extensive gardens.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Overstuffed Walrus

The Overstuffed Walrus

Natural History Gallery

An iconic and slightly unsettling taxidermy specimen that's a must-see for its sheer oddity.

Instagram
World-Class Musical Instruments

World-Class Musical Instruments

Music Gallery

Explore a vast collection of instruments from around the globe, offering a vibrant auditory and visual experience.

Reddit
Tropical Butterfly House

Tropical Butterfly House

Conservatory

Wander through a lush, warm environment filled with fluttering butterflies – a magical experience for all ages.

Instagram
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Gardens

Enjoy stunning vistas of the London skyline from the elevated gardens, a perfect spot for photos.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Eclectic Collections

Prepare for a delightful mix of the quirky and the educational. From taxidermy to musical instruments, the Horniman offers a unique journey through natural history and global cultures. Don't miss the famous overstuffed walrus! Instagram

Gardens & Views: More Than Just a Museum

Beyond the museum walls lie 16 acres of stunning gardens with breathtaking city views. Pack a picnic and enjoy the diverse flora, or explore the hidden paths. It's a perfect escape for a relaxed afternoon. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Evenings
Why
Quieter after day-trippers leave.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

No te pierdas de todos sus beneficios 😏✨🤍 #tiposdete #hornimans #tipssaludables #vidasaludable
@sofiquetglas
67K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Free Entry, Paid Exhibits

General museum entry is free! Some special exhibits or the butterfly house may have a fee. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the extensive gardens. Reddit

Looking for something different in London? Well, head on over to the @hornimanmuseumgardens for taxidermy (yes, including *that* overstuffed walrus), a global culture gallery, a butterfly house, and e...
secret.london
4K likes • 208.4K views
Catch the train or overground to Forest Hill to visit Horniman museum gardens for a great family day out. Wonder around the museum and aquarium, flutter around the butterfly house, have a picnic on ...
guideme_london
76 likes • 4.7K views

🧺 Picnic in the Gardens

Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a scenic picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Don't forget your camera for the stunning city panoramas from the gardens. Reddit

AD| I recently went on a fascinating historical walk from Forest Hill to Honor Oak in South London! I visited delights such as the Horniman Museum and Gardens, Havelock Walk with its charming artist’s...
livinglondonhistory
2.2K likes • 73K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, Paid Exhibits

General museum entry is free! Some special exhibits or the butterfly house may have a fee. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the extensive gardens. Reddit

🧺 Picnic in the Gardens

Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a scenic picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Don't forget your camera for the stunning city panoramas from the gardens. Reddit

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Accessible via Forest Hill Overground and train stations. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Horniman Museum and Gardens for its eclectic collections, beautiful grounds, and free general admission. It's consistently praised as a fantastic family-friendly destination with something for everyone, from quirky taxidermy to stunning city views. Some find the paid exhibits a bit pricey, and parking can be a challenge.

"What a great museum! Lots of interesting items from all over the world, good descriptions and explanations of everything too. We went in holiday time and there were a lot of kids running around but there's plenty of space inside and outside. The cafe is excellent too. We could have spent the entire day here, the museum, not just the cafe!"

David Wright

"This museum and garden in Forest Hill, South London, is free and family-friendly.

The garden features many benches and shaded areas, making it a great place to relax. There is also a beautiful sunken garden that invites exploration and leisurely strolls.

You can find exhibitions on musical instruments, natural history, and anthropology. Additionally, there is a butterfly house and a small aquarium that visitors can enjoy for a fee.

Highly recommend visiting here"

Tony

"We visited the park and the free sections of the museum. The park, parts of which currently under renovation, is somewhat smaller than we thought but the view is nice. The museum is also compact but contains a very good and interesting collection of items about anthropology, natural history and musical instruments. You can easily spend a whole afternoon which the exhibition. In fact parts of the museum is under renovation too and it should be even more worth visiting afterwards. Overall it is a good place for family. Roadside car parking on nearby streets."

Ho Pong To

What People Like

Free general admission
Beautiful gardens
Eclectic collections

What People Dislike

Paid exhibits cost
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Horniman Museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take the Overground to Forest Hill station, which is a short walk away. Alternatively, Southern Railway trains from London Bridge and Victoria also stop at Forest Hill. Instagram

Limited parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's generally recommended to use public transport to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

From central London, take a Southern Railway train to Forest Hill station. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Instagram

Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Horniman Museum, including routes 171, 197, 312, and 362. Check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

The museum and most of the gardens are accessible for wheelchair users. There are lifts available to access different levels of the museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free! However, some special exhibitions and the Butterfly House may have an admission fee. Instagram

The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with the gardens often open slightly later. It's always best to check the official Horniman website for the most current opening hours. Instagram

For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required as it's free. However, for special exhibitions or if you plan to visit during peak times, it's advisable to check their website for any booking recommendations. Instagram

While general admission is free, discounts might apply to paid exhibits or for specific groups. Check the Horniman's website for details on concessions or group rates. Instagram

