1 / 3Horniman Museum and Gardens
📍 London, Greater London
Free natural history galleries in Forest Hill with paid aquarium featuring seahorses, jellyfish, and poisonous frogs, plus a butterfly house and 16-acre gardens with animal walk. Pre-book extras during school holidays.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for families with children of any age who want a low-cost base day with optional paid upgrades. The aquarium and butterfly house reward pre-booking, especially at half term when queues build. Spring and summer visits unlock the full gardens experience. Toddlers and older kids both stay engaged across the free galleries.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →9,524 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
A Mann
a month ago
“We visited the Horniman Museum and Gardens during half term, which meant it was very busy, but we didn’t mind at all. We went for a special (paid) workshop that was put on at the museum, which was fully worth the visit. While there we walked around one gallery and it was very interesting. Lots to look and interact it, especially for children. Would love to visit again and with better weather to enjoy the gardens. The view of central London is pretty awesome too.”
Hilton Riddex
4 months ago
“Lovely place to visit with the family and kids. The animals were great to show the kids. The museum is beautifuly maintained and the exhibits are interesting and have something for everyone. The canteen, restaurant on site has a great selection of food. The rosemary potatoe tots and Incredible. Get a couple of bowls of them bad boys. Great place to visit, highly recommend.”
Adam Sinclair
a month ago
“Really lovely free museum of antiquities containing an aquarium (extra) and a butterfly house (extra). The add ons were worth it. I could've stood in the butterfly house for hours. Would reccomend pre booking for the optional extras though. We went at half term and thr aquarium was quite busy Cafe was surprisingly well priced (we're not from London) and really tasty too.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Set in Forest Hill, this museum offers free natural history galleries alongside paid aquarium and butterfly house add-ons. The aquarium houses colourful fish, seahorses, jellyfish, and tiny poisonous frogs. The 16-acre gardens include an animal walk and weekend craft sessions. Accessible by train from London Bridge, with on-site cafe and party hire.
