Best Historic Houses to Visit: Ham House

King Charles I gifted Ham to his friend and courtier, William Murray. They shared the same passion for art, architecture, and interior decoration, which, luckily for us, made Ham House one of the most luxurious houses in Stuart England.

A house filled with secrets, its allegiance to the royalist cause during the civil war was concealed, and only unearthed again when Charles II was restored to power in 1660. We highly recommend examining the wonderful textile collection, or taking a famous Ham ghost tour to unearth more of the House’s secrets.

Even outside, history cannot be escaped: the authentic seventeenth-century kitchen-garden grows unusual heritage crops, and the formal ‘Wilderness’ with summer houses is perfect for a picnic. The Orangery Café, inspired by the beautiful walled kitchen garden where much of i

ts food is grown, is great for a cream tea in summer, and the Tea Shed sells seasonal refreshments. For families there are art activities and a trail, with outdoor games also available to hire from the shop.

In the gift shop – originally the bake house and laundry – you can buy great local produce and the newly published book on Ham’s collections. There is also a second-hand bookshop, the proceeds of which go directly towards conservation work.

---

Practical

Opening Times: 13 Mar – 1 Nov, 12-4 open every day.

Price: Free for National Trust Members. Non-members for grounds and house: adult £12.50 and child £6.25 (without gift aid).

Where?
By car: Between Richmond and Kingston on the south bank of the River Thames, west of A307.
By train: Richmond station, then 1 ½ miles walk.

Disabled Access: Designated parking and drop-off point. Ramped access to the house and a lift to the first floor. Wheelchairs available to pre-book.

---