Forest Hill & the Horniman Museum
A Victorian collector's obsessions housed in an Art Nouveau building, with a terraced garden overlooking the city. Walked and written by the editor.

1. Forest Hill station
The overground from London Bridge is 12 minutes. Come out into the high street and walk uphill through the residential streets to the museum.

2. Horniman Museum
Frederick Horniman's collection of musical instruments, world cultures, and natural history, free and housed in a magnificent 1901 Art Nouveau building. The walrus is the most famous exhibit.

3. Horniman Gardens
The terraced gardens behind the museum have one of the best views north toward the city. The sunken garden and the bee garden are at the lower levels.

4. London Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
Adjacent to the gardens, an ancient woodland and meadow managed as a nature reserve. The contrast with the surrounding suburb is complete.

5. Honor Oak Park
The overground station back to London Bridge. The park itself — One Tree Hill — is worth the extension if you have another thirty minutes.

Forest Hill & the Horniman Museum