Horniman Museum and Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free attraction in South London’s Forest Hill.The Museum has been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, the collection has grown tenfold and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history collection.Unusually for such an important museum, you can see the collection up-close and face-to-face. You can even pick up, try on and play with some objects.Visitors come time and again to explore this free museum, take part in our activities and enjoy the 16-acre gardens.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
718 reviews
Excellent
363
Very good
255
Average
72
Poor
19
Terrible
9
Robert D
Brooklyn, New York2,376 contributions
Feb 2023
I visited this museum to see the Brick Dinos exhibit. I was underwhelmed. There were only two full-size Lego brick sculptures of dinosaurs and two additional full-size sculptures of Mesozoic reptiles. There were quite a few miniature models, but they did not have the same impact. I have visited other exhibits of Lego brick sculpture and they had far more to see.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HappyTraveller
35 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
I was hugely impressed by my visit to the Horniman Museum.
There was a great welcome at the main entrance and the children loved the free galleries, especially the world gallery and seeing the walrus. There was a handling table where my little niece loved touching the snakeskin. They loved the musical instrument galleries and playing all the different instruments.
We paid for the aquarium and butterfly house and it was well worth it. The boys and girls with us (2, 6, 8 and 11) all loved these. The guide in the Butterfly House who took the time to show us all the chrysalis under a leaf made the visit there.
We had a child with Autism with us and I was very impressed by the museum approach to ASD. I called in advance. There was a queue skip option and although we didn’t need to ask to use it knowing it was there really helped both the child in question and the adults. There is an amazing quiet space just off the music galleries with floor mats, cushions and books and he loved this. It made me realise that just that little bit of time to recharge in a peaceful space was something that made such a difference. Thank you Horniman Museum ❤️
Just one small suggestion - when I called to say I was bringing a child with autism the quiet room wasn’t mentioned. It would be great to suggest to all staff they highlight this.
There was a great welcome at the main entrance and the children loved the free galleries, especially the world gallery and seeing the walrus. There was a handling table where my little niece loved touching the snakeskin. They loved the musical instrument galleries and playing all the different instruments.
We paid for the aquarium and butterfly house and it was well worth it. The boys and girls with us (2, 6, 8 and 11) all loved these. The guide in the Butterfly House who took the time to show us all the chrysalis under a leaf made the visit there.
We had a child with Autism with us and I was very impressed by the museum approach to ASD. I called in advance. There was a queue skip option and although we didn’t need to ask to use it knowing it was there really helped both the child in question and the adults. There is an amazing quiet space just off the music galleries with floor mats, cushions and books and he loved this. It made me realise that just that little bit of time to recharge in a peaceful space was something that made such a difference. Thank you Horniman Museum ❤️
Just one small suggestion - when I called to say I was bringing a child with autism the quiet room wasn’t mentioned. It would be great to suggest to all staff they highlight this.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
violet339
London, UK400 contributions
Jan 2023
This is a museum I've always wanted to go to but the location has always put me off. Finally I made it.
I loved the natural history section. It had a really old fashioned feel to it (in a good way) with a load of taxidermy and I liked the layout with the gallery upstairs. The aquarium was also good - although small, I enjoyed all the colours and found it quite peaceful.
The world section was also interesting, but I think they could maybe improve the presentation a bit, as it does feel a bit like a load of objects all piled into a display case. I wasn't personally interested in the music section - just a load of musical instruments. There isn't much to see in the gardens right now but it was nice to take a small walk anyway. There were a few animals - I'm not sure if there're maybe more and they were hiding. I didn't go to the butterfly house, just to save money. I wanted to check out the conservatory but couldn't find a way to get to it!
Overall, I would really recommend the museum. I think it offers something a bit different to the museums in Central London, although I fear it will most likely be a one-off for most people. I know, as much as I liked it myself, I'm unlikely to go again.
The only real negative for me was how loud it was. There were a lot of SCREAMING children. That was on a weekday. It was so loud that for the first few minutes I was actually a bit shocked - but then I got used to it.
I loved the natural history section. It had a really old fashioned feel to it (in a good way) with a load of taxidermy and I liked the layout with the gallery upstairs. The aquarium was also good - although small, I enjoyed all the colours and found it quite peaceful.
The world section was also interesting, but I think they could maybe improve the presentation a bit, as it does feel a bit like a load of objects all piled into a display case. I wasn't personally interested in the music section - just a load of musical instruments. There isn't much to see in the gardens right now but it was nice to take a small walk anyway. There were a few animals - I'm not sure if there're maybe more and they were hiding. I didn't go to the butterfly house, just to save money. I wanted to check out the conservatory but couldn't find a way to get to it!
