Explore the landscape around Ham House and Garden

A view through trees to the River Thames towards Richmond with buildings on a hill in the background — A view of the River Thames towards Richmond from the towpath near Ham House and Garden, London | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies

Take a walk around the River Thames landscape surrounding Ham House and Garden and explore meadows, woodland and wetlands; a green haven in Greater London.

A rural paradise

By the 18th century, this area was known locally as an ‘Arcadia’ – a rural paradise in growing London.

Explore an estate of more than 100 acres which is perfect for walks and an opportunity to get outdoors in the fresh air. Ham House and Garden is connected to this unique London landscape by formal avenues of more than 250 trees stretching between the mansion and its gatehouses in Petersham and Ham.

Discover a patchwork of historic riverside habitat which includes the water meadow, woodland and parkland. Look out for a wide variety of wildlife that call this place home.

View towards Ham House and River Thames from Richmond Hill with trees along the riverside — View from Richmond Hill across the River Thames towards Ham House, London | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies

Petersham Meadows

A colourful rent

Petersham Meadows is a key feature of the view from Richmond Hill – the only view protected by an act of parliament in the country. We've been the caretaker of Petersham Meadows since 2010, paying the very handsome rent of a posy of wildflowers to the Mayor of Richmond each year on St Peter's Day, 29 June.

If you're visiting Ham House and Garden already, then Petersham Meadows is only a 10-15 minute walk along the banks of the Thames.

Explore this unique historic riverside meadow and see all the wildlife that it attracts from butterflies to birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars.