The house is claimed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, with numerous reports of ghostly sightings, including the Duchess of Lauderdale's spaniel.
The interior retains its original 17th-century lacquerwork and gilding, which are exceptionally rare due to their age and fragile nature.
The kitchen garden continues to use historic planting techniques and produces varieties of vegetables that would have been available in the 17th century.
The house was designed as a showpiece for political power, meant to facilitate the lavish entertaining of King Charles II and his court.
During World War II, the house served as a secret base for the Auxiliary Units, a resistance group intended to operate behind enemy lines in the event of an invasion.
The 'Great Staircase' is a primary architectural feature, built of carved oak with panels that depict military trophies, reflecting the family's status.
Ham House is a remarkably preserved 17th-century Stuart-era mansion located on the banks of the River Thames. Built in 1610, it is managed by the National Trust and is renowned for its original interiors, which remain largely unchanged since the late 1600s. The property was the home of the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale, who significantly altered the house between 1672 and 1679. It houses an internationally significant collection of paintings, furniture, and textiles from the Restoration period. The surrounding gardens feature a rare 17th-century layout, including a productive kitchen garden and formal parterres. The house is widely cited as one of the most authentic examples of its period in Europe. It remains a key example of a riverside villa designed to impress visitors arriving by boat.
The formal south front of the house as seen from the long gravel approach through the central gate.
Focus on the guided basement tours to understand the history of the household staff and the complex service operations of the 17th century.
Explore the wilderness area of the garden, which features winding paths designed to mimic the rural landscape preferred in the late 1600s.
Check for temporary closures of specific rooms, as the National Trust frequently rotates pieces from the collection for conservation.
Do not attempt to arrive by car without pre-booking parking, as the site has very limited space and strict local traffic restrictions.
The house and gardens operate on seasonal patterns; the interior is often closed to visitors on select weekdays during the off-peak season.
No photography is permitted inside the historic rooms to protect light-sensitive textiles; photography is allowed in the gardens.
