Ham House
Ham Street, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS
On the banks of the River Thames in London’s leafy Richmond, Ham House is a grand mansion with interiors that have been left largely unchanged for the last 400 years. Known for its impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and textiles, the house is a unique example of a meticulously well-preserved 17th-century Stuart mansion. It’s also said to be one of Britain’s most haunted houses.
The Basics
Visitors to Ham House and Garden can tour the well-appointed interiors and admire the extensive art collections. The downstairs rooms, including the servant’s quarters and basement, feature interactive recreations of 17th-century life. The house hosts historical talks, tours, and seasonal events like candlelit Christmas displays. Ham House is surrounded by manicured gardens including a working fruit, vegetable, and herb garden whose bounty stocks the Orangery Cafe.
Things to Know Before You Go
Biking routes to the house can be found online.
Ham House runs occasional free garden tours—check the website for details.
Dogs are allowed on garden walks.
Picnics can be enjoyed in the garden.
How to Get There
Ham House and Garden is located on Ham Street in Richmond, Surrey. It’s accessible by foot via the Thames Path or by using the TfL 371 bus from Richmond to Kingston.
When to Get There
Interior and garden activities change seasonally, so check the website for an up to date schedule of events.
Ham House With Kids
Ham House is extremely kid-friendly, offering garden walks geared toward children, baby-changing facilities, and high chairs in the cafe. There’s even a chance for them to make Ham House–inspired artwork to take home. For braver kids, there are ghost tours offered between October and December where they can try to spot one of the 15 ghosts rumored to reside in the house.
Ways to explore
On the banks of the River Thames in London’s leafy Richmond, Ham House is a grand mansion with interiors that have been left largely unchanged for the last 400 years. Known for its impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and textiles, the house is a unique example of a meticulously well-preserved 17th-century Stuart mansion. It’s also said to be one of Britain’s most haunted houses.
Accessibility
Ham House is largely wheelchair accessible; however, the upper floors require stair access. Wheelchairs are available for loan, and there is an accessible restroom. The mansion sometimes offers free sensory walks for people living with dementia and their carers. Service dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None; children under 5 visit for free.
What to pack
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, and a good book if you plan to linger.
What to wear
Dress for the weather to explore the gardens—that often means rain.
Not allowed
Keep quiet and turn off your cell phone while visiting the gardens’ designated “silent space.” Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Amenities
Restrooms, gift store, café
Address
Ham House is in Ham, within the borough of Richmond Upon Thames in southwest London. You can travel by car or public transport from anywhere in London.
Driving
From Central London, take the M4 or A3 westbound to the A307, turn onto Ham Street and follow it to the end. There is free parking at the Ham Street car park, a short stroll from Ham House.
Public transportation
Take a train from Waterloo to Richmond, then board the 371 bus to Kingston and get off at the Ham Street stop, which is around a 10-minute walk from Ham House. Alternatively, take the District tube line to Richmond, then follow a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) footpath to Ham House.
Best times to visit
The gardens are at their most peaceful early in the morning.
Best days to visit
Dodge crowds by visiting on a weekday.
Best months to visit
Visit during the summer months to see the gardens at their best; in June, 1,200 lavender plants bloom.
Special events
Ham House hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt in spring and carol singing at Christmas. The mansion also periodically hosts special events when its decorative cabinets are opened to the public for a limited time.
Ways to explore
Visitors to Ham House can tour the building and admire the mansion’s extensive art collection at their own pace. Tours of the interiors are largely self-guided, but docents are on hand to provide information. From March through November, you can join a free volunteer-led tour of the lush gardens, which include a 17th-century walled garden that produces the vegetables served at the mansion’s Orangery Café. Ham House sells admission tickets on-site and does not operate a prebooking system.
Accessibility
Ham House is largely wheelchair accessible; however, the upper floors require stair access. Wheelchairs are available for loan, and there is an accessible restroom. The mansion sometimes offers free sensory walks for people living with dementia and their carers. Service dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None; children under 5 visit for free.
What to pack
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, and a good book if you plan to linger.
What to wear
Dress for the weather to explore the gardens—that often means rain.
Not allowed
Keep quiet and turn off your cell phone while visiting the gardens’ designated “silent space.” Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Amenities
Restrooms, gift store, café
Address
Ham House is in Ham, within the borough of Richmond Upon Thames in southwest London. You can travel by car or public transport from anywhere in London.
Driving
From Central London, take the M4 or A3 westbound to the A307, turn onto Ham Street and follow it to the end. There is free parking at the Ham Street car park, a short stroll from Ham House.
Public transportation
Take a train from Waterloo to Richmond, then board the 371 bus to Kingston and get off at the Ham Street stop, which is around a 10-minute walk from Ham House. Alternatively, take the District tube line to Richmond, then follow a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) footpath to Ham House.
Best times to visit
The gardens are at their most peaceful early in the morning.
Best days to visit
Dodge crowds by visiting on a weekday.
Best months to visit
Visit during the summer months to see the gardens at their best; in June, 1,200 lavender plants bloom.
Special events
Ham House hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt in spring and carol singing at Christmas. The mansion also periodically hosts special events when its decorative cabinets are opened to the public for a limited time.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!