Christmas and New Year at Sheffield Park and Garden

Planning your day

• Parking information - you may be parked on a grass overflow carpark

  • 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.

  • Please respect our neighbours and do not queue or park on the road or across neighbours driveways. This can cause a danger to other road users.

  • 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 once you have parked your car. The parkland is a grass parking area which may be muddy depending on the weather - it is accessed along a country track we recommend you bring wellies or walking boots.

  • Accessible car park spaces can be found in front of reception and next to the coach park. Accessible car parking is also on a first come, first served basis.
  • Try and car share as much as possible.

• How to find us by road

  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.
  • Please car share where possible as our carpark is first come, first served.

• I want to visit in a campervan, coach or by motorcycle.

  • We have limited space for campervans and motorhomes.
  • If you are travelling by coach, please call the office on 01825 790231 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.

• Can I travel by public transport?

  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.
  • TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS 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.

  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.

• I'm coming with my family, any tips?

  Food and facilities

  • Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets near reception and in the café. The toilets by reception are the only facilities in the garden so we recommend you pop in first!
  • 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.
  • Please do not allow children to climb on trees in the garden or on flowerbeds and boulders in the Garden for the Future.
  • 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 required.
  • 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. 
  • Find out more about visiting Sheffield Park and garden with children...

• What clothes should I wear?

  • Sheffield Park and Garden is a countryside site which may become muddy so please wear warm waterproof clothing and footwear. Bring your wellies!

• Is there a cafe?

  • The Coach House café outside the garden serves cakes, bakes, sandwiches, soup and hot meals, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
  • Within the garden The Shant offers warming drinks and a selection of snacks. Opening hours may vary, please check with the reception team on arrival.
  • There will also be a festive food stall by reception, selling hot food, including traditional german sausages.

• Is Sheffield Park and Garden accessible?

  Parking

  • Parking is first come, first served and during busy times you may be parked on the grass overflow carpark or Estate Road. Both are a short walk along rough terrain and the overflow is along a country track.

  • Accessible parking is also on a first come, first served.

  
  The garden

  • 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 and a Tramper 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 as they do not need to be pre-booked.
  • 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 cafe 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 early - we open at 9am or on weekdays outside of school holidays when the gardens are less busy.
    
    Take a look at our full accessibility statement.

  Please do ask our staff if you require any further assistance. They will be happy to help.

• Can I bring my dog?

  • 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.
    
    Find out more about visiting Sheffield Park and Garden with your dog...

• What should I do if the carpark is full?

  • We try our best to accomodate all visitors but at times our carparks may become full. Please car share wherever possible.
  • We ask that you do not queue on the road as this can cause significant danger to other road users.
  • If Sheffield Park and Garden carpark is full, you may like to try visiting one of the other local properties.
    
    A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans
    Handcross, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
    Visit Nymans for A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans this winter, inspired by the magic of much-loved stories. In the garden, a Christmas family adventure trail awaits, leading you through classic fairytales. Find Aladdin’s cave of treasures, play a game with Red Riding Hood’s basket of treats and take a seat in Cinderella’s carriage. Created by Tin Shed scenery, the makers of last year’s magical Narnia-inspired garden trail. From Saturday 22 Nov 2025 - Sunday 4 Jan 2026: 10am – 3.30pm. 10am - 4pm (House open 11am - 3.30pm with last entry at 3pm).
    
  • Christmas at Standen
    West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE
    Christmas trees and decorations fill the house and ‘The Jolly Holly Christmas Trail’, a trail for families, can be enjoyed by all. For an atmospheric experience visit Standen for one of their evening openings with carols around the Christmas tree, which has been decorated by local schools and Standen’s volunteers and staff. From Saturday 22 Nov 2025 - Sunday 4 Jan 2026: with last entry to the house at 3pm.