400th anniversary of Ham House, a hidden gem

The National Trust this weekend launches a season of events to mark the 400th anniversary of Ham House and Garden.

Described as one of the trust's hidden gems, it is said to be the most complete surviving Restoration property in Britain. It reopens after the winter break on Saturday.

Victoria Bradley, the house and collections manager, said: "It's definitely one of the foremost National Trust collections but it is maybe less well known than it might be. We would like more Londoners to get to the end of the Tube line because it's such a rest from the smog. It's just so green here and if more people knew about it , we think more would come."

Events this summer include a house trail to introduce younger visitors to its past, a time travellers' weekend in July with a 17th century country fair and cookery events with specialities of the timem including spiced apple pudding and a chocolate cake recipe from house archives.