HAM House Garden

London is one of the greatest tourist destinations of the world. It attracts over 15 million tourists in a year. This great city has lot to offer from its wide range selection. Ham House was built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour, Knight Marshal to James I. On Sir Thomas's death in 1620, the house passed briefly to the Earl of Holdernesse, before becoming the home of William Murray in 1626. There will not be a single dull moment during the London visit because of the excellent historic London places and modern London attractions.

Murray had been the 'whipping boy' for the future Charles I. He took punishment on behalf of the young prince, and formed a close bond with him, growing up to share his taste in art and architecture.  

Between 1637 and 1639, Murray remodelled the interior of Ham. He created the Great Staircase and a suite of sumptuous rooms on the first floor: the Great Dining Room (now the Hall Gallery), the North Drawing Room, and the Long Gallery with its adjoining picture closet.

The decoration is intact in most of these rooms. The remaining part of Murray's art collection gives us a rare picture of fashions under Charles I.  When the Civil War broke out in 1642, Murray naturally joined the Royalist cause, and was created 1st Earl of Dysart for his loyalty. He died in Edinburgh in 1655.

A 400-year-old treasure trove waiting to be discovered and one of a series of grand houses and palaces alongside the River Thames. Ham House and Garden is an unusually complete survival of the 17th century that impressed in its day and continues to do so today. Rich in history and atmosphere, Ham is largely the vision of Elizabeth Murray, Countess of Dysart, who was deeply embroiled in the politics of the English Civil War and subsequent restoration of the monarchy. The fine interiors and historic gardens make this an unusual and fascinating place to visit. Visit London and its famous attractions in an open top bus tours and enjoy the hop on and hop off during your tour.

The beautiful gardens include the much photographed Cherry Garden. It features lavender parterres flanked by two berceaux (vaulted trellises) of pleached hornbeam and a statue of Bacchus at its centre. There are also eight grass plats; a south terrace border with clipped yew cones, hibiscus and pomegranate trees; a maze-like wilderness and a 17th-century Orangery.
 
Walnut and chestnut trees in the outer courtyard act as roosts and nesting sites for a large flock of green parakeets. The formal listed avenues are formed by more than 250 trees. It is said that the Duchess still haunts the house today, along with a number of other ghostly inhabitants.

Don't miss

Help us celebrate Ham's 400th anniversary throughout 2010.

Discover an outstanding collection of furniture and textiles.

Play with our interactive model of Ham House.

Making the most of your day

There are many things to do with children also. They offer free garden tours on some days, please check with property. They have discovery room with interactive family activities. Family garden trails and explorer pack. Wide-ranging programme of events throughout the year