Group visits to Sheffield Park

An ancient estate, once the gift of Kings and mentioned in the Domesday Book, Sheffield Park lies in the East Sussex countryside near Uckfield. With acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland, Sheffield Park is the ideal destination for groups interested in horticulture, history or those simply seeking a walk with friends in a magnificent garden followed by a spot of lunch and a slice of cake.

Alongside the gardens and lakes - which are 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.

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Useful Information and how to book

  • All group visits need to be arranged in advance.
  • Available times: We have two arrival slots - morning or afternoon - and groups are welcome 7 days-a-week. The garden is currently open 10am - 4pm. 
  • 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. 
  • Prices: National Trust and RHS members are free. Group Adult £13.30, Group Child £6.65.

To book or for further information please email sheffieldpark.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk

Frosty mornings bring extra beauty to the garden in winter
Frosty trees by the bridge at Sheffield Park Sussex
Frosty mornings bring extra beauty to the garden in winter

When's the best time to visit?

Autumn is the time when 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 scupltural forms of the trees are enhanced by frost or shrouded in mist, and sometimes even a dusting of snow.

Autumn colours reflect in one of the lakes
Autumn colours reflect in the lake at Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Autumn colours reflect in one of the lakes

The garden comes alive with colour in spring with daffodils and bluebells quickly followed by our famous display of azaleas and rhododendrons.Waterlilies float on the lakes in the summer months with geese, ducks and swans often gliding through their pink, white and yellow blooms and our Waterlily Festival, which runs mid-June to mid-July, is one not to miss.

The view across Middle Lake
Sheffield Park Waterlilies including house
The view across Middle Lake

 

Facilities at Sheffield Park and Garden

  • Dedicated picnic area.
  • Dogs welcome.
  • Mobility scooters available. If any of your group have mobility issues and would like to hire one of our scooters, these can also be reserved in advance. There is no charge to hire a scooter.
Selection of gifts including garden accessories, homeware and fashion

Shopping at Sheffield Park 

Our shop is home to an abundance of gifts for all ages, local specialities and hand-crafted goods alongside National Trust favourites. Be sure to also pop along to our plant sales area next to the shop – which stocks a wealth of garden essentials and plants – and our secondhand bookshop in its new home in the Coach House.

A selection of homemade cakes

Eating & Drinking at Sheffield Park 

The Coach House Café is open daily with seating both indoors and outside in the courtyard. The Shant is open for takeaways in the garden.

 

A group enjoying their visit
A group having a laugh on a visit to Igthham Mote
A group enjoying their visit

We look forward to welcoming your group to Sheffield Park and Garden soon. Please do get in touch via sheffieldpark.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk if you have any further questions.