Horniman Museum and Gardens — Attraction in London

Depsite being outside of central London, it's relatively easy to get to. A short, straightforward walk from Forest Hill station or a short bus ride. We enjoyed a day out at the museum. My son participated in a home education workshop, which he thoroughly enjoyed and was very informative and very reasonably priced. Currently, the natural history gallery is closed, which is the largest and main part of the museum. As is the main cafe, though they do have kiosk outside, also the lift down to the lower floor is out of order at present as well. They do state this on the website so we were aware before we went, but not having been before, we hadn't realised that the Natural history gallery is the main part of the museum and there is a set of stairs to get to the lower floor where most of the rest of the galleries, exhibitions and toilets are. The cost of food from the kiosk is extortionate, £6.50 for a sausage bap. They were nice sausages but two sausages in a brioche roll for £6.50 I thought was very expensive. Whilst the main areas of the museum are free, the butterfly house (located in the gardens), aquarium, and dinosaur exhibition (not a permanent exhibition) are all paid entry. The combined cost for the three areas for one adult and one child would have been £39, for those receiving Universal credits, can get entry for £1 per person, we wouldn't have done these if it wasn't for this. In my opinion, there is no way the cost is justified. The dinosaur exhibition takes about 30 minutes to look around. It is interesting, and there are huge model dinosaurs and fossils to look at and information about their evolution. The aquarium (in the lower floor of the museum) takes 30 to maybe 45 minutes depending how long you spend looking at each exhibit and the butterfly house was so warm, with it being a warm day anyway, the majority of people who went in whilst we were in there, couldn't stand to be in there for more than about 10 to 15 minutes. The butterflies are beautiful and many different one's, just mind that you dont step on any as they do settle on the ground and occasionally on visitors as well. So, whilst we enjoyed all of these, I am so glad we only paid the £6 as I would have been very disappointed having paid £39. The music gallery and the history of tea were interesting, we liked that there is an area where you can have a go at playing some instruments. There is a shop in the museum that sells souvenirs, children's books and toys and craft items etc. The normal type of things you find in museum shops, probably around the same sort of price as you find in similar places around London. The gardens / park area are extensive with beautiful landscaping, plenty of space to enjoy the views across London, chill out on a sunny day, and for the kids to run around and play. There is also an animal walk through in the gardens with chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, llama and sheep which is free and an ice cream kiosk that does drinks and snacks, again expensive in my opinion and has higher prices than the Kiosk outside the main entrance of the museum. There is a mini golf course in the garden, which my son liked the idea of, though this wasn't open when we wen, s we couldn't have a go. There is also an additional charge for this too. We did have an enjoyable day and may go back again once the main natural history gallery is open again, but it isn't one we would frequent regularly, unlike some of the more well-known...

Horniman Museum: A Quirky Gem in South London

The Horniman Museum and Gardens offer a delightful escape from the usual London museum experience. Nestled in Forest Hill, this Victorian-era gem boasts a unique collection of anthropological artifacts, natural history specimens, and musical instruments, all displayed with a touch of eccentricity.

Highlights:

Global Treasures: Wander through galleries showcasing diverse cultures from around the world. Admire intricate African masks, marvel at taxidermied animals from every continent, and be transported by the sounds of traditional instruments.

Brick Dinos & Soft Play: A particular hit with younger visitors, the dedicated children's area features a dinosaur-themed LEGO building zone and a soft play area for little ones to explore.

The Walrus: A museum legend, the imposing taxidermied walrus greets visitors in the entrance hall. This iconic specimen is sure to spark curiosity and conversation.

The Facade: Take a moment to appreciate the museum's beautiful exterior, featuring a clock tower, limestone walls, and a fascinating juxtaposition of architectural styles.

Free Entry (mostly): The core exhibits of the Horniman Museum are free to enter, making it a budget-friendly option for families and culture vultures. Special exhibitions may have an admission fee.

Things to Consider:

Location: The museum is located in Forest Hill, slightly outside central London. While easily accessible by public transport, it might require a bit more planning compared to centrally located museums.

Size: The Horniman Museum is not a sprawling giant. It's a perfect size for a relaxed afternoon visit, but museum enthusiasts seeking a full-day experience might find it wanting.

Focus: The Horniman Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into various cultures and natural history, but it doesn't delve deeply into any specific subject.

Overall:

The Horniman Museum is a charming and quirky museum perfect for families, curious minds, and those seeking a unique London experience. With its free entry (for most exhibits), engaging displays, and beautiful gardens, it offers a delightful escape from...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Hornman Museum and Gardens, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience. The museum offers a diverse range of attractions, which include the Dinosaur Park, Butterfly Park, and History Museum, all set within beautiful and well-maintained gardens.

Upon entering the Dinosaur Park, I was immediately impressed by the life-sized dinosaur replicas that were scattered throughout the area. The attention to detail and realism of these exhibits were truly astonishing. My children were particularly excited to see and learn about their favorite prehistoric creatures up close. The interactive elements, such as the dinosaur dig site, added an extra layer of fun and engagement for the whole family.

Next, we made our way to the Butterfly Park, which was an enchanting oasis filled with vibrant colors and the gentle hum of wings. The variety of butterflies was incredible, and their delicate beauty left us all in awe. The lush gardens provided the perfect backdrop for these magnificent creatures to flourish, and the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful in sharing information about each butterfly species.

Lastly, we explored the History Museum, which was an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that took us on a journey through time. The museum was thoughtfully organized, with clear signage and informative panels that made learning about history engaging and enjoyable for all ages. The curators have done an excellent job of bringing history to life through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.

Throughout our visit, the grounds of the museum were immaculately maintained, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The Hornman Museum and Gardens is a true gem that offers something for everyone, and I highly recommend it for a fun and educational day out. We will certainly be returning in the near future to explore even more of what this incredible museum...