Group visits to Sheffield Park and Garden

Visiting Sheffield Park through the seasons

In the summer months waterlilies float on the lakes with geese, ducks and swans often gliding through their pink, white and yellow blooms. Don’t miss the Waterlily Festival, which runs from mid-June to mid-July.

In autumn the garden really comes into its own thanks to the planting by Arthur Soames at the beginning of the 20th century. The succession of the red, gold and butter-yellow leaves are mirrored in the lakes and pools that are so iconic to this garden. The display lasts several weeks and leads into winter where the scale of the garden is revealed and the sculptural forms of the trees are enhanced by frost or shrouded in mist, and sometimes even a dusting of snow. We advise you to book in early for our busy autumn season as coach spaces are limited.

The garden comes alive with colour in spring with daffodils and bluebells quickly followed by famous displays of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Facilities at Sheffield Park and Garden

• Dedicated picnic area.

• Dogs welcome apart from saturday mornings 10am - 1pm.

• Mobility scooters available. If any of your group have mobility issues and would like to hire a scooter, you can reserve one in advance. There is no charge to hire a scooter.

Alongside the gardens and lakes – the real stars of the show – a group trip to Sheffield Park also offers ample coach parking, a gift shop, plant sales area and a café serving delicious cakes and lunches.

• Please note that larger parties may have to use the café seating area in smaller groups.

• We may also have to make changes to our groups booking policy at short notice in line with government guidance. 

Useful information and how to book

• All group visits need to be arranged in advance.

• Available times There are two arrival slots – morning or afternoon – and groups are welcome seven days a week. The garden is open 10am - 5pm (closes at 4pm November to January). 

• Group sizes There is no maximum group size (subject to government restrictions). A minimum group size of 15 is required to qualify for group rates. 

We look forward to welcoming your group to Sheffield Park and Garden soon. To book, for further information, or if you have any questions, please email sheffieldpark.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Joint group ticket with the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park and Garden are delighted to offer a joint ticket enabling you to enjoy both attractions at a discounted price. The Bluebell Railway is just over the road, approximately 1 mile away, and the histories of the two sites are deeply interwoven.

In the late 1800s, Sheffield Park was emerging as one of the premier sites of cricket in the country. Fuelled by his cricketing passion, Lord Sheffield built elaborate pavilions, signed up the best players and even built a railway station to transport the visiting players and crowds. The cricket pitch at Sheffield Park and Garden went on to host royalty and at one particular match attracted up to 25,000 spectators, many of whom arrived by steam train.

• Included in the price is a return journey at the Bluebell Railway and entrance to Sheffield Park and Garden.
• £34.20 per adult | £17.10 per child (3-15 yrs).
• Only available for groups of 15 people or more.
• Service starts at Sheffield Park station.
• To book or to find out more please contact the Bluebell Railway at grouptravel@bluebell-railway.com or call 01825 720800.

A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 is required no later than 14 days after booking. Final passenger numbers and full payment of the balance are required at least 14 days before the travel date. Cancellations can only be accepted if made at least 1 month prior to date of travel. A £10.00 admin fee will apply to any cancellations.

Advance booking only. Not available during Bluebell Railway or Sheffield Park and Garden Special Events, at weekends or on Bank Holidays.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 800 2329 or email us at NTTravelTrade@capita.co.uk.

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.