Family-friendly things to do at Ham House and Garden

A family visiting Ham House and Garden, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

From exploring atmospheric 17th-century rooms and expansive gardens to enjoying delicious snacks at the Orangery Café, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained this season at Ham House and Garden.

Family-friendly events and activities

A round-up of fun activities to enjoy with little ones at Ham House and Garden this season and beyond.

Christmas at Ham House

Get ready for festive fun at Ham House from 30 November 2024 with two family-friendly trails - one inside the 17th-century house and another in the gardens.

Join in with some carol singing on selected weekends in the run up to Christmas.

Discover more about A Gilded Christmas at Ham below.

Christmas at Ham House

See a gingerbread house in our historic kitchen

On weekends in November, visit the house 12-4 (last entry 3.30, access subject to volunteer availability) to see a Hansel and Gretel-inspired display in the historic kitchen. Volunteers including our historic bakers, harvesters and floral artists helped to create this scene, featuring a sweet-covered gingerbread house, a garden of dried flowers and even a mini version of our resident cat, Roscoe.

Gingerbread house display on three window sills in the Historic Kitchen at Ham House, Surrey — Gingerbread house display in the Historic Kitchen at Ham House, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies

Seasonal spotter cards

Get everyone involved in a memorable day out with our free seasonal bingo cards. These cards help little ones to notice nature, wildlife and the changing seasons during your visit, and are free to pick up from visitor reception when you arrive or in the Garden Room.

Gardens to explore

At this time of year, great spots to take an outdoor wander with kids include the sculptural Cherry Garden and the maze-like Wilderness, with hedged compartments and wooden summerhouses to sit in.

Enjoy a riverside walk to Ham House

Make the most of your family day out and stroll along the towpath to Ham House from stations in Kingston or Richmond. See the links below for suggested routes and facts to share along the way!

Kingston to Ham walk

Richmond to Ham walk

Planning your family visit

Ask at visitor reception for a level access guide to the garden so you can find your way step free. A ramp is also available in the café.
The paths in the garden are mostly gravel and historic cobbles which can be difficult to scoot on. Our friendly team at visitor reception are happy to keep an eye on your scooters and balance bikes while you have fun. Bike racks are also available.
Baby changing facilities are available in the women’s and disabled (unisex) loos opposite the shop.

Tips for visiting the house

Here are some useful tips to help plan your visit. Prams can be used in the grounds, shop and café, but cannot be taken inside the house for conservation reasons. They can be stowed under the covered arch at the front of the house.

Hip carriers are available at the front door for you to use.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Space for the little ones

From the tree-filled Wilderness to the productive Kitchen Garden, our gardens are the perfect spot for kids to enjoy some fresh air. There’s plenty of space for little legs to run around or play a game of hide and seek, with benches dotted around the paths to sit and take a break.

Mud kitchen

Our mud kitchen play area, found at the back of the Orangery Café near some picnic benches, is a space for kids to enjoy creative play.

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'

From making friends with minibeasts to watching birds, your next adventure awaits. Experience ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ with the whole family at Ham House and Garden to get your kids closer to nature. There’s loads to do, so visit regularly to tick off everything on the list!

Some of our favourites:

For more inspiration, see the full list of 50 activities.

Grab a bite to eat

Head over to the Orangery Café where we have children’s meals available alongside a seasonal food menu and fresh cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks.