Ham House

When the sun is shining and you have a few hours free (and you're in striking distance of South West London) then you couldn't do better than head for Ham House on the banks of the Thames, just beyond Richmond.  Built in the 17th century, it was the wife of Lord Lauderdale, Elizabeth Murray, who brought the gardens to life with a combination of hard work and vision.  The National Trust now have custody of both the house and garden, and I have to say that whenever I visit it always feels like a house that was once a home.  The kitchen gardens have now been restored, as has the French Parterre Garden and once you've been round the house and garden, you can have a wonderful stroll along the River Thames, either towards Teddington Lock or Richmond town.

{French garden, wisteria, back view of house}

{wildflower meadow and kitchen garden}

{lemon trees, hidden gems in the garden}

{benches and tuips}