The Horniman Museum has just become one of my favourite places. I have given 5+ stars for the first time because it truly feels like a child-friendly place. The café has high chairs and a children’s menu with a good selection of dishes, some homemade, ice cream, and cute picnic boxes. There are inside and outside tables and a beautiful conservatory, with lots of space for buggies and toddlers to run around. There are also water fountains outside to refill your bottles.
The museum, Aquarium and exhibitions room are all buggy friendly and accessible with lifts. The basement toilets have baby-changing facilities in both the ladies’ and gents’, and a small separate breastfeeding room with an armchair. What earned the Horniman its plus, though, is the toddler-height sink. If you have ever tried washing your child’s hands while holding them up to reach the sink, you know what I mean.
The Aquarium has steps dotted around so children can reach every tank. The museum has lots of taxidermy, a colourful World Gallery and a sea-themed floor projection. There is a small farm with alpacas, sheep and rabbits, mini golf with tiny plastic clubs, and plenty of outdoor picnic space—even a barn for wet weather.
The only place where you cannot take a buggy is the butterfly house, but there is covered buggy parking outside. There is also a pond and sound garden with musical sculptures. There is no playground in the gardens, but the Horniman Triangle play park is just across the road.
Forest Hill station is a ten-minute uphill walk, but there is a bus stop directly outside. You can easily make a day of it: this is one of the few places that caters equally well to children and adults.