ELMER and Friends

With ELMER and Friends, beloved characters that the late author and illustrator David McKee created over a 50-year period are showcased, along with original artwork, cosy reading nooks, and dressing-up chances. Guests can enter this vibrant world till April 16, 2023.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant has been around for more than 30 years, and David McKee’s stunning illustrations are featured prominently in the exhibition ELMER & Friends. Along with images from the Elmer series, the book includes original artwork from other children’s classics by McKee, including Not Now, Bernard, and Mr. Benn. It also offers readers the chance to visit the fancy dress costume shop from Mr. Benn and an original storyboard for King Rollo.

Tickets for ELMER and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee cost £3 for children, £5.50 for adults, £9 for a family of three with one adult, and £13.50 for a family of four with up to two adults. Prices already include the optional Gift Aid donation. Make reservations at horniman.ac.uk.

The exhibition is free and open to all Horniman Members and Benefactors as a special extra benefit of their yearly membership.

Brick Dinos

With Brick Dinos, travel through time! Experience the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods in a way you’ve never experienced before, and come face to face with dinosaurs and other prehistoric giants that have been expertly constructed using LEGO® bricks.
Some of the biggest animals to ever roam the globe have been miniatureized by artist Warren Elsmore and his crew for this family-friendly exhibition.

A life-size flying pterosaur, the swamp-dwelling crocodile-like Sarcosuchus, the raptor-like Masiakasaurus, and a brand-new Polacanthus model are just a few of the amazing models on show.

Rare specimens from the Horniman’s stores are also on display, along with a variety of kid-friendly hands-on activities like creating your own dinosaur and searching for fossils.

Brick Dinos need tickets for entry; they advise making reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. Members and Benefactors can receive complimentary tickets online by logging into your account, or you can show your membership card to be scanned at the door.
Please book a ticket for every member of your party. Family group booking discounts will be automatically added to your basket. A family of 4 tickets can accommodate up to two individuals, whereas a family of 3 tickets can accommodate just one adult. Children age 3 to 16 may purchase child tickets. Little children under 3 are free.

Horniman Spring Fair

At the Spring Fair in April, where there will be live music, craft workshops, and much more, join in on the seasonal fun and games.

Comedian Jasmin Gleeson, who will also host the Easter bonnet parade, will compere the Spring Fair and provide entertaining commentary throughout.

On the day of the event (Saturday 8 April 2023), all activities’ times and places will be marked with signs.

Make and Take Workshop

Come celebrate Easter with Horniman in Make and Take by participating in a fun craft project. In this free workshop, you can create an Easter headband to display at their Easter bonnet parade.

Time: 10.30am – 4pm, last entry 3.30pm

Badge Making

Think outside the box! This drop-in activity allows you to create your own badge.

Time: 10.30am – 4pm, last entry 3.30pm

Price: £1 per person.

Bubble Performance

Follow the costumed stilt walker around to catch the bubbles while being fascinated by them!

Times: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm (30 min sets)

Spring Trail

Find flags throughout the Gardens using the clues provided to win a gift.

Easter Bonnet Parade

Bring your Easter bonnet or headband to the bandstand so you can parade it throughout the Fair.

Time: 3pm

Live Music

Enjoy South London Samba’s live performance.

Times: 11am and 2pm (20 mins sets)

Lindy Hopping Dance Workshops

Join them for lindy hopping dance lessons and performances on the Horniman Bandstand, and hop like the Easter bunny.

Times: 12 noon, 1pm and 3.30pm (30 mins classes)

Face Painting

With Doxas Face and Body Art, give your face a springtime makeover. Please be aware that the line will close early to ensure that everyone gets their faces painted.

Price: From £7

Giant Games

We’ve all played classic games like Jenga; just imagine it in a larger format!

Eco Action Games

Visit for some family entertainment by playing the unique eco-versions of the enormous board games “Twister” and “Snakes and Ladders,” and learn how we can all make little adjustments to our lives that have a significant impact on the environment.

Times: 11am – 4pm

UrbanCrazy Mini Golf

On the mini golf course in the magnificent Horniman Gardens, with UrbanCrazy, demonstrate your putting prowess.

Times: Open 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm)

Prices: Adult £7, Child £4.50, Family £17

Butterfly House

We have a special price to visit the Butterfly House during the Fair. Tickets can be purchased from the Butterfly House on the day which is only open for Fair goers.

Times: 10.30am – 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm)

Price: £2.50 per person

Animal Walk

See the alpacas, greet the rabbits, and give the goats a wave.

Times: 12.30pm – 4pm.

Car Rides and Bouncy Castle

Ride in the cars or soar into the air on a huge bouncy castle.

Price: From £2

Food Stalls

Together with their kiosks and cafes, there will be a variety of food vendors spread out around the Fair.