
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Summer opening hours
We encourage you to travel by public transport where possible.
By bus
By train
On foot
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.
Find out when Sheffield Park and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Here you will find the latest updates and musings from the garden team at Sheffield Park and Garden
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.
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