A MUSEUM based in south-east London that is loved by families will be getting even more attractions next year.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill – named London‘s best family attraction in 2024 by Muddy Stilettos – will open a new play park next year.
Dubbed the ‘Nature + Love’ project, the park is one of several new experiences launching as part of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
The free-to-visit play area will have a nature theme and also feature a cafe.
Called the Kusuma Nature Play, it will include a number of different features designed to “encourage learning and wellbeing through nature and play”.
There will also be an augmented reality trail (AR) opening in the Gardens.
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It will be free to visitors and feature a cast of animated animals for visitors to meet and interact with.
The trail will also include a number of challenges and mini games for visitors to play.
In addition, The Horniman’s Nature Trail will offer step-free access for the first time.
The Gardens Nursery will be transformed as well and will include new glasshouses, a public boardwalk route and a workshop space – all free to visit as well.
Later in early 2027, the Horniman’s natural history gallery will reopen to the public having been fully refurbished.
Inside, visitors will be able to once again see many of the museum’s favourite items as well as new objects.
To mark its 125th birthday, the museum will also be hosting a number of events between June 27 and 29, 2026.
Michael Salter-Church MBE, Chair of the Horniman, said: “Opening in the Horniman’s 125th year, these new features in the Gardens will help visitors learn about the natural world and provide new welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
“They embody the Horniman’s ethos and purpose and will help us celebrate our birthday!”
Gordon Seabright, chief executive at the Horniman, said: “We are delighted to reveal a first glimpse of what’s to come at the Horniman as part of our Nature + Love project.
“The Gardens are a beloved and integral part of the Horniman, and we hope the new attractions opening in 2026 will provide new and familiar visitors with fun and enriching encounters with the precious natural world we all share.”
Most of the Horniman is free to visit, including the library, animal walk, World Gallery and gardens.
And according to The Guardian, the destination “feels as if it was created for kids”.
There is also an aquarium that visitors can go to, though this is ticketed costing £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child.
Inside, visitors can explore 15 exhibits showcasing different water environments from around the world, such as pond life and coral reefs.
There is also a butterfly house, which is also ticketed, costing £9.75 per adult and £6.50 per child.
The tropical indoor garden features free-flying butterflies of different colours and sizes.
If you are looking for other things to do in the Big Smoke, these are the city’s best free indoor attractions for families.
Plus, a popular family attraction to return to UK capital – 8 years after it was scrapped.