Ham is a lovely leafy suburb of London, so there are plenty of natural parks and places to enjoy a romantic walk with your date. Home Park is a large expanse of greenery just next to Hampton Court Palace and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll over the grass and enjoy the lush surroundings. Richmond Park is another great option, a huge nature reserve right next to the centre of London, visit the iconic Isabella Plantation or the impressive White Lodge before heading to the café for coffee. Bushy Park is another great spot to visit, with a lake and plenty of green areas to wander through.
1. Places for a coffee date in Ham
For a coffee date, there are a huge range of independent coffee shops in Ham, perfect for a date. Head to Tribe near Ham Common for some delicious cakes and pastries as well as a range of ethically sourced coffee. The Coffee Room is a small cosy shop also located in Ham, serving up a selection of freshly ground coffees and teas, perfect for a romantic catch up over a flat white. The Fox and Rabbit is a great spot too, serving both morning coffees and afternoon teas, ideal for a traditional English date.
2. Ham galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Ham has a great selection of museums, galleries and exhibitions to visit on a date. The Hampton Court Palace has been open to visitors since the 16th century and is a great place to explore the royal history and architecture and learn more about the fascinating royal family. The Lion Gates Museum is a small but interesting museum that is dedicated to art and history, with an impressive range of collections from around the world. There is also the National Trust property at Petersham Lodge, a beautiful 300-year-old home that is full of historic artefacts and is an enjoyable experience for a date.
3. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Ham
For entertainment, Ham has great venues to take your date. The Bear Hotel is a popular spot, with live music and theatre shows throughout the year. The Swan and Cygnet is another great option, hosting an eclectic mix of live music events from jazz to ska. There are also open-air music events in the summer months at the Riverside Gardens, which is a great opportunity for a picnic and a few drinks.
4. Ham pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a drink or something to eat, there are plenty of options in Ham. The Anglers is a great local pub with a selection of local ales and traditional pub grub. Frogmore is another popular spot, with a wide selection of wines, beers and cocktails and a delicious food menu. There are also some fantastic restaurants, such as The Carpenter's Arms which serve up some delicious British classics, or The Cumret which is a lovely French bistro perfect for a romantic meal.
5. Other date ideas to try in Ham
There are lots of other great things to do in Ham for a date. If you're looking for something a bit different, then why not visit the Ham Polo Club and watch the polo matches? Alternatively, take your date to an escape room, there are a few in the area and they make for a great fun and interactive date experience. There's also the Botanical Gardens, which is a great spot for a peaceful stroll and some bird watching. Finally, why not take a boat ride on the Thames, from Hampton Court to Richmond, a great way to see the sights and have a chat.
