Accessible Britain

023 Horniman Museum and Gardens
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ Web: www.horniman.ac.uk Tel: 020 86991872 Hours:
museum daily 10.30am–5.30pm; gardens Mon–Sat 7.15am–sunset, Sun 8am–sunset Dates: closed
24–26 Dec Entry: museum & gardens free, but charges apply for some exhibitions and events; Aquarium
[D]£3.85 [C]free [A]£3.85 [3–16s]£1.65 [Fam]£8.25; Horniman members free
LONDON
Frederick John Horniman, a wealthy Victorian tea merchant, travelled the world for
his trade. Fascinated by natural and cultural history, he began selecting specimens
and treasures to share with the public in his Forest Hill home. Over a hundred years
later, his discoveries are on display in the accessible Horniman Museum and Gardens.
The museum and award-winning gardens sit right on top of Forest Hill with
glorious views over south London. The eclectic collections – with objects ranging
from ancient Egyptian musical instruments to a Haitian voodoo altar – lie at the
heart of the museum, but it’s the interactive developments and hands-on sessions that
really bring the artefacts to life. You can have a go at African drumming, discover the
size of a shark’s jawbone, don a Balinese mask or watch busy bees in the beehive. The
museum runs a varied programme of touch sessions, family workshops, short courses
and events, many of them available for free: it pays to keep an eye on the website for
listings.
The existing museum was completed in 1901 when the collection outgrew Horniman’s
home, and a major centenary development has made this Victorian building easy to
navigate. A good-sized lift allows access to every level, including the new aquarium in
the basement – home to a colony of jellyfish. Be aware, though, that heavy soundproof
doors protect some of the galleries, and these can be difficult to open. In the surrounding
gardens, visitors can explore the botanical display garden, bandstand, pavillion, wildlife
garden, meadow field, nature trail and animal walk. Limited on-site parking is available
for disabled visitors: cal 020 86991872 for details.
FOOD & DRINK aa The museum café is airy and boasts an outside seating area that is a
beautiful spot on sunny days. There’s a good range of family-friendly meal deals, as well
as dishes reflecting the museum’s international heritage.
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