
Horniman Museum Aquarium
A charming and accessible South London gem, the Horniman Aquarium offers a delightful glimpse into aquatic life, complemented by stunning gardens and ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Horniman Museum Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and accessible South London gem, the Horniman Aquarium offers a delightful glimpse into aquatic life, complemented by stunning gardens and unique museum exhibits.
"Amazing aquarium with beautiful fish and habitats! Small entrance fee and totally outstanding value!"

🎯 Plan a Full Day Out
The aquarium is small, so combine it with the gardens, animal walk, and other museum exhibits for a complete day.
💰 Universal Credit Discount
Show your Universal Credit card for a £1 entry fee to the aquarium and Robot Zoo!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Aquatic Life
Aquarium Exhibits
Explore 15 diverse aquatic environments showcasing a global array of fish and marine life.

The Iconic Overstuffed Walrus
Main Museum Hall
Don't miss the famously overstuffed walrus, a quirky and memorable exhibit that's a must-see.

Beautiful Gardens and Views
Museum Gardens
Enjoy stunning gardens with panoramic views of London, perfect for a picnic or a relaxing stroll.

Butterfly House Magic
Butterfly House
Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise within the butterfly house, a delightful experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday Visits for a Calm Experience
Budget-Friendly Fun with Universal Credit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan a Full Day Out
The aquarium is small, so combine it with the gardens, animal walk, and other museum exhibits for a complete day.
💰 Universal Credit Discount
Show your Universal Credit card for a £1 entry fee to the aquarium and Robot Zoo!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the museum and gardens, so wear comfy shoes.
📸 Capture the Memories
Don't forget your camera to snap photos of the vibrant fish and unique exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan a Full Day Out
The aquarium is small, so combine it with the gardens, animal walk, and other museum exhibits for a complete day.
💰 Universal Credit Discount
Show your Universal Credit card for a £1 entry fee to the aquarium and Robot Zoo!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the museum and gardens, so wear comfy shoes.
📸 Capture the Memories
Don't forget your camera to snap photos of the vibrant fish and unique exhibits.
☕ Cafe Prices Can Be High
Be aware that cafe prices can be steep; consider bringing your own snacks or planning meals elsewhere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Horniman Museum Aquarium for its excellent value, especially for those on Universal Credit, and its charming, manageable size perfect for families. While some find the aquarium small for the standard entry fee, the overall experience is enhanced by the beautiful gardens, diverse exhibits, and the iconic walrus. The main drawback noted is the expensive cafe.
"Amazing aquarium with beautiful fish and habitats! Small entrance fee of £7-8 per person and totally outstanding value! Kids loved it👍"
Muneem Mazumder
"this place is a lovely hidden gem and theres plenty for kids to do the outside space with the animals is lovely we saw sheep , alpacas etc plenty of outside space to relax , the aquarim is small but still lovely lots of fish to see. the robot exhibit that was on was so good so much to see and do. if you are on uc you get tickets foe £1 so in total we payed £4 for both the aquarim snd robot zoo for 1 x child and 1 x adult. downside ia the cafe - its very expensive. my son who's almost 5 had the chicken cojouns and chips and it was only two small pieces of chicken. not worth £8 at all."
Aimee Varnava
"Lovely little aquarium. I was expecting it to be bigger since there was an entry fee. Was a little disappointed that it was so small. My 7year old loved it."
Aagna Eesha Bhatt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is easily accessible by public transport. Take the Overground to Forest Hill station, which is a short walk away. Buses also serve the area.
Yes, there is limited paid parking available at the Horniman Museum. However, public transport is generally recommended due to potential congestion.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is typically open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, the museum and gardens are generally accessible for prams and wheelchairs, with ramps and lifts available in most areas.
While the aquarium is a separate ticketed attraction, it's highly recommended to explore the rest of the museum and gardens as they offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard entry for the aquarium is around £7-£8 per person. However, children aged 3 and under go free, and those on Universal Credit can enter for just £1.
It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times or weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Yes, significant discounts are available for Universal Credit recipients (£1 entry). Check the Horniman website for any other potential concessions.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions when booking your tickets on the Horniman Museum's official website.
Generally, there is no re-entry allowed to the aquarium once you have left. Plan your visit accordingly.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The aquarium is described as 'small but cute' and 'just right' for younger children, with 15 exhibits. While not vast, it offers a good variety of marine life.
You can expect to see a variety of fish and aquatic species from different global environments. Visitors have been mesmerized by the diverse species.
Absolutely! It's a hit with kids, offering an engaging and manageable experience. The size is perfect for shorter attention spans.
The Horniman boasts extensive gardens, an animal walk with sheep and alpacas, a butterfly house, and various exhibitions, including taxidermy and cultural artifacts.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Horniman has a cafe, but reviews suggest it can be quite expensive for the portion sizes offered. Consider bringing your own food or dining elsewhere.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, especially for picnics in the beautiful gardens. This is a great way to save money.
The extensive gardens provide ample space for picnics, offering lovely views and a relaxed atmosphere.
While convenient, some visitors have found the cafe food to be overpriced and not particularly satisfying, with small portions for the cost.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe isn't widely detailed, but it's always worth asking staff directly upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the aquarium, the panoramic views of London from the gardens, the unique taxidermy exhibits (like the walrus), and the vibrant butterfly house offer excellent photo opportunities.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography in aquariums to prevent disturbing the marine life. Check for any specific signage within the exhibit.
A versatile camera or smartphone is sufficient. For the aquarium, a lens that performs well in lower light conditions is beneficial.
Drones are typically not permitted in museum grounds or public gardens to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Professional photoshoots may require special permission and booking. It's advisable to contact the Horniman Museum directly for their policy on this.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the busiest periods, ensuring a more relaxed experience for everyone. Pack snacks or plan for a picnic in the gardens to keep costs down, as the on-site cafe can be pricey.
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Horniman Aquarium: A Gem in South London
Many visitors, especially families with young children, find the aquarium's size to be a significant advantage. It allows for a more focused and less overwhelming experience, perfect for shorter attention spans. The affordability, particularly the £1 entry for Universal Credit recipients, makes it an accessible and highly valued attraction.
Beyond the fish, the aquarium is part of a larger complex that offers a full day of exploration. Combining a visit to the aquarium with the museum's other attractions, such as the butterfly house, animal walk, and the iconic taxidermy collection, ensures a rich and varied day out.
Beyond the Aquarium: The Horniman's Wider Appeal
Inside the museum, the eclectic collections are a highlight. From the world-renowned taxidermy, including the famously overstuffed walrus, to galleries showcasing global cultures and natural history, there's something to pique everyone's interest. The butterfly house provides a magical, immersive experience, allowing visitors to wander amongst fluttering tropical butterflies.
For those seeking unique experiences, the Horniman often hosts special exhibitions and events. The Robot Zoo exhibition has been a particular hit, showcasing fascinating robotic creatures. This blend of natural history, cultural artifacts, and engaging interactive exhibits makes the Horniman a multifaceted destination for a memorable day out.
Making the Most of Your Visit: Practical Tips
Budget-conscious travelers will find the Horniman exceptionally welcoming. The £1 entry for Universal Credit recipients is a standout offer, making it one of London's most affordable family attractions. Even for those paying standard admission, the value is considered excellent for the experience offered.
When it comes to dining, be mindful of the cafe prices, which some visitors find to be on the higher side. Bringing your own snacks or planning a picnic in the beautiful gardens is a practical way to manage costs and enjoy the surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit