This is a beautiful, and popular, time of year. Pre-booking is not required but on busier days parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and you may be directed to the overflow carpark which is on rough terrain.
Vivid autumn colour - sights to see at Sheffield Park and Garden this autumn
Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. Arthur Soames, owner during the early 20th century, introduced many of the species which create this spectacle including Nyssa, Acer and Taxodiums. The reflections in the lakes add to the splendour and provide the perfect photograph. The autumn planting is recognised as being of international importance; so much so that the garden has received a Grade I listing.
This is a deciduous conifer, more usually called the bald cypress in America where it grows by tidal creeks. In Sheffield Park, there are two types: Taxodium distichum, or swamp cypress, from the Gulf of Mexico, and Taxodium distichum 'Nutans', or pond cypress, from Southeast USA. Of particular interest are the pneumatophores (or 'knees' as they are often known) which are evident when these trees grow near water or in swampy conditions.
There are 25 species of acers in the garden, and 240 specimens in total. The leaf colours range from lime green to bright red, and are particularly attractive in October as they develop autumn colour.
Sheffield Park is famous for it's collection of Nyssa sylvatica (Tupelo). With 400 raised from seed by Arthur Soames between 1910-1924, the garden in fact boasts the largest collection of Nyssa on one site. The reason for the concentrated planting of the species was to recreate ‘the fall’, exhibiting the spectacular autumn colours displayed by the species. One species of this tree has been cultivated here, Nyssa Sylvatica ‘Sheffield Park’ and comes into autumn colour about 10 days earlier than others of the genus.
One of the most dramatic trees towards the end of September can be found at the bottom of Aucklandii Walk. The golden larch is a suitable showstopper as you head back up to reception after a peaceful walk around the gardens. The golden larch is not a true larch, hence the botanical name Pseudolarix, or false larch. The species originates from eastern China where it is listed as vulnerable on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is therefore very rare in the wild and occurs in a few remnants of primary forest on isolated mountains. There is just one specimen of this tree in Sheffield Park.
Fossils of the maidenhair tree have been found in coal seams formed 250 million years ago and this ancient primitive is still around today. In autumn the leaves turn to brilliant amber. Look out for them in November.
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Planning your day
That really depends on the weather. Autumn colour can start as early as mid-September and last until mid-November. We have a huge variety of native and non-native tree species which all reach their peak at different times, so there will always be something to see throughout the season. The second half of October is often a peak time.
Top tips
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out what is looking good in the gardens now.
Consider visiting out of peak hours (11am - 2pm) or on weekdays when the gardens are quieter.
School holidays are another busy time. In East Sussex, this year October half term is Saturday 25 October Sunday 2 November.
Dogs on a short, fixed lead are welcome in the gardens except for Saturday mornings before 1pm. Reception will be able to provide a fixed lead for your visit if you require one.
Dogs are welcome on the parkland at any time. We kindly ask that you keep your dog on a lead, apart from in East Park.
Dogs are welcome in the Garden Room in the Coach House Café.
Assistance dogs are welcome across the whole property.
The main figure of eight in the garden is accessible and some of the paths have recently been re-surfaced. There are some slopes and paths made of a non-gravel surface within the gardens which are marked as unsuitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. These are also marked on the map, available from reception, in darker yellow.
Mobility scooters are available to book in advance, subject to availability - please call the office on 01825 790231 (Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm) well in advance as they are very popular. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow subject to availability - please ask reception on arrival.
Please note that the parkland and Sheffield Wood are rougher terrain.
There are benches located at intervals around the garden. These are marked on the map available from reception. Seating is also available in the new Garden for the Future space.
Facilities and further information
There is an induction loop available in reception, at the shop sales desks and at the cafe servery.
Assistance dogs are welcome across the whole property.
Accessible toilets are located adjacent to reception and in our Coach House Cafe.
The cafe has easy sloped access suitable for wheelchairs. and the shop has step free access from reception.
Please ask at reception if you would like to borrow one of our free Sensory Backpacks.
