Discover more at Sheffield Park and Garden
Find out when Sheffield Park and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Sheffield Park and Garden
Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland
Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
Important notice
Whilst conservation work takes place in the Coach House Café, please follow the arrows to indoor seating.
Opening times for 1 May 2025
Asset Opening time Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Parkland Dawn - Dusk Sheffield Wood 10:00 - 17:00 Coach House Café 10:00 - 17:00 Shop & Plant Sales Area 10:00 - 17:00 Secondhand Bookshop 10:00 - 17:00 Please note that last admission into the garden is 30 minutes before closing time.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £19.80 £18.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.90 £9.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £49.50 £45.00 1 adult, 2 children £29.70 £27.00 Group (Adult 18+) £17.10 Group (Child 5-17) £8.55 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
The second hand bookshop is located in the Coach House café and is open during the same hours. All the money raised goes directly to help us care for Sheffield Park and Garden. Book donations are also gratefully accepted.
- Café
- Car park
Free parking. If you are bringing a coach, please call in advance on 01825 790231. We have limited space for campervans. Turn left at the grass triangle on the driveway, before reaching the car park. Please park along the left-hand fenceline - the road must be accessible at all times. Motorcycle parking is situated opposite reception under the pines.
- Cycle parking
Facilities to lock up your bike can be found under the pines near the motorcycle parking.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are permitted on a short, fixed lead in the gardens except on Saturday mornings before 1pm. Dogs are allowed on a lead on the parkland at all times and in East Park off-lead. Dogs are also welcome in the Garden Room of the café. Assistance dogs are welcome across the whole site at all times.
- Family friendly
- Guided tour
Delve deeper into Sheffield Park’s history and horticulture on a free Garden Tour. Join one of our volunteer guides as they bring the gardens to life. Times and days are subject to volunteer availability so please do check before travelling.
- Kiosk
If you're wandering in the garden, why not visit The Shant for a warming drink and a selection of snacks. Opening hours may vary, please check with the reception team on arrival.
- Picnic area
- Plant shop
- Shop
- Toilet
Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilets. Loose gravel paths. Accessible pathways suitable for wheelchairs and site mobility scooter (bookable by phone). Dogs welcome on short leads (except Saturday mornings). Assistance dogs are welcome across the whole site at all times.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets adjacent to reception and in the café.
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guide available.
- Designated parking
Mobility parking in main car park, 50 yards from reception.
- Induction loop
- Large print (guide or menu)
- Level access to food outlet
Please see our full access statement for details.
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
A large part of the garden is accessible, there are some slopes and paths made of a non-gravel surface. The parkland and cricket pitch are rough terrain without level access.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Call 01825 790231 to reserve a mobility vehicle. We recommend you book well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially at busy times such as autumn.
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
- Wheelchairs available
Please ask at reception on arrival.
- By road
We are located midway between East Grinstead and Lewes, 5 miles north-west of Uckfield, on the east side of A275 (between A272 and A22). If approaching north-bound from Lewes, we are just past the Bluebell Railway, over the River Ouse bridge on the right. Coming south-bound from the A22 Wych Cross, follow the brown signs for Sheffield Park and the Bluebell Railway.
Parking: Parking is free and we have accessible parking. We may become full during the peak seasons in May and October and occasionally we have to close the car park. We ask that you avoid parking on the A275 as it dangerous for all road users. We have speed bumps on our driveway which may not be suitable for low clearance vehicles. Large vehicles - including minibuses, motorhomes and coaches - please ring ahead to book on 01825790231.
Sat Nav: Use 'Sheffield Park - main car park' if using Google Maps. What3words - ///charmingly.assembles.crumble Alternatively. Follow the brown signs for Sheffield Park and the Bluebell Railway.
- On foot
We are accessible on foot from the Bluebell Railway though please note that the footpath is rough terrain and may be muddy depending on the weather. It is clearly signed up from the A275 to the garden through the parkland and is a 10-15 minute walk. We are also adjacent to the Ouse Valley Way public footpath which runs along much of the River Ouse from Nymans Garden to Lewes.
- By train
Mainline (Southern) trains operate between London Bridge and Uckfield Station. 4 min walk (0.2 miles) from station to Uckfield Bus Station from where services to Sheffield Park operate (not daily).
- By bus
SAT & SUN Check times on the 121 timetable – runs hourly and travels from Lewes via Cooksbridge, Chailey, Newick and Bluebell Railway Sheffield Park station, Saturdays and Sundays year round.
TUE & THUR Check times on the 246 CTLA community bus timetable – runs every Tuesday and Thursday from Uckfield Bus Station to the bottom of the main Sheffield Park drive on the A275. Please check with the relevant bus company before you travel.- Cycling
We are south of National Route 21 coming from London/East Grinstead and east of National Route 20 running from London to Brighton.
- Steam train
The Bluebell Railway operates steam services between East Grinstead station and Sheffield Park station which is a 15 minute walk across parkland to the garden.
Planning your visit
Events at Sheffield Park and Garden
Find out all about the upcoming special events at Sheffield Park and Garden.
Garden for the Future
We are working with two-time RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal winner Joe Perkins to create an exciting garden within a garden. The landscaping phase is now complete and visitors are invited into the space to watch the project progress. The new collection will be planted in 2025, transforming this corner of the garden into a remarkable planted oasis, while addressing the challenges of climate change through science, innovation and experimentation in high horticulture, reflecting our history.
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Visiting Sheffield Park with your dog
Sheffield Park is a two pawprint rated place. We love dogs at Sheffield Park, find out more about where and when you can walk on and off the lead and our dog-friendly facilities.
