Aquarium

Take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans in the Horniman’s highly acclaimed Aquarium.

Our 15 exhibits showcase aquatic environments from around the globe, ranging from the British pond to Fijian coral reefs.

Watch South American fish swimming around in the flooded mangrove roots. Nearby see the poison dart frogs and tropical tree frogs.

Get close to a live coral display and see reef fish move between and interact with this complex and vibrant habitat. Observe the symbiotic relationship between a clown fish and its host anemone.

Wonder at the bizarre structure and movement of jellyfish, as they journey around their purpose built aquarium

During your visit, you’ll not only get to see amazing animals up close, but also learn about their interesting lives and the places where they live in the wild.

A huge variety of aquatic life can be seen, displaying the massive variation in the body shapes, colours and behaviours of animals in different habitats.

Tickets and Entry

  • All visitors, including Members, must have tickets for admission to the Aquarium – we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Members and Benefactors must log in to your account to access free tickets online, after adding tickets to your basket.
  • Please book a ticket for every member of your party. Discounts for family group bookings will automatically be applied to your basket. A family of 4 ticket is for up to two adults, and a Family of 3 ticket is one adult. Child tickets are for those aged 3-16 years. Children aged under 3s are free.
  • Tickets are for single entry only.
  • Educational groups can visit our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and temporary exhibitions at a reduced educational rate.
  • Gift Aid prices include an additional voluntary donation of at least 10% to help support the Horniman.
  • We have lots more information to help you plan your visit to the Horniman.

Universal Credit entry scheme

To help people who might find cost or other challenges a barrier to visiting the Horniman, our Universal Credit tickets provide entry at a reduced price. A limited number of these tickets are available every day to purchase in person at the Horniman.

Visitors can purchase up to four £1 tickets per attraction. These tickets are available to those currently receiving one of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance

You will need to bring proof of eligibility with you, either printed or on an electronic device. This can either be done by logging into your Universal Credit portal or by bringing your proof of benefit letter. To be eligible you must have received a Universal Credit payment within the last month and you may also be asked to show photographic ID.

Free entry for National Lottery Heritage Fund Open Week

We are delighted to be taking part in The National Lottery Open Week 2024.

Between 9 – 17 March 2024 you can enjoy free entry to our popular Aquarium on presentation of a National Lottery ticket or Scratchcard. Entry is booked in person only, and subject to the T&Cs below. Please be aware, the Aquarium is closed on Monday 11 March.

Access to the Aquarium

Watch this short film to discover how to get to the Aquarium and the noise and lighting levels inside:

T&Cs – National Lottery Heritage Fund Open Week free entry

  • One National Lottery ticket provides free entry for one adult to the Aquarium.
  • All National Lottery games qualify for free entry, including tickets from any National Lottery draw based game or National Lottery Scratchcard. Proof of ticket can be paper or digital.
  • Only one redemption per ticket is permitted.
  • The offer is valid Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 March 2024 only.
  • Aquarium opening hours: 10.30am – 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
  • A maximum of 200 free tickets will be available across the week.
  • National Lottery tickets must be presented at the Ticket Desk to be granted a complimentary ticket to the Aquarium on the same day.
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with Horniman Membership or any other offer including joint tickets with the exhibition or Butterfly House.
  • The Horniman has the right to refuse entry in the unlikely event of the Aquarium reaching capacity, as well as unforeseen circumstances.
Gorgeous moon jellyfish at the Horniman Aquarium - love love love jellyfish.
Florry