Review: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
The location of the Horniman, in far out Forest Hill, is a double-edged sword. Sure, it takes almost an hour to get there from central London, but this means that a museum that would otherwise be packed has lots of lovely breathing space. The huge building, with its looming clocktower, looks a bit like a very ornate train station and is surrounded by 16 acres of garden. Inside, things don’t look very different from when it opened at the beginning of the 20th-Century, a giant stuffed walrus takes centre stage and traditional wood-and-glass cases house countless other specimens.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
There are large natural history and anthropology galleries, as well as an aquarium, carefully curated wild-looking gardens, and a beautiful Victorian conservatory.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
The outdoor seating in those wonderful gardens makes the café well worth a pause.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Honestly? If it’s sunny, head straight for the magical gardens—the nature trail is a wonderfully wholesome way to spend an hour or two. If it’s raining, make for the specimens in the natural history gallery.