Ham House & Garden

February 1, 2024 Family Hub 1075 Views Days Out, Everyday, Half-Term & Holidays, Ham, Historic Houses, Indoor Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parks & Gardens

Ham House is one of our local National Park gems, situated near the river in Ham. A 17th century treasure trove, there’s plenty to explore inside and out, and they often lay on extra activities for families during half-terms and school holidays. Dogs are welcome all year round on leads in the Garden.

Ham House is the creation of the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke, who together transformed it into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England. It is a beautiful house to walk around, and is internationally recognised for its superb collection of paintings, furniture and textiles, largely brought together 400 years ago. In the grandeur, there are well-preserved wall hangings, paintings and furniture with rich colours and bright gilding, including a stunning collection of cabinets which are opened for the public to view inside twice a year. The ‘below stairs’ area is where you’ll find the kitchens and one of the oldest surviving examples of a bathroom, and is always fascinating for the little ones This is also where craft activities are regularly held.

Outside, there are formal restored 17th-century gardens that surround the house. The Garden is comprised of distinct areas, including a kitchen garden containing many heritage crops, the maze-like ‘Wilderness’ complete with little summerhouses, an outer courtyard and many beautiful spots perfect for a picnic.

The historic Orangery café set overlooking the kitchen garden, and it serves light lunches (including children’s selection boxes) and teas. There is plenty of seating inside the orangery itself, or in a pleasant seating area outside. The shop is located in the old bakehouse and laundry and has plenty to tempt people of all ages.

You can find Ham House & Garden on Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS. It is open throughout the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with the Garden open from 10.00am and the House open from 12.00pm, and closing at 4.00/4.30pm depending on the season. If you live in the Twickenham area, there is a ferry that runs to and from the north side of the river near Orleans House Gallery – this operates every day March-October and weekends only December-February (closed November). Ham House can be contacted by phoning 020 8940 1950 or by emailing hamhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk. You can find out more on their website.