
Ham Lands London
Vast parkland and historic estate offering peaceful riverside walks, birdwatching, and dog-friendly meadows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wisteria blooms, ideal for photos

Ham Lands London
Best Time
Wisteria blooms, ideal for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast parkland and historic estate offering peaceful riverside walks, birdwatching, and dog-friendly meadows.
"A really nice and fascinating place to run, hike, etc. Beautiful scenery, benches, and places to sit."
🚗 Parking Availability
A sizable parking lot is available at the upper end of Ham Street, with space for boat trailers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Lots of space for dogs to run off-leash in the meadows, making it a great spot for dog walkers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ham House Gardens
Adjacent to Ham Lands
Stunning historic gardens, often featuring wisteria, perfect for a picturesque stroll and photography.
Thames Riverside Walk
Along the River Thames
A peaceful walk with lovely views of Eel Pie Island and Mable Hill House, ideal for birdwatching.
Ham Lands Meadows
Ham Lands Nature Reserve
Expansive, open meadows offering space for dogs to roam off-leash and a haven for migratory birds.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Discover Ham House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Availability
A sizable parking lot is available at the upper end of Ham Street, with space for boat trailers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Lots of space for dogs to run off-leash in the meadows, making it a great spot for dog walkers.
📸 Photography Walks
Consider joining organized photography walks at Ham House for unique perspectives.
🐦 Birdwatching Hotspot
Excellent for birdwatching, especially for migratory birds pausing in the meadows and along the river.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Availability
A sizable parking lot is available at the upper end of Ham Street, with space for boat trailers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Lots of space for dogs to run off-leash in the meadows, making it a great spot for dog walkers.
📸 Photography Walks
Consider joining organized photography walks at Ham House for unique perspectives.
🐦 Birdwatching Hotspot
Excellent for birdwatching, especially for migratory birds pausing in the meadows and along the river.
🚶♀️ Riverside Path
Enjoy a picturesque walk along the Thames, but check tide tables to avoid detours at high tide.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ham Lands for its expansive, dog-friendly parkland and peaceful riverside walks, offering beautiful scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities. While the adjacent Ham House has an entry fee, the natural beauty of the lands provides a free and enjoyable experience for nature lovers and families.
"Ham is behind a vast park. A really nice and fascinating place to run, hike, etc. Beautiful scenery, benches, and places to sit. This area is excellent for birdwatching because migratory birds pause here. The upper end of Ham Street has a sizable parking lot and room for boat trailers. The broad meadows of Ham Lands and Ham Palace are the first places you'll pass along the Thames towpath walk from Teddington Locks to Petersham. Broad, largely shaded, and offering lovely views of Eel Pie Island, the Thames Northern Bank, and, most notably, a panorama of Mable Hill House, which revels in its Georgian precision."
Babji Vundavilli
"If you want a peaceful walk along the river, through some fields then this is the place. It’s full of wildlife and great the watch the horse riders too"
L A
"Great parkland behind Ham. Really pleasant and interesting area to walk the dogs etc. You can also cut through to Teddington Lock through the park. Definitely recommended"
Samuel Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ham Lands is accessible by car, with a sizable parking lot at the top of Ham Street. It's also reachable via public transport, with nearby train stations in Richmond and Teddington. You can also enjoy a lovely riverside walk from Teddington Lock.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the upper end of Ham Street, which also accommodates boat trailers.
Cycling is a great way to explore Ham Lands and the surrounding areas. The Thames Path offers scenic cycling routes.
Walking is ideal for exploring the meadows and riverside paths. Many visitors enjoy leisurely strolls with their dogs or for birdwatching.
While direct bus routes might be limited, you can reach nearby areas like Richmond or Teddington by train and then walk or take a short taxi ride to Ham Lands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ham Lands itself is a nature reserve and parkland, generally free to access for walking and enjoying nature. However, Ham House, located nearby, is a National Trust property with an entry fee.
As a natural area, Ham Lands is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. Ham House has specific opening hours, which are best checked on the National Trust website.
Many visitors find Ham House worth the fee for its historic interiors and beautiful gardens, especially if you're interested in photography or history.
Yes, it's recommended to book tickets for Ham House online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry.
Ham House often offers guided tours, and sometimes photography walks are organized in the grounds. Check the National Trust website for current offerings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and dog walking. The riverside path offers scenic views, and the meadows are great for relaxation.
Absolutely! Ham Lands is a known spot for migratory birds, making it excellent for birdwatching throughout the year.
Yes, Ham Lands is very dog-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to run off-leash in the meadows.
Restrooms and cafes are typically available at Ham House. For Ham Lands itself, facilities might be more limited, so it's advisable to come prepared.
The riverside path with views of Eel Pie Island and Mable Hill House, as well as the historic gardens of Ham House, are popular for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ham House has a cafe offering refreshments and light meals, which is a popular spot for visitors.
Yes, Ham Lands is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are benches along the riverside and plenty of open space in the meadows.
The cafe at Ham House typically serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and light snacks.
The nearby areas of Richmond and Teddington offer a variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants if you're looking for more extensive dining options.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics in the parkland areas of Ham Lands.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for landscape and nature photography. Spring is ideal for capturing wisteria in bloom at Ham House.
Yes, photography walks and workshops are sometimes organized at Ham House, offering unique opportunities to capture the grounds.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the meadows and river, and architectural photography of Ham House are very popular.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Trust properties and nature reserves for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check specific regulations.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for landscapes and details. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the meadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings, as there are plenty of spots along the river or in the meadows. While Ham House has an entry fee, the surrounding parkland is free to explore, offering a budget-friendly option for a fun-filled family day.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
Birdwatching is a popular solo activity here, with the chance to spot migratory birds. If you're interested in history, a visit to Ham House can add another layer to your exploration, offering insights into the past.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring water and waste bags for your dog. While the parkland is generally dog-friendly, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ham House and Gardens
Visitors can explore the grand rooms of the house, imagining the lives of its former inhabitants. The surrounding gardens offer various themed areas, from formal parterres to more informal woodland walks. It's a place where history and horticulture intertwine, providing a rich experience for those interested in heritage and landscape design.
While Ham House has an entry fee, many find it a worthwhile investment for the historical insights and the sheer beauty of the estate. It's often recommended to check the National Trust website for opening times, special events, and to book tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
Nature and Wildlife in Ham Lands
The parkland is characterized by broad, open meadows and the picturesque Thames towpath. This stretch of the river is known for its lovely views, including Eel Pie Island and Mable Hill House. The natural beauty and tranquility make it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and simply enjoying the outdoors. The freedom of the open spaces also makes it a fantastic destination for dog owners, as dogs can often be let off their leads here.
For those interested in conservation and local ecology, the 'Meadow Community, Ham Lands' project, highlighted by Orleans House Gallery, showcases the biodiversity of the area, including rare wildflower species. This underscores the ecological importance of Ham Lands and the efforts to preserve its natural character.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit