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Original poster

Horniman - bearable in holidays?

16 replies

Smithagain · 04/04/2008 18:21

I keep seeing rave reviews of the Horniman Museum in south London.

It would make a longish, but managable day out from here, so I'm thinking of giving it a go over the "Easter" holidays. (Just about to start here).

Can any locals tell me what it's like in the school holidays? Will it be totally mobbed and unpleasant?! And are the S. London schools on holiday this week coming anyway?

OP posts:
Twiglett · 04/04/2008 18:23

yes they're on holiday

depends on the weather how busy it'll be .. but it's never really unbearable because there's so much to do in so many different places

how far are you coming though? it's good but I don't think I'd travel a long time for it .. say 30 mins maybe

I'd suggest packing a picnic, the cafe is not what you'd call great .. although there's lots of really nice cafes further down in East Dulwich

hoxtonchick · 04/04/2008 18:24

i like the horniman, we've had some nice days there, but i wouldn't make a huge journey to get there (we live in hackney, it can feel much too far away from here....). the new aquarium is very good. it will be teeming in the holidays. the gardens are great for letting off steam.

Original poster
Smithagain · 04/04/2008 18:32

We're in Leatherhead, so it would be a train ride with one change, at Sutton. Which I think the girls would find entertaining enough in itself.

DD1 is keen to go to an aquarium, so that it definitely a point in its favour. Hadn't thought of a picnic - good tip.

OP posts:
Twiglett · 04/04/2008 18:36

where does your train get in?

Blu · 04/04/2008 18:37

mmm.

The Horniman is a much loved favourite amongs those of us who live reasonably near, but I'm not sure i would travel from Leatherhead. Would you get the train to Forest Hill?

The new aquarium os ok...it's not a patch on the aquarium at County Hall (although that is costly)....everything else is quite 'small museum' - not spectacular, exactly.

Blu · 04/04/2008 18:39

Arrange a MN meet-up! (i'll be on hol - but if you go in the 'easter' hol there is bound to be a MN-er in there anyway!!)

Original poster
Smithagain · 04/04/2008 18:45

Yes - there's a train from Sutton to Forest Hill. So 20 mins Leatherhead to Sutton, 10 mins at Sutton, 25 mins to Forest Hill. Both girls are worryingly keen on train travel, so that's OK, if it's a diverting day out.

Will await further wisdom as to whether it's worth the effort. Small is OK, as long as it's small and interesting! The girls are 5.5 and 2.5. DD1 quite into African things, as well as fish, so it ticks some boxes for her.

OP posts:
Twiglett · 04/04/2008 18:52

Forest Hill station to the Horniman will be an occasionally steepish uphill walk btw .. it's not that far (probably about 20 mins at 5 year old's pace) but just as a warning

eekamoose · 04/04/2008 19:00

It will be busy but bearable. Also completely free, so probably worth the effort. The grounds and gardens are really lovely and there are a few outdoor animals (well, a couple of rabbits and some turkeys and if you're lucky the goat might put in an appearance).

My dcs have been probably 20 times (we live nearby) and they aren't tired of it yet. There is a live snake in the main museum part and an indoor beehive.

I'd try and go on a day when the weather is fine.

Blu · 04/04/2008 19:14

oh, if you're up for it, it will be fine. The African exhibition is good for kids - and yes, find the goats and sheep etc in one corner of the park.

there is an ok-ish cafe- the acoustics always give me a headache - and the shop has nice and reasonably priced things.

The music hands-on room is good, I'm not sure what the special exhibition is am. It was good when it was prehistoric beasts. I think you have to pay a bit for those.

Kids love the stuffed walrus.

I think MotherInferior and I thought we might end our days stuffed in a cabinet in the Hornimann, so many days had we spent there with pre-schoolers.

IorekByrnison · 04/04/2008 19:14

I love the Horniman. We're not that much closer than you by public transport (short tube ride and train for us), and I'd definitely say it's worth it if the weather is good.

Original poster
Smithagain · 04/04/2008 19:55

Think we'll give it a shot. I need something original that will occupy a whole day - almost all DD1's friends are going off to sunnier climes, leaving her at home with no-one to play with

OP posts:
eekamoose · 04/04/2008 20:12

Well if you don't come to my impromptu meet- up at Godstone Farm I'll probably bump into you at the Horniman then Smith. You really do sound determined to get out and about in the holidays.

Original poster
Smithagain · 04/04/2008 20:19

LOL - is my desperation showing?!

OP posts:
margosbeenplayingwithmynoonoo · 04/04/2008 20:26

I went recently with my 2 dds. I think they'd have quite a few activities for the children. I used to go to their Special Interest Centre on a Saturday morning when I was about 11 - 13 yo.

eekamoose · 04/04/2008 20:42

I so know that desperation ...

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