Family days out at Sheringham Park

Child exploring woodland, looking up at the tree canopy through binoculars — Child exploring autumnal woodland | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

With nearly 1,000 acres to explore, there’s plenty of space for kids to burn off some energy as you enjoy the variety of habitats and fun family events Sheringham Park has to offer.

Good to know

It is free to visit Sheringham Park (car parking charges apply for non-members)
Baby changing facilities can be found in the toilet block, opposite the visitor barn, where lockers are also located.
Breastfeeding is welcome everywhere at Sheringham Park, including in the Courtyard Café, where hot water can be provided for making up bottles.
High chairs are available in the café.
Picnic benches and accessible benches are on the field opposite the visitor barn and you’re also welcome to picnic in the grounds.
Buggy-friendly paths are in place around the park. Don’t hesitate to ask a member of the welcome team for tips.
The Bower Garden is a dog-free place for families to explore, relax and have fun. If you bring a dog with you, you can secure it to a post outside while you go in to spot fairy doors, see the wild flower meadow and the wildlife pond.
Footwear appropriate for a countryside walk is recommended.

Psssssssst!

Did you know, outdoor fun sessions are held for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups on selected Wednesdays?

Acorns Preschool Group

In autumn woodland, a mother crouches down to the ground to point out the autumn leaves to their child. — A mother and their child stop to look at autumn leaves at Sheringam Park in Norfolk | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Family activities for outdoor adventures

There are lots of different ways to take in the sights and sounds of nature. You can collect natural materials, use a spotter’s guide to identify wildlife or immerse yourself in the colours, noises and textures of the world around you.

Explore the garden

Abbott and Charlotte Upcher were the first owners of the Sheringham Park estate and they fell in love with the place. As their daughter Emma later said of her parents, ‘they found a spot they thought a paradise, and there began to build their ‘bower’.’

Some 200 years later, The Bower has been created as a fantastic place for adults and children to explore, discover and have fun. It is on the left hand side as you head down the main drive.

Sensory garden

The sensory garden is full of plants to awaken your senses – take in the smell of the lavender and rosemary, feel the texture of the different leaves, look at the spiky structure of the sea holly and listen to the leaves rustling in the breeze.

The Bower wildlife pond

Peer into the depths and see what lurks beneath the surface of the water. You might be lucky enough to spot newts hiding, and on a warm spring or summer's day you’ll probably see dragonflies patrolling for prey and laying their eggs on the surface of the water.

The wildflower meadow

Full of different flower and grass species with an insect hotel nestled at the centre.

'50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾'

How about becoming the explorer you were meant to be, with our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾' activities?

No. 1 Get to Know a Tree

Explore the woodland, many of our trees are hundreds of years old. Listen to the bids singing in them, what do you think they are saying? Investigate the ground under the tree, who makes their home here? Touch the bark, is rough, smooth, damp or dry?

No. 28 Climb a huge hill

Get a new perspective – Sheringham Park has two viewing towers and the Gazebo to climb up, as well as Temple Hill, what can you see from the top? Take a picture to remember your visit.

No. 33 Go cloud watching

Find a spot to lie down and look up to the sky and see what shapes, trails and colours you can see in the clouds. Can you make up a story about any of the shapes you can see?

Baby sat in a highchair outside a Courtyard Café | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Eating with us?

Fuel your next adventure at the Courtyard Café - serving kids picnic bags, soups, sandwiches and a delicious range of cakes and drinks to take away. Please check the opening hours before your visit.

Courtyard Café