In Forest Hill, south London, the Horniman Museum and Gardens offers free entry to rich collections, gardens and paid-for features like the aquarium and Butterfly House. This guide gives you what to know before you go: opening times, pricing, how to get there, accessibility, best times, plus nearby places to combine into your day out.
History and overview of the Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum was founded in 1901 by Frederick John Horniman, a tea trader and collector who wished to share his collections of natural history, anthropology and musical instruments with the public.
The building was designed by Charles Harrison Townsend in a style combining Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau elements, and has been expanded over the years to include a modern extension. The museum also includes large gardens, a conservatory, bandstand and small animal walk.
Inside you’ll see displays ranging from musical instruments (many playable via interactive displays) to taxidermy, global cultural artifacts and temporary exhibitions. Some galleries are currently under refurbishment, and features such as the Butterfly House and Aquarium are ticketed. The gardens stretch across approximately 16 acres and give views across London, with themed sections like a sound garden and nature trail.
How to get there and parking at the Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum is at 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. The nearest train / Overground station is Forest Hill, from which it is a short walk. Several bus routes serve the area around the museum. Public transport is often easier than driving, especially at busy times.
On-site parking is very limited. There are two accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders (one suitable for long wheel-base vehicles), available on a first-come, first-served basis. For others, street parking near Forest Hill may be possible, or using local car parks with reservation via parking apps is the best bet if you are arriving by car.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Horniman Museum opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open daily, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The Butterfly House operates from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with last entry at 3:30 PM. The Gardens open much earlier: from 7:15 AM on Mondays to Saturdays (from 8:00 AM on Sundays and Bank Holidays) and remain open until 7:30 PM. The café’s hours match the museum hours for the most part. The facility is closed on certain public holidays (for instance 25 December).
General admission to the museum and gardens is free. However, certain exhibits such as the Aquarium, Butterfly House and some temporary or special exhibitions require a ticket.
When I last checked in September 2025, adult tickets for the Aquarium and Butterfly House cost £6.50 each. Booking tickets in advance via the official website is strongly advised.
Accessibility and what to expect inside
The Horniman aims to be accessible. There are ramps, lifts and level access to many galleries, plus accessible toilets. Paths in the gardens are mostly manageable, though some slopes and uneven surfaces occur especially near landscaped areas. Blue Badge holders get priority for those two special parking spaces on site.
Inside the museum the layout is fairly compact so you won’t walk miles between exhibits. Some galleries might be crowded, especially key displays or during weekends. The Butterfly House is warm and humid; the aquarium has dim lighting.
Best times to visit the Horniman Museum
If you want fewer people, aim for weekday mornings just after opening. School holidays and weekends bring big crowds, especially in the paid sections. Late afternoon is more relaxed, though some paid exhibits may stop admitting visitors earlier than closing time.
The gardens are a bonus early or late in the day: morning mist or evening light can make the views more atmospheric. Also, if weather is fine, combining indoor and outdoor parts (museum, Butterfly House, gardens) gives a more balanced outing: warm inside exhibits, cool breeze outside.
Nearby attractions to combine into the same day
Once you’ve had your fill, Forest Hill and the surrounding area offer more to explore. Dulwich Picture Gallery is a short drive or bus ride away for art lovers. Sydenham Hill Wood is close for woodland walks. East Dulwich has cafés and small shops for lunch or coffee.
FAQ / practical tips
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Mostly yes. Many indoor galleries are accessible by lift or ramps. Gardens have paths that are level in some areas, but some paths are steep or uneven, especially in landscaped or sloped sections.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. There are two parking spaces on site for Blue Badge holders; one is suitable for long wheel-base vehicles. But they cannot be booked, so arriving early improves chances of getting one.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. There are picnic-friendly spots in the gardens. The museum café provides meals, snacks and drinks but it can be busy.
When are the quietest hours or days to visit?
Weekday mornings just after 10:00 AM tend to be the calmest. Avoid school holiday afternoons and weekend middays.
How long should I budget for a visit?
A visit focused on the free museum galleries and gardens can take 2-3 hours. If you include paid exhibits (Aquarium, Butterfly House), a café break and wandering the gardens leisurely, allow 4-5 hours.
Are photos allowed everywhere?
Generally yes for personal use. Some special exhibits may have restrictions — check signage or staff. Gardens and general galleries are photo-friendly.
Are there kid-friendly facilities or activities?
Yes. There’s a children’s gallery, interactive displays, an Animal Walk of small animals, the Butterfly House, aquarium, and a large garden with space to run around.
Final practical tips
Check the Horniman’s website on the day of your visit in case special exhibits are closed or closing earlier. Bring layers: indoor-outside transitions, garden shade, etc. If travelling by car, plan parking or be prepared for a short walk from a nearby street or station.
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if including the gardens. If you love views, head for the bandstand or conservatory vantage points near dusk. And if the Butterfly House is a must, try to arrive before midday when it is less warm and less crowded.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What is the cheapest night of the week to stay in London?
- The part of the Tower of London you should visit first.
- Is the Tower of London worth the ticket price?
- A guide to parking at Hampton Court Palace.
- Why the bust of Ramesses II is a highlight of the British Museum.