Overall, I would really recommend the museum. I think it offers something a bit different to the museums in Central London, although I fear it will most likely be a one-off for most people. I know, as much as I liked it myself, I'm unlikely to go again.
The only real negative for me was how loud it was. There were a lot of SCREAMING children. That was on a weekday. It was so loud that for the first few minutes I was actually a bit shocked - but then I got used to it.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review! The Conservatory is closed until March 2023 for refurbishment work. We do hope you’ll come back and visit once it reopens later in spring, and see the Gardens start to bloom again.
Written 17 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris M
246 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
This is a great museum and gardens.
The gardens are easy to access and explore.
The museum is predominantly free and filled with the usual selection of Victorian taxidermy / 'tourist souvenirs ' that you'd expect. What was good was that they were often displayed side by side in a manner endeavouring to explain the difference in morphology between species which was excellent.
We paid extra to visit the aquarium which wasn't much and great little addition.
The gardens are easy to access and explore.
The museum is predominantly free and filled with the usual selection of Victorian taxidermy / 'tourist souvenirs ' that you'd expect. What was good was that they were often displayed side by side in a manner endeavouring to explain the difference in morphology between species which was excellent.
We paid extra to visit the aquarium which wasn't much and great little addition.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit.
Written 22 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AussiesBallarat
Ballarat, Australia811 contributions
May 2022
As visitors from Australia, previously we had not visited this museum because we thought public-transport access would be difficult, but persevering this time proved our concerns unfounded - it was two easy bus rides from Clapham, where we were staying. The museum was founded in 1901 by Frederick John Horniman. Frederick had inherited his father's Horniman's Tea business, which by 1891 had become the world's biggest tea trading business. The proceeds from the business allowed Horniman to indulge his lifelong passion for collecting which, after travelling extensively, had some 30,000 items in his various collections. In 1911 an additional building to the west of the main building was donated by Frederick Horniman's son Emslie, and a new extension opened in 2002.
It has displays of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, and is known for its large collection of taxidermied animals. In the grounds is an ornate glass and wrought iron conservatory relocated from the Horniman family home property, and perfect for its current wedding business. The Horniman now has a collection of 350,000 objects an aquarium and extensive gardens including a Butterfly House.
We were ready for lunch when we arrived just after 12.15, but the weather meant there were no tables available in the cafe indoor space, so we decided to visit the natural history gallery, which included a number of exhibits originally from Australia.
There now was space in the cafe; however, as the rain had stopped, we actually sat outdoors under a large umbrella. We then resumed visiting the galleries; we found the one about human hair to be creepy, and the one about musical instruments to be fascinating.
We did not spend a lot of time exploring the gardens, as the weather was threatening, but, being in an elevated position, there was a great distant view of the city. On a better day, however, time in the gardens would reward curiosity.
Since our visit the Horniman was awarded Museum of the Year - a worthy outcome.
It has displays of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, and is known for its large collection of taxidermied animals. In the grounds is an ornate glass and wrought iron conservatory relocated from the Horniman family home property, and perfect for its current wedding business. The Horniman now has a collection of 350,000 objects an aquarium and extensive gardens including a Butterfly House.
We were ready for lunch when we arrived just after 12.15, but the weather meant there were no tables available in the cafe indoor space, so we decided to visit the natural history gallery, which included a number of exhibits originally from Australia.
There now was space in the cafe; however, as the rain had stopped, we actually sat outdoors under a large umbrella. We then resumed visiting the galleries; we found the one about human hair to be creepy, and the one about musical instruments to be fascinating.
We did not spend a lot of time exploring the gardens, as the weather was threatening, but, being in an elevated position, there was a great distant view of the city. On a better day, however, time in the gardens would reward curiosity.
Since our visit the Horniman was awarded Museum of the Year - a worthy outcome.
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for your review. We are pleased to hear you had such an enjoyable visit.
Written 10 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnnyUK7
Christchurch, New Zealand143 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
This is a very interesting and well set out museum which is also set in beautiful gardens both of which are free to visit and wander around. The butterfly enclosure and aquarium are also definitely worth paying a little extra to visit. Very friendly reception staff too:-)
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Johnny,
Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Museum, Gardens and Butterfly House.
Written 26 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele B
London, UK60 contributions
Aug 2022
Museum has amazing exhibits. Great for the little ones. The museum is free to enter, has several exhibitions that you have to pay to see. We chose the butterfly house, and were absolutely amazed. I could have stayed in there all day watching the many different butterflies, fluttering around the bushes and eating watermelon on special plates. The plants in there are amazing to! If you love butterflies go and see!
