Repton’s walk at Sheringham Park, near Cromer, Norfolk
Enjoy a stroll through the glorious landscaped parkland at Sheringham, with stunning sea views as well as country vistas. Visit in May and June to see the vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas. Relax a while in the Bower and the Ling Hut; continue on until reaching the temple, designed by Repton but not built until over 160 years later.
Explore 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland with beautiful coastal views
Sheringham Park's landscaped gardens were designed in 1812 by Humphry Repton - pop into the Repton exhibition to learn about the history of the park. Visit the park in May and June to see the famous display of vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas. A moderate walk suitable for experienced walkers.
Map
Start:
Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, grid ref: TG139410
1
Starting from the visitor centre, head down the main drive towards the turning for the Bower which is the first path on your left. If you have time (you will pass it on the way back as well), take a look in the Bower which is interesting all year round, both with colours and with wildlife. Return to the main pathway after your detour and walk through the varied collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are shaded by the woodland canopy.
The Bower
Transformed from an old car park, the Bower is an ideal spot to sit and relax, listen to birdsong and spot wildlife visiting the pond. Adults can rest while the children search for mini-beasts or create a sculpture in the environmental art area. The structure in the middle is designed to look like a bowerbird's display area. The dogwood growing around it provides insulation against the elements. After the leaves drop in the autumn, deep coral red stems are revealed.
2
As you continue your walk down the drive take time to look at Moosewood tree on your left with bright green bark. In front of you will see a wooden hut called the Ling House. Stop for a moment to take in one of the best views in the park, looking down a valley framed by rhododendrons, over parkland and out to sea.
The Ling House
A shelter since the 1900s set amongst the rhododendrons. This takes in a view across the valley, intended by Repton as glimpse point over the coastline for visitors arriving by horse and carriage. Skelding hill viewpoint can be seen over by Sheringham Golf Course.
3
Continue along the path taking in the different varieties of rhododendrons which first appeared in the park around the mid-1800s.
Rhododendrons
Henry Morris Upcher sponsored trips to collect plant species between 1900 and the 1930s. to add to the Sheringham collection. He was born in Sheringham Hall, and took a keen interest in birds and wildlife from a very early age. He took an interest in the protection of wild birds and when Pallas's sandgrouse were found visiting England in 1888 he worked to prevent them from being shot by sportsmen. The wild garden was continued in 1946 by Thomas Upcher who carried on the wild rhododendron planting and was famous for his garden walks.
4
Approaching the black railings you now come to one of Humphry Repton's famous scenes from the Sheringham Red Book called 'The Turn'. As you descend down the drive Sheringham Hall appears sitting in front of Oak Wood with sea views on either side.
Sheringham Hall
The hall is privately occupied, building began in 1813 for Abbot Upcher, but he died before completion. His son carried on the building and lived there from 1839.
5
Continue along the path and over the cattle grid which leads you out into the open parkland. As you approach Sheringham Hall (not open to the public) take the path to the left. If you wish to bypass the gazebo go right and pick up the route at Step 8.
6
Head through the gate and turn right. Follow the path to the gazebo and climb to the top to see the amazing views over the oak canopy. Looking out to sea when visibility is good, Blakeney Point may be seen.
View from the Gazebo
You might be able to see Blakeney from here..
7
Re-trace your steps through the gate until you are back outside Sheringham Hall. Continue straight along the path.
8
Park Lodge is on your left as you approach another cattle grid. Take a moment to view the parkland with the woods running along to your right. Centre stage is the temple which was designed by Repton but not built until 1975. Note how the parkland dips and rises to create a spectacular hide and seek game as you move along the path.
The temple
The temple was designed by Repton but not built until more than160 years later. It was opened in 1975 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mr Thomas Upcher, the last of the Upcher family to live in Sheringham Hall. Although built in a slightly different position to that planned by Repton, the temple still provides the intended view, looking over the parkland with yellow gorse in flower and taking in Sheringham Hall and the coast beyond.
9
Continue along the path passing by Hall Farm on your left and take the right hand pathway leading to the temple.
10
Once at the temple take a good look at Sheringham Hall. Does the temple seem to be at the same height as the hall? Follow the red, blue and orange arrows to the right. Keeping to the right as you cross the field to the five bar gate. Pass through the gate and head up the track (Summer House Valley).
11
At the marker, turn left along the main path back to the visitor centre. Here you will find the exhibition centre with copies of the Red Book and more information on Humphry Repton and the Upcher family.
End:
Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, grid ref: TG139410
