Winter at Sheringham Park

Oak Tree at Sheringham Park

Sheringham Park doesn't hibernate during the winter months - it's open daily from dawn to dusk. Miles of walks, coastal views, wildlife and flowering plants can all be enjoyed at this time of year.

Views

Many of the coastal views you can still enjoy today were part of Humphry Repton’s design for the park, created in 1812. There is no better time to enjoy them than on a clear winter’s day. You can also climb the 192 steps to the top of the gazebo viewing tower for unrivalled views of the North Norfolk coastline.

The view from temple hill part of Humphry Reptons 1812 design for Sheringham Park
A view from the temple designed by Humphry Repton
The view from temple hill part of Humphry Reptons 1812 design for Sheringham Park

Flowering Plants

Winter is not without its colour; in all but the most severe weather we have at least two species of rhododendron in flower, Christmas cheer and nobleanum venustum. Snowdrops are a feature of the park in the new year, including the 'Upcher' variety named after the family that resided here from 1811 to 1985.  Temperature dictates when camellias start to flower, if the weather is mild they can burst into flower as early as January.

Upcher snowdrops named after the family that owned Sheringham Park for more than 170 years
Upcher snowdrops along the main drive at Sheringham Park.
Upcher snowdrops named after the family that owned Sheringham Park for more than 170 years

Birdlife

The bare trees provide us with good viewing opportunities to see the birdlife of the park. Nuthatch, great spotted woodpeckers and jays are very vocal in the woodland, where winter thrushes can sometimes be seen. Flocks of brambling and chaffinch can be seen from time to time, depending on the food supply.

Yellowhammers, sometimes in good numbers, are visible both on Weybourne Heath and in the arable fields down to the coast, where flocks of linnets often feed. The sound of skylarks will often accompany a walk along the cliff tops.

If you cast your eyes skyward you may spy skeins of pink-footed geese flying overhead or buzzards soaring.     

Crossbills are early breeders, often flocks can be heard moving amongst the conifers during late winter. Song and mistle thrush start singing in the new year advertising for a mate and proclaiming their breeding terrority.

Walkabout guide-Birds you may see or hear (PDF / 0.9MB) download

Listern for the chip chip chip of the great spotted woodpecker on your winter walk
Great spotted woodpecker in the woodland at Sheringham Park
Listern for the chip chip chip of the great spotted woodpecker on your winter walk

Other Wildlife Highlights

If you're lucky, you might spot Roe and muntjac deer on a quiet winter walk. Damp and mild conditions can be the trigger for toads and frogs to begin their migration to water. Watch where you walk as the larger females cross the paths near the pondswith males vying for their attention.

Sunny days in late winter can also provide the opportunity to see the first butterflies of the year, as well as adders basking in the sun. 

You have a good chance of seeing deer on a quiet winter walk.
Muntjac at Sheringham park
You have a good chance of seeing deer on a quiet winter walk.

Walkabout guide-mammals you may see or hear (PDF / 0.7MB) download

Walkabout guide-reptiles you may see (PDF / 0.9MB) download

Borrow a tracker pack from Sheringham Park
Sheringham Park   Norfolk

Begin your nature adventure

Visiting as a family? Borrow a tracker pack with useful identification guides, bug magnification pots and great quality binoculars – let us know what you discovered when you return it!