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Michele,
Thanks so much for a great review, we are pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your visit to the Museum and Butterfly house.
Written 26 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
malcsaville
Stroud, UK1,099 contributions
Aug 2022
We only knew about this museum after a travel section mention in the Times newspaper: It is quite a find, having several interesting galleries, in particular the musical instrument collection. The gardens are well presented and the whole site is F.O.C. (payment for the Aquarium and Butterfly house is required) .
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review. We are pleased to hear you found us and hope you come back for another visit again soon!
Written 30 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hope16ra
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Gardens and museum are fine but don’t waste your money on the Butterfly House and Aquarium. Very disappointed in the shocking prices for what was on offer. The cost of both was disgraceful for what it was.
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit. We always strive to provide value for money and are sorry to hear you were disappointed with your visit to the Butterfly House and Aquarium.
Written 10 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AishaGS
London, UK73 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Beautiful grounds which have been done up to a lovely standard.
The conservatory is absolutely stunning & you can eat in there.
The museum was a life line when my children were younger - interactive exhibitions which taught them a real love of history & learning. The aquarium is a cute touch & there is just so much packed into this tiny jewel of a place.
Staff always friendly & facilities always clean. Street parking nearby but also near transport.
Love that the museum information includes revisions that reflect modern understandings of how colonisation saw/shaped the world - as a Londoner of colour, was extremely impressed to see history being taught in a true way.
In August, also hosts the Jerk cookout now which is fab - really fun day out with good food, music & nice family friendly atmosphere.
The conservatory is absolutely stunning & you can eat in there.
The museum was a life line when my children were younger - interactive exhibitions which taught them a real love of history & learning. The aquarium is a cute touch & there is just so much packed into this tiny jewel of a place.
Staff always friendly & facilities always clean. Street parking nearby but also near transport.
Love that the museum information includes revisions that reflect modern understandings of how colonisation saw/shaped the world - as a Londoner of colour, was extremely impressed to see history being taught in a true way.
In August, also hosts the Jerk cookout now which is fab - really fun day out with good food, music & nice family friendly atmosphere.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Aisha,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a thorough review. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit.
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nm L
4 contributions
How long do I need to allow between each attraction. We'd like to visit the Musuem, see the cat and dog exhibition, go to the aquarium and the butterfly house. How much time do I need to allow between each timed booking slots?
Stacey C
Surrey, UK5 contributions
It doesn't matter how long as once you are there you can go into to any of them at anytime. I booked an hour between each exhibition, but I'd say that was too long probably 30/45 minutes. But, like I said once you are there you could go into any of them on any order.
Do I have to buy the tickets for the “colour: the rainbow revealed “ exhibition online or in advance? Or can I buy them when I get there?
Remy S
London, UK297 contributions
I highly suggest that you buy the tickets online as it will save you time and avoid you queuing as well. But yes, you can buy the tickets on site.
Sam_MM
London21 contributions
Is the crazy golf, and bach to music included in the annual membership? Thanks
HornimanMuseum
London, UK1 contribution
Hi Sam, Plonk! Mini Golf and Bach to Baby are not covered by the annual membership. Plonk! is part of an external partnership and Bach to Baby is part of a fundraising project for the new World Gallery.
littlerainbow
Essex, England1 contribution
is the horniman museum open all year round and is entrance free?
HornimanMuseum
London, UK1 contribution
Hi Littlerainbow
The Horniman Museum and Gardens are free in the main, but there is a fee for entry to the Aquarium (Child £2.20; Adult: £4.40; Family - 2 adults & 2 children £9.90) and some events.
I hope this helps, but let us know if you have any other questions.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens (London) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Horniman Museum and Gardens
- Horniman Museum and Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Hotels near Horniman Museum and Gardens:
- (2.35 km) The Lilac Door
- (0.66 km) All Inn One Pub
- (0.15 km) Modern, Victorian 4 Bed Spacious Flat Forest Hill | South London
- (3.02 km) The Half Moon
- (6.35 km) 69TheGrove
- Restaurants near Horniman Museum and Gardens:
- (0.03 km) Horniman Museum Café
- (0.36 km) The Teapot Forest Hill
- (0.36 km) Matoom
- (0.38 km) The India Gate
- (0.48 km) Canvas & Cream
- Attractions near Horniman Museum and Gardens:
- (0.02 km) Horniman Market
- (0.56 km) Sylvan Post
- (0.58 km) The Montage
- (0.58 km) The Bird in Hand
- (0.99 km) ExposureWorks