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Group visits to Sheffield Park and Garden
Come for the group’s interest in horticulture, history, or the simple pleasure of exploring a garden with friends, all followed with lunch or tea and cake. We also offer joint group bookings with the Bluebell Railway, which is just over the road, for a fantastic full day out.
Gardeners Blog
Here you will find the latest updates and musings from the garden team at Sheffield Park and Garden.
Sheffield Park and Garden map
Take a look at the map of Sheffield Park and Garden to help plan your visit.
Highlights
Garden
A horticultural work of art, formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphry Repton.
Bridges, lakes and cascades
Iconic bridges and the Pullham Falls cascade link five mirror-like lakes creating dramatic reflections of shape, texture and colour.
Parkland
More than 300 acres of Sussex countryside of natural and historic importance, in the wider Sheffield Park estate.
Eating
Coach House Café: cakes, sandwiches, hot lunches and ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating. The Shant: takeaway refreshments by the lake (cash only).
Shopping
Shop by Visitor Reception filled with gifts, accessories and local produce, specialist plant sales area. Second-hand bookshop adjacent to café.
Sheffield Wood
Secluded woodland walk steeped in history, with natural art sculptures and an abundance of wildlife.
River Ouse floodplain
Recently restored riverside wildlife haven, home to a diverse range of species including kingfishers, birds of prey, butterflies and dragonflies.
Things to see and do
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The garden at Sheffield Park and Garden
Explore a horticultural work of art at Sheffield Park in East Sussex, formed through centuries of landscape design, famed for its autumn colour but beautiful in every season.
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The parkland at Sheffield Park and Garden
Explore over 250 acres of wide-open spaces and dramatic skies at Sheffield Park and Garden. Look out for butterflies, buzzards or skylarks and the historic remains of its past.
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Family-friendly things to do at Sheffield Park
Whether you are visiting with friends or family, there are plenty of new things to discover and fun ways to get active in nature at Sheffield Park and Garden.
Gardener blog
Here you will find the latest updates and musings from the garden team.
Article
Visiting Sheffield Park with your dog
Sheffield Park is a two pawprint rated place. We love dogs at Sheffield Park, find out more about where and when you can walk on and off the lead and our dog-friendly facilities.
Spotlight events
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Sheffield Park and Garden
Swing by our beautiful garden this May and June to enjoy a fun-filled trail based on Eric Carle’s beloved book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. One for all the family, take your children on a journey through a butterfly’s life. You will find a wide variety of trail stops including fruit sculptures, nostalgic illustrations, and insect themed activities. This trail is suitable for little legs and will be situated along a short route down to Aucklandii Walk.
Gardener and Ranger Walks and Talks
Join the Sheffield Park and Garden Outdoors team with our series of walks, talks and events. Free but normal garden admission applies.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Sheffield Park and Garden
Browse in the shop and Plant Shop, or stop by one of the indoor and takeaway eateries for a well-deserved rest, when you visit Sheffield Park and Garden.
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PDF
Sheffield Park and Garden estate map
Key spots and points of interest at Sheffield Park, including walking trails and where you can take dogs.
Top trails
Trail
Estate walk at Sheffield Park
Explore the wider Sheffield Park estate and discover the historic and natural importance of this piece of Sussex countryside.
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Places to stay
Welbeck Cottage
Nestled on the vast Sheffield Park estate in the glorious Sussex countryside, this gardener’s cottage puts you at the heart of the historic parkland.
The Morris Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.
Woodlands Cottage
This gamekeeper’s cottage is surrounded by woodland on the Nymans estate.
Upcoming events
Event
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail
Join us at Sheffield Park & Garden where families and little legs can enjoy The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail!
Event
Spring Photography Workshop: Beginners Course
Welcome in the spring time and capture the garden awakening after its winter hibernation.
Event
Spring Photography Workshop: Advanced Course
Welcome in the warmer weather and advance your photography skills as the spring colour returns to the garden.
Event
Spring Photography Workshop: Focussing on Composition
Welcome in the warmer weather and utilise the spring colour to improve your photo composition skills.
Event
Big Camp Out
Visit Sheffield Park after dark! Join us from 12.00pm on Tuesday 27 May to camp out under the stars on our cricket grounds.
Event
Lakes and Lilies Festival: Photography Workshop: Focussing on Composition
Capture the spectacular waterlily display, and utilise the summer colours to improve your photo composition skills.
About Sheffield Park and Garden
The Grade I listed garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. Each owner has left their impression, which can still be seen today in the layout of the lakes, the construction of Pulham Falls, the planting of Palm Walk and the many different tree and shrub species from around the world.
Our historic parkland forms a larger footprint for the Sheffield Park estate. Dating back several centuries, it has had many uses including a deer park and WWII camp, and is now grazed with livestock and home to our natural woodland play trail in Ringwood Toll. The River Ouse runs across the bottom of the parkland and the original meanders are still visible winding across the meadow. This area has been transformed into a wildlife haven and is home to a diverse range of species including kingfishers, birds of prey, butterflies, and dragonflies.
History
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The history of Sheffield Park and Garden
Discover more about the makings of Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex, from Capability Brown’s foundations to Arthur Soames’s horticultural legacy.
Our work
A garden for the future
We are working with two-time RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal winner Joe Perkins to create an exciting new garden within a garden. Work begins towards the end of January 2024. The new space will transform a peripheral corner, once used for experimental beds and propagation, into a remarkable planted oasis.
River Ouse Restoration Project at Sheffield Park and Garden
Find out how the National Lottery Heritage Fund has helped transform the River Ouse at Sheffield Park as part of a major river restoration project.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Sheffield Park and Garden
Volunteers are a vital part of our team. See how you could get involved with the work we do here, and join us.