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Horniman Museum and Gardens

National Museum & Exhibition · Greater London, England

Horniman Museum and Gardens is a national museum & exhibition in Greater London, England. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceFree entry
Checked on the official page: museum and gardens free. Aquarium £2-£16.80, Butterfly House £2-£28.60 and Voyage to the Deep £2-£30, all booked in advance. Universal Credit tickets from £2.
Opening timesMuseum daily 10am-5.30pm. Butterfly House 10.30am-4pm. Aquarium from 10.30am (last entry 4.45pm). Gardens from 7.15am (8am Sundays and bank holidays) to sunset.
Best time to goWeekdays in term time.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening. Indoor venue: wet half-term days cause surges; check the forecast.
Best agesMost suit about 5-12; free places suit short visits with younger children
If it rainsMostly indoors: wet days tend to be busiest
ParkingNo on-site parking except a few Blue Badge spaces (phone ahead). Pay and display behind Sainsbury's and two car parks at Forest Hill station. (No parking on site)
FoodHorniman Café 9am-5pm daily, seasonal Gardens Café and weekend Bandstand Kiosk; card only. No eating inside the museum. Picnics welcome in the gardens; the Dutch Barn is open for picnics in rain. No barbecues.
Money saverMany are free, so budget for parking and food only; go for 2 hours, not all day.
Top tipsFree entry; see the aquarium (small charge) and the gardens first.
What to packSnacks, water bottle, pram or carrier, wipes

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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