Horniman Museum
Kids' birthday party venue in London
100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
Exclusive Pavilion hire for two hours on Sundays (£380) with bunting, PA system and event assistant
About Horniman Museum
At a glance
- Guest capacity: ?–30 kids
- Website: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/
Photos
Party packages & pricing
Children's Birthday Party Package
Two-hour exclusive Sunday hire of The Pavilion with birthday bunting, PA system for music, and an event assistant. Optional add-ons: a storyteller or entertainer from the museum's supplier list, or a visit to the Aquarium or Butterfly House. Up to 30 children.
- Price: £380
- Guests: ?–30
Frequently asked questions
- What does the party package include?
- Two hours of exclusive Sunday hire of the Pavilion with birthday bunting, use of the PA system for music, and an event assistant.
- How much is it?
- £380 for the two-hour Pavilion hire.
- How many children can come?
- Up to 30 children.
- Can we add entertainment?
- Yes, you can add a storyteller or entertainer from their supplier list, or a visit to the Aquarium or Butterfly House.
- Is food provided?
- Food is not included, but the on-site caterers Colicci can provide drinks, lunches and afternoon teas, or you can use a preferred catering supplier.
- What is the Pavilion like?
- A bright, contemporary space with a large terrace overlooking the Gardens, near the Animal Walk and Butterfly House.
- Where is it?
- At the Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ.
- How do we book?
- Enquire through the museum's venue-hire team by email. A children's party brochure is available with full details.
Reviews
5.0 / 5 based on 5 reviews.
Rinki Banik — Rating: 5/5
The Horniman Museum is such a beautiful and well-maintained place, perfect for a day out with family or friends. One of the best things is that entry to the museum and gardens is completely free, although you'll need separate tickets if you want to visit the aquarium or the butterfly house. There's so much to explore, from fascinating museum exhibits to animal trails, lovely gardens, children's playgrounds, and a café where you can relax after walking around. The entire place is clean, well-organised, and has a peaceful atmosphere. We visited during the museum's 125th birthday celebrations, and the experience was even more special. There were plenty of stalls, activities, and a dedicated play area for children, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that everyone could enjoy. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a fun family day out, the Horniman Museum has something for everyone. It's an excellent place to spend a few hours, and I would definitely recommend visiting if you're in London.
B Katz — Rating: 5/5
Museum is 125 years old in 2026, it was donated to the people of london in 1901. The Natural history section with the iconic Walrus is closed till later in the year. Check before you go. The wonderful and quirky cultural hall is open as usual. The main museum is free, but you will need paid tickets for the Aquarium and Butterfly house. Both are incredible. Not cheap, but still great value for London.
Mick Pelling — Rating: 5/5
I dont think I can put into a few words to describe what a fantastic place this is The gardens are extensive, some beds are set out with plants that have practical uses, the dye garden for instance Many families enjoying the sunshine today Inside exhibits include a small natural history display, and a vast amount of objects gathered from around the world, which I believe was the private collection of the Horniman family. Overwhelming, again many people enjoying their time browsing. I didn't visit the butterfly house, or the aquarium,there is simply too much to take in, on a single visit. There is also a very nice cafe here, and to round off, there was a wedding going on !
Chantelle — Rating: 5/5
Took my son to see the fishes at the aquarium and attend the underwater exhibition too, he definitely had a time! There wasn’t much to the aquarium, I expected more but it otherwise was a great experience. Loved the World Music gallery and the room dedicated to younger children to actually feel and play with the instruments. Couldn’t do much more exploring as the weather wasn’t particularly great, but we’re planning to come back and see other parts of the museum again. The ladies at reception were really nice, we arrived later than we had booked our tickets for and they were very relaxed about it, ensuring us that we would still be accepted for entry. All the other staffers were kind too, really welcoming.
Ms Chhetri — Rating: 5/5
We had such a beautiful day at the Horniman Museum with the kids – it’s honestly one of the best family-friendly places in London. The animal farm was a big hit, especially for little ones who love seeing and getting close to animals. It’s small but really well kept and perfect for a relaxed visit. The butterfly house was magical 🦋✨ – having butterflies fly around and even land on you makes it such a special experience. It felt calm, warm, and memorable. The aquarium and underwater voyage section were also lovely – not too overwhelming, but enough to keep children engaged and curious. The displays are colourful and easy for kids to enjoy. There are also great play areas around the gardens, which made the whole day feel balanced – a mix of learning, exploring, and just letting the kids run free. Overall, it’s a perfect day out with children – calm, educational, and full of little magical moments. We’ll definitely be visiting again