Autumn events at Ham House and Garden

By Mark Kebble on September 29th 2011

Ham House was given to the National Trust in 1948 and is one of London’s best kept secrets. Built in 1610, this amazing Stuart mansion nestles on the banks of the river in leafy Richmond-upon-Thames, tucked away on the sweeping bend which forms part of the iconic view from the top of Richmond Hill.

The collection of furniture, paintings and tapestries remains largely intact, unusually for a house of this era, and as such it retains its reputation as a sleeping beauty – remaining unchanged for centuries. It is also reputedly one of the most haunted houses in Britain.

Today, visit Ham House and Garden as a respite from urban life – a little slice of countryside only a stone’s throw from central London. Enjoy a meal or snack in the Orangery Café, with daily specials drawn from their kitchen garden, browse in their well-stocked shop for gifts, books and gardening accessories or just enjoy a leisurely game of croquet on the lawn.

Join in the National Trust Walking Festival by taking part in their free Scenic Ramble – a guided walk from Richmond Station at 11am on 22, 23, 29 and 30 October, or a guided Herb Walk at 12.30 on 19 Oct (tickets £6). Kids visit FREE if in fancy dress with a paying adult during half term week 22 – 30 October, with arts and crafts, a ghostly garden trail and bookable family ghost tours. Ghost tours also feature at Halloween and in November. On 26 November at 11am they have children’s theatre, The Reluctant Dragon, and the Richmond-upon-Thames Literature Festival comes to Ham on 26 and 27 November with a packed programme of events. With special Christmas weekends there is always something going on so go and see them soon.

See website for details of all theirevents www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

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