Horniman Museum and Gardens

In the four and a half years we lived in SE23, we moved home three times - but the Horniman Museum and Gardens remained a favourite place for us - and within walking distance of all three addresses. During the early months of our move to the UK it was the middle of winter as well as Lockdown. Being able to walk to the Horniman on a daily basis was the greatest comfort. We saw the Horniman in every weather and every season. Snow - and kids sledding down the hill. Early spring as the crocuses start to bravely come up through frozen ground and bring with them much needed bursts of colour. A hopeful sign after a long winter. The kaleidoscope of colour in full spring from every bloom you can imagine. We have memories of socially distanced picnics during a mini-heatwave. The long days of summer - and picnics barefoot. Ice cream 🍦 (in all seasons) and a take-away tea or coffee when we needed motivation to get out the house and take a walk 😊.

Frederick Horniman was a tea trader who opened his private collection to the public in the late 19th Century. His tastes were eclectic, and what resulted was a museum that houses both a large collection of musical instruments as well as taxidermied animals(!) Enter the mascot of Forest Hill: the Horniman Walrus. A strangely lovable icon of the area (although he’s been out of the public eye for a while due to renovation works, and is meant to return in 2026). Both the garden and the museum are free to visit (except the special exhibitions).

There is also a Sunday Market as well as special events at the Horniman year round - it’s a wonderful meeting place, and remains one of our favourite London spaces.