The National Trust’s festive events at Ham House in Richmond will transport the public back to Stuart England this half term.
Ham House’s feline icon Lord Roscoe, whose duties include guarding reputable statues on the property, has his very own half-term trail.
Andrew Neill, Programming and Partnerships Officer at Ham House and Garden, says: “Roscoe’s been around for quite a while.
“He’s a bit of an icon, we have regulars who come around asking for him.”
The trail takes you around the 17th century house grounds, leading you on a mission to find Lord Roscoe’s paw prints which spell out a secret code allowing you to claim a prize.
Roscoe’s trail runs from 21-29 October, normal admission applies, £3 per child. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-and-garden/events/7807fc68-3322-4f6b-8c74-24d248a94184
Ham House’s Orangery is one of the oldest building of its kind to survive in the country, dating back to the 1670s.
The Orangery is now a café that uses fresh ingredients grown in the gardens a few steps away from the kitchen.
The kitchen garden is largely run by local volunteers, creating a sense of community and making visitors feel at home within the estate.
Ham House has recently collaborated with their neighbouring stables for a limited time, allowing members of the public to explore the history of the stables that once formed part of the Ham House estate.
Tours run at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm from 22-29 October standard admission applies, tour tickets cost £6 (age 7 and up).
With Christmas just around the corner, Father Christmas and his elves are also set to visit Ham House.
Visitors can step into his magical grotto for a photo opportunity and a present expertly made by his elves.
The event will run during the first two weekends in December and then each day from Saturday 16 December to Saturday 23 December.
Booking is now live: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-and-garden/events/b3f22ba4-1e5e-433c-8536-2429ac1c80aa
