Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum and Gardens are free to visit and are located on London Road in South London. It first opened in 1901 and has displays of anthropology, natural history, taxidermied animals, and musical instruments. The building is Grade II listed. There is a charge to visit the aquarium, Monkey Business exhibition and Butterfly House plus have a round of crazy golf.
Things to do at Horniman Museum and Gardens
The aquarium is open daily except for Wednesdays (closed 24th-26th December). The 15 exhibits showcase aquatic environments from around the world ranging from British ponds to Fijian coral reefs. There is a large variety of aquatic life to see. The Monkey Business exhibition explores the fascinating world of primates in an immersive family-friendly exhibition.
There are models, photos, film and over 60 taxidermy specimens. Tickets for the Butterfly House are purchased separately should you wish to visit. Inside you can get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in the tropical garden.
Their animal walk is open every day except Christmas Day. This is free to visit and you can expect to see goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and an alpaca. The gardens are also free to visit and open daily except 31st July and Christmas Day. The 16 acres of gardens have stunning views across London and have something for everyone. Kids will especially love the prehistoric gardens with a display of ‘living fossils’ and unusual trees.
The museum has around 350,000 objects in its collection. There are many different exhibition rooms and displays. The hands-on zone is great for kids with plenty to touch and explore. There is also a 9-hole crazy golf course brought to you by Plonk Crazy Golf. Find out more here (there is a small charge to play).
Important Information Horniman Museum and Gardens
Is there food and drink available?
There is a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks, this is closed on Wednesdays. You are welcome to picnic in the park.
What are the main things to do?
Museum with a range of displays, gardens and animals, free to visit. Plus attractions with an entrance fee – aquarium, butterfly house, Monkey business exhibition and crazy golf. There are toilets and a cafe.
What are the ticket prices?
The museum and gardens are free to visit. The aquarium, plus the Monkey business exhibition costs £12.50 for an adult, £7.00 for a child and family tickets are available. You can purchase tickets as well just for the aquarium. The butterfly house tickets cost £6 for an adult and children are £6. Family tickets are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.
Is there parking?
Parking is severely limited in the local area, so they recommend using public transport to come to the Horniman. A pay-and-display car park is available locally behind Sainsbury’s, and there are two pay-and-display car parks at Forest Hill station
When are they open?
The museum is open almost all year round. For up-to-date opening times please visit their website.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed in our Gardens but must be kept on leads. Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
Are they accessible?