Yes, the gardens are accessible and can be enjoyed independently of the museum. They are a significant attraction in themselves. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the famous overstuffed walrus, extensive taxidermy collections, a world musical instruments gallery, an aquarium, and a tropical butterfly house. The 16-acre gardens are also a major draw. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic family day out with interactive exhibits, a butterfly house, an aquarium, and plenty of space in the gardens for kids to run around. They even have a new soft play area. Instagram+1

The gardens feature diverse plant collections, a conservatory, an animal walkthrough, a sound garden, and stunning views of the London skyline. Reddit+1

The Horniman often offers guided tours or talks on specific collections or themes. Check their website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival for schedules. Instagram

The Horniman's walrus is a large, taxidermied specimen that has become an iconic and somewhat quirky symbol of the museum. It's known for being rather overstuffed! Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Horniman has a cafe that serves a range of hot and cold food, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient option for visitors. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. This is a popular option for families and budget-conscious visitors. Instagram

The cafe typically offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check their current menu on-site for specific choices. Instagram

The area around Forest Hill offers various cafes and restaurants if you prefer to dine outside the museum. Instagram

Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a museum cafe in London. Bringing a picnic is the most budget-friendly option. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for specific signage. Instagram

The panoramic views of London from the gardens are spectacular. The Butterfly House and the diverse exhibits within the museum also make for great photo opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically not permitted within museum grounds or gardens due to safety and privacy regulations. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally fine in the gardens. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Reddit

A versatile camera that can handle both indoor low light and outdoor bright conditions is ideal. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Horniman is a dream for families! With free general admission, it's an accessible outing. Kids will be mesmerized by the aquarium, the butterfly house, and the quirky taxidermy exhibits, especially the famous walrus. Instagram+2

Don't miss the new soft play area for younger children, and the extensive gardens offer plenty of space to run around. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, or grab a bite at the on-site cafe. The sound garden and animal walkthrough are also big hits. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

The Horniman is fantastic for budget-conscious travelers as general admission is free. This allows you to explore the vast collections and beautiful gardens without spending a penny on entry. Instagram

To keep costs down, pack your own picnic to enjoy in the gardens, which is a popular and scenic option. While some special exhibits or the butterfly house have a fee, the core experience is rich and rewarding without them. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from London

The Horniman is an excellent choice for a day trip within London, easily reachable by public transport. Take the Overground or Southern Railway to Forest Hill station, making it convenient from many parts of the city. Instagram

Spend your day exploring the diverse museum collections and then relax in the stunning gardens, enjoying the panoramic city views. It offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle without requiring extensive travel. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Victorian Visionary: The Horniman Legacy

The Horniman Museum and Gardens owes its existence to Frederick Horniman, a wealthy tea trader and philanthropist. He amassed an extraordinary collection of natural history and anthropological objects during his travels, which he opened to the public in 1901. His vision was to create a place for education and enjoyment, making the world's wonders accessible to everyone. This legacy of curiosity and discovery is still palpable today. Instagram

Horniman's collection was initially housed in his home, but as it grew, he commissioned a purpose-built museum. The architecture itself is a testament to Victorian ambition. The museum's focus on global cultures and natural sciences, including a significant taxidermy collection, reflects the era's fascination with exploration and classification. Instagram

Today, the Horniman continues to evolve while staying true to its founder's spirit. It remains a place where you can encounter the unexpected, from the famously overstuffed walrus to a vibrant butterfly house and a world-class musical instrument collection. It’s a testament to how a private passion can become a beloved public institution. Reddit

Exploring the Enchanting Horniman Gardens

The 16 acres of Horniman Gardens are as much a draw as the museum itself. Designed to be both beautiful and educational, they offer a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, a medicinal garden, and a sound garden, each offering unique sensory delights. InstagramReddit

One of the most celebrated features of the gardens is the breathtaking panoramic view of the London skyline. From various points, especially near the bandstand, you can see iconic landmarks stretching across the city. This elevated perspective makes it a perfect spot for photography and a moment of quiet contemplation. Reddit

Beyond the curated gardens, the Horniman also boasts wilder areas and woodland paths, including a connection to Sydenham Woods. These offer a more naturalistic escape and a chance to explore local biodiversity. It's a place where you can easily spend a full day, combining cultural exploration with outdoor relaxation and stunning vistas. Reddit

Family Fun at the Horniman: Beyond the Exhibits

The Horniman Museum is a perennial favorite for families, and for good reason. Beyond the fascinating exhibits like the aquarium and the butterfly house, the museum actively caters to younger visitors. A new soft play area provides a dedicated space for toddlers and young children to burn off energy. Instagram

The expansive gardens are a huge asset for families. There's ample space for children to run and play, and the various garden areas offer opportunities for discovery. The animal walkthrough and the sound garden are particularly engaging for kids, making the visit interactive and fun. Instagram

Many parents and educators highlight the Horniman as an ideal school trip destination, noting its engaging displays and educational value. The combination of indoor and outdoor activities ensures that a visit can be tailored to suit different energy levels and interests, making it a truly comprehensive family day out. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2