Forest Hill, London SE23
Horniman Animal Walk
experience · Wildlife watching
Place photograph
5.4
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.4The Animal Walk brings visitors between enclosures for close encounters with farm animals, while linking them to the Horniman’s Natural History collections and the relationship between domesticated animals and their wild relatives.
This is a small, hands-on animal encounter rather than a wild habitat: its appeal lies in meeting the Horniman’s varied residents and connecting that experience to the museum’s natural-history collections. It works best as one part of a visit to the wider Horniman Gardens and Museum.
Family-buzz
Find your way
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The experience
Walk between the enclosures for close-up views of the animals. The Animal Walk is a compact part of the wider Horniman visit, and its inclined path may not suit every wheelchair user.
Things to do
Walk between the animal enclosures
Follow the path through the centre of the Animal Walk for close views of its furry and feathered residents.
Under 1 hour
Look for the range of residents
The Horniman lists goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and alpacas among the animals at the walk.
Connect the animals to the Natural History collections
The walk considers the relationship between domesticated animals and their wild relations, and why people live alongside domesticated animals.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A close-up animal encounter
- 01
Check the Horniman’s current opening information before visiting; the supplied page lists the Animal Walk as open daily from 12.30pm to 4pm.
- 02
Follow the path between the enclosures and look out for goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and alpacas.
- 03
Allow for the inclined path, which may not suit all wheelchair users.
Half day · Half day
Animal Walk and museum-and-gardens visit
- 01
Visit the Animal Walk during its stated afternoon opening window, checking current hours and closures first.
- 02
Continue into the Horniman Museum and Gardens; the official visit page describes the Museum and Gardens as free to visit, with some attractions and events charged separately.
- 03
Use the Animal Walk’s link to the Natural History collections as a prompt to explore the museum’s collections.
Verified history
The supplied Horniman page says the Animal Walk brings to life founder Frederick Horniman’s vision of an outdoor space reflecting the Museum’s collections. It links the animals to the Natural History collections and explores how domesticated animals relate to their wild relatives. No further historical dates or events are established by the supplied evidence.
Hidden details
The walk is also an interpretation of domestication — Beyond viewing the animals, the Horniman presents the walk as a way to consider why people live alongside domesticated animals and how they connect to wild relatives.
When to go
· The supplied official visit page lists the Animal Walk from 12.30pm to 4pm daily; confirm current hours before visiting.
The supplied sources give no seasonal recommendation. Check current opening information and any scheduled closures.
Check conditions and current access information before travelling; the path is inclined.
Worth pairing with
Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Animal Walk is part of the wider Horniman visit. The official plan-your-visit page says the Museum and Gardens are free to visit, while some attractions and events have a charge.
What to look for
Notice the range of animals in the enclosures, from rabbits and guinea pigs to sheep, goats, chickens and alpacas. The Horniman frames the walk around the connection between domesticated animals and their wild relations.
The story
Science
Best time to go
Year-round; check current opening information before travelling.
The supplied Horniman page lists the Animal Walk as open daily from 12.30pm to 4pm. Check the official visit page for current hours and closures before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 12:30-4pm
- Tuesday: 12:30-4pm
- Wednesday: 12:30-4pm
- Thursday: 12:30-4pm
- Friday: 12:30-4pm
- Saturday: 12:30-4pm
- Sunday: 12:30-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A walk between animal enclosures, with close-up views of goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and alpacas. The path is on an incline and may not suit all wheelchair users. Check current opening information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The Horniman has a café; check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The path through the Animal Walk is on an incline and may not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Horniman Animal Walk
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
