Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures

Back to What’s On
Book tickets
Discover the wonders below the waves in ‘Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures’.

Inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Seas’, board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine and embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure.

Explore uncharted waters, encounter fantastic sea creatures, and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves. There’s even Captain Nemo’s Bubbly Pipe Organ to play and a galley filled with strange and unusual foods.

On display for the first time in Europe, this interactive adventure features larger-than-life environments and hands-on activities perfect for aspiring aquanauts of all ages.

What will you discover?

  • Command the ‘Nautilus’ submarine – Take the helm, scan the ocean through the periscope, and learn how submarines navigate vast bodies of water.
  • Uncover hidden mysteries – Weave through towering kelp forests and navigate your way down a twisty slide.
  • Meet the creatures of the deep – Climb aboard the dinghy and come face-to-face with a giant squid as you explore vibrant underwater worlds.
  • Dive into interactive challenges – Collect deep-sea specimens, test your skills as a submariner, and see if you have what it takes to explore the unknown.

Plus, dress up as a submariner, squid or shark!

Octonauts at the Horniman

Look out for Octonauts’ Creature Reports alongside fascinating fish tanks in the exhibition, get stuck into some Octonauts colouring and navigate the Museum and Gardens with a free ‘Adventure at the Horniman’ Trail featuring fun, Octonauts-inspired activities.

Octonauts logo

Tickets for ‘Voyage to the Deep’

  • Visitors must have tickets for admission to ‘Voyage to the Deep’ – we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Members and Benefactors must log in to your account to access free tickets online, or present your membership card to be scanned upon entry. Entrance for Members who have not pre-booked is subject to capacity.
  • 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 3 are free.
  • Tickets are for single entry only.
  • Schools and educational groups can visit our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and temporary exhibitions at a reduced educational rate. This must be booked in advance.
  • 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. Universal Credit tickets for ‘Voyage to the Deep’ are available to purchase in person at the Horniman.

Visitors can purchase up to four £2 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
  • Personal Independence Payment

You need to bring proof of eligibility with you, either printed or saved on an electronic device. This can be done by logging into your Universal Credit account online 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.

Voyage to the Deep exhibition space at the Horniman.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Child peers into the live tank aquarium exhibit at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Two children play with an interactive map at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Mother and child play with a pearl figurine at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
A child emerges from a clam figurine at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Three children smiling and playing in a wooden boat at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Young child smiling and playing with an interactive exhibit Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Two children and an adult read a screen prompt at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach
Two children dressed up as divers at the Voyage to the Deep exhibition.
Photo courtesy of Louisa Rechenbach

Planning your visit to ‘Voyage to the Deep’

Get help planning your visit or have a look at our advice below:

  • We recommend booking tickets in advance online to bypass the ticket desk, then print out or download your booking confirmation to your mobile device. The exhibition entrance is on Gallery Square on the Lower Ground level.
  • If you have the choice, please travel light and leave your buggy or scooter at home.
  • We encourage the use of public transport or active travel (walking or cycling) to come to the Horniman, to reduce emissions and benefit the environment. We are a five- to 10-minute walk from Forest Hill station and very well served by local buses.
  • There are places to eat packed lunches in the Gardens. Please refrain from eating and drinking inside the Museum – this is not permitted as it encourages pests and endangers our collection.
  • If there’s anything we can help with, in advance, please email enquiry@horniman.ac.uk.
  • Identify our friendly visitor teams by their yellow lanyards. We will do our best to make sure you have a great time.

Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is a traveling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum and toured internationally by Flying Fish.

OCTONAUTS ™ Meomi Design Inc.

OCTONAUTS © Vampire Squid Productions Limited

All rights reserved