Highlights
- The 1936 Sunken and Display Gardens
- The Grade II listed Victorian conservatory, moved here from Croydon and reopened in 1989
- The Prehistoric Garden of 'living fossil' plants such as ginkgo, tree ferns and Wollemi pine
- The Sound Garden, with large outdoor instruments to play
- The 1903 bandstand and terrace with views across London
About Horniman Museum Gardens
The Horniman was founded in 1901 by Frederick Horniman, who wanted the buildings, collections and grounds to share a theme of the natural world. The gardens now cover 16 acres of hillside, with long views across London and, from the South Downs Meadow, out towards Kent.
The grounds have been added to over more than a century. The bandstand dates from 1903, the Sunken and Display Gardens were laid out in 1936, and a Victorian conservatory from the Horniman family's former home in Croydon was rebuilt here in the 1980s. Newer planting includes a forest border along London Road, made in 2021 to screen wildlife from traffic.
What to see
- Sunken and Display Gardens: formal seasonal bedding near the museum.
- Conservatory: a Grade II listed cast iron glasshouse of 1894.
- Prehistoric Garden: ancient plant groups such as ginkgo, tree ferns and a Wollemi pine.
- Sound Garden: giant instruments from around the world to play.
- Meadows and wildlife areas: the Meadow Field, South Downs Meadow, Pollinator Garden, drought tolerant planting and a Wildlife Garden.
- Animal Walk and Butterfly House: small farm animals in the afternoons, and a ticketed tropical butterfly house.
Planning your visit
The Horniman is on London Road, Forest Hill, a five to ten minute uphill walk from Forest Hill station. Several bus routes stop outside, including the 176, 185, 197, 356 and P4. There is no general visitor car park.
The gardens open early each morning and close at different times through the year, from late afternoon in winter to the evening in summer, so check before you go. They are closed on 31 October for the Day of the Dead festival and on Christmas Day, and may close at short notice in high winds. There is a Gardens Café, a bandstand kiosk at weekends, and toilets near the Bandstand. Picnics are welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Horniman Gardens free?
Yes. The Gardens and the Museum are free. The Butterfly House, Aquarium and some exhibitions charge for entry and are best booked in advance.
Are dogs allowed at the Horniman Gardens?
Dogs are welcome on leads in the Gardens and the Gardens Café, and can run off the lead in the Meadow Field. They are not allowed on the Nature Trail or in the Kusuma Nature Play Area.
Is there parking at the Horniman?
There is no on-site parking for general visitors, though limited spaces can be arranged for disabled visitors by phoning ahead. Pay and display car parks are near Sainsbury's and Forest Hill station.
Are the Horniman Gardens accessible?
Most of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible, but some paths are uneven and steep. There are accessible toilets near the Bandstand and the nature play area.