Group visits to Sheffield Park

Group talking at Sheffield Park — 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.

The groups information on this page relates to 2019. For details on 2020/21 bookings please contact sheffieldpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Our friendly team make for an enjoyable and easy day out. We offer options of guided tours, (£3 a head), a free welcome introduction on the coach, a large tearoom, extensive gift shop, plant sales area and ample coach parking.

Please note that we have changed our group bookings policy slightly because of COVID-19 please contact group bookings for further information: sheffieldpark.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk

When's the best time to visit?

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.

Sheffield Park Waterlilies including house — The view across Middle Lake

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, or sometimes a dusting of snow.

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

Useful Information

In order for us to accommodate all groups and offer a pleasant experience to visitors, all group visits need to be arranged in advance.

We have three arrival time slots a day of 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and we can accept two coaches per slot. Once you arrive, we can offer your group a 5-minute introductory talk on your coach to tell you where all the facilities are located, hand over maps and answer any questions you may have.

If you would like a more in-depth guided tour, one of our knowledgeable and experienced tour guides can be pre-booked (with at least 2-weeks notice please). There is a charge of £3 per person for this tour and it lasts for approximately 1 hour.

Group alighting from coach at National Trust property — Booking your group visit with our team couldn't be easier

Facilities at Sheffield Park and Garden

As well as a picnic area, we have a large tearoom offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and biscuits plus lunches served from 12-2pm. Outside there is a garden (where dogs are welcome) and a courtyard area with seating for warm days. In the garden on some busy days and weekends, The Shant is open offering refreshments on the go and light snacks.

Afternoon tea in the tearoom garden, Sheffield Park, Sussex — Enjoy afternoon tea in the tea-room garden

We also have two shops, located in reception and down by the tearoom, perfect for browsing for a souvenir, local produce or a plant to take home for your garden.

Mobility Scooters

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.

Combining your visit with the Bluebell Railway

To make the most of your day out near us, why not visit the Bluebell Railway as well? You can take advantage of a joint offer at £23.50 per person which includes a 1hr 45 minute return journey on the train and access to the gardens here at Sheffield Park. The railway is located approximately 1 mile from the garden. Please note this is not valid during Autumn tints or when special events are being held at either location. The Bluebell Railway can be contacted on 01825 720800 and their website is www.bluebell-railway.com

The Bluebell Railway stops at Sheffield Park station

How to book

If you would like to enquire about a specific date to make a group booking, please contact our volunteer team on SheffieldPark.Groups@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01825 790231. You can also download the booking form below and return it by email to the address above or by post to Group Bookings Team, Sheffield Park and Garden, Sheffield Park, East Sussex, TN22 3QX.

Group Booking Form (PDF / 0.025390625MB) download

For joint tickets with the Bluebell Railway, you will need to contact both offices to check availability and make separate payments and arrangements with each.