Horniman Gardens — Attraction in London

Horniman Gardens is one of those places that makes you question whether you’re still in London or if you’ve somehow wandered into a countryside retreat without realizing it. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and just the right amount of quirky—because where else can you admire a stunning city view, visit a butterfly house, and casually stroll past a bunch of alpacas?

The gardens themselves are a mix of perfectly manicured flower beds, wild nature trails, and hidden little spots that make you want to sit down and contemplate life for a bit. There’s a charming bandstand that looks like it’s waiting for a period drama to be filmed around it, and if you time your visit right, you might even catch some live music.

The views over London are incredible—on a clear day, you can see for miles, which is great if you enjoy looking at the city from a distance rather than being stuck in the middle of it. There’s also a cute little café where you can grab a coffee and pretend for a moment that you have your life together.

Whether you’re visiting the museum, looking for a quiet spot to relax, or just want to see some very well-groomed alpacas, Horniman Gardens is an absolute gem. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect place to escape the chaos of London—at least until you have to get back on...

Very interesting small museum. Entry is Free but you need to pre-book at the moment and some of the attractions have a small entry fee. (easy on line booking).An ideal introduction for young children to nature and history etc.. Aquarium is colourful with some beautiful fish etc.. All the various themed rooms are very interesting. The shop caters mostly for children's gifts etc.. the café which is currently accessible from outside has a varied menu suitable for drinks, snacks and light lunches. Outside are a woodland walk, animal enclosures with sheep, goat's alpacas etc. and a butterfly house but we didn't visit these on this trip. The views from the bandstand area show a panorama of the London skyline with some of the main famous buildings being clearly visible. This is a small refreshments kiosk at this spot which would also be great for a picnic. Whilst parking may be difficult as there is no car park **, public transport is plentiful. We got there by train to Forest Hill Station then a leisurely 10 minute stroll.Some buses do stop outside the museum. I did notice a car park for Blue Badge holders. All in all we enjoyed a couple of...

I went with a friend. I haven't been here since I was a teenager doing a school project. When I had found it very boring. Well surprise! Surprise! What a turn around, what can I say but beautiful. The gardens are truly amazing, flowers from all around the world in bloom. One of the most amazingly was the herb garden, so many varieties of chillies eg a chocolate chilli/black chilli to name just a few. But what I liked best was the natural dye plants that for since time has begun mankind has used them & still continue to use them. So much to see here an alternative to Kew Gardens. Plenty of green spaces for a picnic/ for walking. Best of all there are areas with seating so Family friendly. Also there is a beautiful view to be had from the top of small animals enclosure, chickens /rabbits including a beautiful large white rabbit and may more. Best of...