Things to do in Ham, Richmond, London (2023)

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Located in the borough of Richmond (London), Ham is an idyllic spot located close to the banks of the Thames in south west London.

A little like taking a step back in time, Ham in Richmond is home to gorgeous green spaces, historic houses and pubs plus one of the most charming commons you’ll find on the outskirts of the capital – there are lots of relaxing things to do in Ham, London.

You could be forgiven for thinking you’d left London as Ham has such a quintessential hamlet feel (it is actually a lot larger than it looks).

Here is our guide to the top things to do in Ham, Richmond in London:

Table of Contents

Ham House and Gardens

We of course start with Ham House and Gardens, one of London’s finest historic houses, built in the early 1600s and boasting one of the most ornate gardens in the country.

Grade I listed and now managed by the National Trust (admission fees apply), London Ham House near Richmond is a magnificent Stuart mansion is well preserved and renowned for its interiors and collection of art and was the creation of Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale and a Scottish noblewomen.

The Ham House gardens are vast and include lots of out buildings including an ice house and orangery – it is also said to be one of the few remaining ‘formal’ gardens to outlive the English Landscape movement.

If possible, we’d recommend you visit Ham House in the morning as this is when the stunning gardens get the best light – the Orangery Cafe also does a nice line in teas and sweet treats.

Interestingly, you may recognise Ham House in a more contemporary setting, as it is a popular location for filming . Movies filmed here include Sense & Sensibility, John Carter, Victoria & Abdul, Never Let Me Go plus Spice World(!)

Address: Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS

Ham Common and Duckpond

Ham Common is at the very heart of Ham Village near Richmond – you know you are getting close when you see the red triangle ‘Ducks Crossing’ road signs.

Ham Common is actually pretty huge (around 50 hectares) so there is ample room for picnics and sunbathers, even on the sunniest of days. This one of the most laid back things to do in Ham, Richmond.

Ham Common dates back to the 17th century and there are lots of majestic and rather grand looking buildings dotted around the common including St Thomas Aquinas Church, Ormeley Lodge and Cassel Hospital. Several riding stables are also located nearby so you may also see horses going for a gallop.

Take a stroll to the Ham duckpond – when we visited at the start of the summer, there were lots of ducklings and baby swans. On a clear and calm day, the duckpond is mirrorlike and such a pretty spot.

Address: Upper Ham Road, Richmond, TW10 5LA

Pubs

We stumbled across three main pubs whilst walking around Ham (it was a hot day and therefore thirsty work!)

The New Inn

A beautiful building (Grade II listed) and an absolute gem of a location, with picnic tables out the front overlooking Ham Common.

Dating from the 18th century and with a timbered ceiling, it serves a good range of beers, ales on tap and nice pub grub. On the occasion we visited, there was a vintage car out the front so we kind of felt like we were in an episode of some quaint murder mystery programme like Inspector Morse.

Address: Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7DB

The Hand and Flower

Located on the southern edge of Ham Common, the Hand and Flower reopened in the summer of 2022 after a recent £100k refurbishment.

Located in a old 18th century inn, the Hand and Flower is run by the Stonegate pub group and serves traditional pub grub and english food.

Address: The Hand and Flower 24 Upper Ham Road, Richmond TW10 5LA

The Ham Brewery Tap

Permanently closed as at March 2023

This looks like a gorgeous pub, but it looked like it was looking for a new leaseholder when we visited and so was shut – hopefully it will have reopened next time we visit.

Discover the best London pubs on the river here >

Ham Parade

A little walk away from Ham Common is Ham Parade, a nondescript row of chain shops and cafes and not really worth a visit unless you are looking for a snack or for some picnic items to enjoy on Ham Common.

It also feels like a missed opportunity, in terms of not doing something similar to say the town of Bulls in New Zealand where every shop is named after the town e.g. Ham pizza, Ham sandwich, Ham and chips etc…

Nearby to Ham

Other things to do in the area include:

Petersham Nurseries

Pretty plants galore (an Instagrammer’s dream) and a nice spot to enjoy some tea and treats amongst flowers in their Teahouse.

Marble Hill House and Garden

Twickenham’s magnificent Marble Hill park is home to its very own White House, namely a Paladian villa built in the 18th century by King George II for his mistress Herietta Howard – admission fees apply.

Richmond

A gorgeous gem located on the river, there is plenty to do in Richmond, from fine dining and sumptuous shopping through to relaxing on Richmond Green or enjoying a pint in one of its many old pubs. Read more in our guide to Richmond >

Thames River Walks

Ham House itself can be seen from the banks of the Thames so you can continue your journey afterwards along the towpath to either Twickenham or Richmond.

Things to do in Ham, Richmond, London (2023)

Ham House and Gardens

Ham Common and Duckpond