6 Things to See at the Horniman

Explore the world, from global culture to natural wonders, at the Horniman

Grasslands Garden (2020) by Horniman MuseumHorniman Museum and Gardens

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an inspiring, surprising, family-friendly free museum. We’re also Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022!

Sunken Gardens (2022) by Horniman MuseumHorniman Museum and Gardens

1. The Gardens

Our 16 acres of Gardens contain fields, meadows, and specially designed gardens such as the Grasslands and Sunken Gardens. 


There are spaces to sit quietly, to play, and lots of nature to enjoy.

Tap to explore

Jellyfish (2016) by Horniman MuseumHorniman Museum and Gardens

2. Jellyfish

The Horniman jellyfish are bred by us in our Aquarium, and are Pacific Sea Nettles.
They are housed in a special circular tank called a kreisel. 

Cloutie Tree in World Gallery (2018) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens

3. Cloutie Tree

In the British Isles people have tied scraps of fabric to trees near sacred wells or springs, to wish for good luck or wellbeing for thousands of years. 
Our Cloutie Tree in the World Gallery has lots of notes from visitors - leave your own message!

Alpacas - Eva and Poppy (2021) by Connie ChurcherHorniman Museum and Gardens

4. Alpacas

The Animal Walk is home to sheep, goats, chickens, and Eva and Poppy the Huacaya alpacas.
Poppy was born at the Horniman, and both of them are very friendly! 

Horniman conservatory (1894) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens

5. Horniman Conservatory

This Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory was originally built at  Frederick Horniman's parents home in Croydon.
It came to the Horniman in 1982, and was restored with the help of English Heritage. 
These days, it's home to everything from live music gigs to weddings.

Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) (0000) by UnknownHorniman Museum and Gardens

6. Walrus

The Walrus has been in the Natural History Gallery of the Horniman since at least the 1930s. 
Famed for its size, the Walrus was stuffed by taxidermists who had never seen a wild walrus before, and didn’t know they were supposed to have folds of loose skin.  

Walrus in gallery (0) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens

These days, the Walrus is loved by all of our visitors and even has its own twitter account.

Conservatory sunset (2019) by Horniman MuseumHorniman Museum and Gardens

There's plenty to explore at the Horniman, both in person and online

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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