The Coach Housecafé is a short walk from the gardens down a newly resurfaced path. Please let a member of staff know if you need assistance.
For those who appreciate quieter surroundings, consider visiting out of peak hours (11am - 2pm) or on weekdays when the gardens are less busy. School holidays are another popular time you may want to avoid where possible. In East Sussex, this year October half term is Saturday 25 October Sunday 2 November.
Please do ask our staff if you require any further assistance. They will be happy to help.
Sheffield Park and garden is a fantastic place to visit for all ages. Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out:
Food and facilities
Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets near reception and the café.
Lunch is served between 12 noon and 2.30pm with children's lunch boxes, hot meals, snacks, soup, sandwiches, ice cream and cakes on the menu.
There is plenty of space for pushchairs in the cafe.
For a picnic, take advantage of one of the benches in the garden or a picnic bench in the parkland (opposite the car park) , or simply pick a spot to put down a blanket wherever you like.
Sheffield Park and Garden is a breastfeeding friendly venue.
The garden
The paths in the garden are buggy and wheelchair friendly whatever the weather, but bring your wellies if you want to enjoy a day out in wetter weather.
We kindly ask that children only climb on the trees in Ringwood Toll on the parkland.
Bikes and ball games are welcome on the parkland rather than in the garden.
There are areas of open water around the garden and grounds so close supervision is strongly advised.
Do ask at reception if you would like to try one of our sensory backpacks, and let us know if there's anything we can do to make your visit more enjoyable.
Please note that Sheffield Park and Garden are not accepting the ‘Escape into Autumn’ pass.
10am - 5pm Monday 1 September - Sunday 14 September
Early morning opening hours
9am - 5pm Monday 15 September - Saturday 25 October
9am - 4pm Sunday 26 October - Sunday 9 November
Winter opening hours
10am - 4pm Monday 10 November onwards
Opening times vary so please check before you travel.
Plan your day FAQs
Travel
We encourage you to travel by public transport where possible.
By bus
SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS Check times on the 121 timetable – runs hourly and travels from Lewes via Cooksbridge, Chailey, Newick and Bluebell Railway Sheffield Park station, Saturdays year round.
Please check with the relevant bus company before you travel.
By 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.
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 and Garden operate (not daily).
On foot
We are accessible on foot from the Bluebell Railway. A footpath is signed up from the A275 to the garden through the parkland, which is a 15 minute walk along rough terrain. We are also adjacent to the Ouse Valley Way public footpath which runs along much of the River Ouse to Lewes. Bring your wellies in later autumn as the ground can be muddy.
Parking
Due to our Grade I listed status and position on the High Weald, our car park has a limited capacity. Parking, including accessible parking, is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible car park spaces can be found in front of reception and next to the coach park. Please let the car parkers know if you require an accessible space.
During busy times you may be directed to an overflow parking area on the parkland or Estate Road. If you require assistance getting to and from these parking areas please speak to a member of staff. The parkland offers a grass parking area which may be muddy depending on the weather - we recommend you bring wellies or walking boots.
How to find us
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.
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Google Maps - use 'Sheffield Park - main car park' to avoid being directed into the private Sheffield Park house.
We have limited space for campervans and motorhomes, please head to the main carpark.
If you are travelling by coach, please call the office on 01825 790 231 to check details and to book.
Motorcycle parking is situated opposite reception and is signposted within the car park.
Facilities to lock up your bike can be found under the pines near the motorcycle parking.
Eating and shopping at Sheffield Park and Garden
The Coach House café serves cakes, bakes, sandwiches, soup and a hot one-pot lunch, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Check the latest opening times here.
The Coach House is a short walk from reception. If you require assistance please speak to one of our friendly team members.
If you're wandering in the garden, why not visit The Shant for a drink and a selection of snacks? Feel free to find a quiet bench or picnic spot within the garden.
Thank you. It is through your purchases and support that we are able to continue to care for nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.
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.
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.
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.
