Members Family Bat Walk
Join us in our Gardens after dark for an exciting nature walk to look for and listen out for the bats that hunt and live around the Horniman.
Starting in the Hands on Base Gallery you’ll get up close to bat related objects from our handling collection and make a small bat kite to take home. We’ll then have a short introduction to the bats of south London: how they hunt, where they roost and why the Horniman’s Gardens suit them so well, followed by a demonstration of how to use your bat detectors. As the light goes, we’ll head out into the Gardens with bat detectors, which turn the bats’ echolocation calls into clicks and buzzes we can hear.
It will be dark and we will be walking around areas of the Gardens which can be uneven, muddy and on different levels. Please wear warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy, waterproof shoes, and bring a torch if you have one. Bat detectors are provided.
Bats are wild animals and we cannot promise a sighting. Late October is the end of the bat year, when bats are feeding and getting ready for hibernation, so a mild, still evening gives us the best chance. Either way, you will come away knowing more about the local bat population, and how to find and identify bats near your own home.
Ticket Information
- Tickets are non-refundable, except in case of extreme weather.
- This event is outside in the Horniman Gardens after dark. Please dress warmly, wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and bring a torch if you have one.
- Bats are wild animals. We cannot guarantee that bats will be seen or heard on the night.
- Everyone attending needs a ticket, including children and every child must be accompanied. The walk is for ages 6 and over.
- Due to the uneven ground, different levels in the Gardens and the low light levels at dusk, this event is unsuitable for buggies and babes in arms.
Accessibility
The walk takes place around the Gardens, which have concrete paths throughout. Some of the paths are very steep and on wet or frosty days may not be suitable for wheelchair users or anyone who is unstable on their feet.
Please let us know in advance if you have any access needs or requirements so that we can accommodate them. Please email members@horniman.ac.uk or call 020 8699 1872.
If you are a Blue Badge holder and would like to park onsite, please see our Access page for more details.
Terms and Conditions
Parents remain responsible for their children at all times. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets cannot be exchanged for other Horniman activities.
Please stay with the group and keep to the paths. Once the walk begins, please keep torches pointed at the ground so that we do not disturb the bats.
Dogs are not allowed except for assistance dogs.
We may photograph or film small parts of the event and by entering, you are giving permission for these to be used by Horniman for promotional purposes.