Place to explore / Forest Hill
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Explore world cultures and musical instruments, then head into the gardens for nature-themed play.
- Price
- Museum and Gardens free; some attractions and events charged separately
- Where
- 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
About this outing
The Horniman combines free museum galleries with gardens, family trails and a nature-themed playground. Explore the World and Music galleries, or choose separately ticketed visits to the Aquarium and Butterfly House. The Museum opens daily 10:00–17:30. The Nature Gallery and Nature Discovery Den are closed until 5 February 2027.
Planning your visit
- Gardens paths include steep slopes; the Nature Trail has uneven ground and can be muddy. Accessible toilets and baby changing are available in the Museum and Gardens.
- A five- to ten-minute walk from Forest Hill station. Picnics are welcome in the Gardens, not inside the Museum. The Dutch Barn provides a rainy-weather picnic space.
- On 23 October the operator reported Gardens closed for adverse weather, with Museum entry only from London Road and both nearby bus stops closed after burst water mains. Check its live travel and weather alerts before setting off.
Plan your visit
Source checked 23 October 2026 at 18:27.
Other sources
Supporting source — checked 23 October 2026 at 18:27
Supporting source — checked 23 October 2026 at 18:27
Guides & inspiration
Forest Hill with children: museum discoveries, nature play, stories and swimming
Plan a Forest Hill family outing with the Horniman’s museum, nature playground and ticketed attractions, plus library songs and stories and swimming on Dartmouth Road.