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Lakes & Lilies Festival | On now and throughout the summer

The floating pontoon on Middle Lake surrounded by waterlilies at Sheffield Park and Garden
Lakes & Lilies Festival at Sheffield Park and Garden, Sussex | © John Miller

Sheffield Park and Garden’s picturesque lakes burst with colour during the summer months. From jewel-like waterlilies to meandering swathes of wildflowers or dramatic explosions of rhododendrons. The summer long Lakes & Lilies Festival is a celebration of this, with sights and activities for all-ages.

What does Lakes & Lilies have in store?
 

  • Majestic Waterlilies

The waterlilies take centre stage from 14 June. Experience a 360 degree view of the bright blooms and buzzing dragonflies from the floating pontoon, installed specially for this natural event. Look out for seven different species of waterlily, in different shades and colours, from buttery yellow to deep pink. Why not enjoy the gardens painted in golden evening hues with Summer Evening openings (Thursday 24 & 31 July and Thursday 7 & 14 August). Relax with a picnic and complete your evening with live music floating across the lakes. Free but standard garden admission applies. 
 

  • Stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

Get a ducks-eye-view of Sheffield Park and Garden this summer as we welcome stand up paddleboarding (SUP) on the far lake for the first time. SUP is a peaceful yet active way for all the family to enjoy the water whilst following in the footsteps of the Third Earl of Sheffield who loved nothing better than using the lakes for sport – he even held diving displays for the public to enjoy.
 

  • Waterlily Inspired Photography Workshops

Try your hand at an art workshop this summer. The series includes photography and linocut workshops with all artistic abilities welcomed. The workshop series is aimed at adults.
 

  • Exotic Spots Family Trail

Saturday 19 July - Sunday 7 September
Nine colourful animals are hanging out in Sheffield Park and Garden with their favourite exotic trees and plants, Can you spot them all? Trail is free, normal garden admission applies.
 

  • Kwik Cricket & Summer of Play

Balmy summer days are made for exploration, laughter and family adventures. Step away from the main lakes into the Stream Garden where you will find large garden games and activities. Or head up to the Cricket Pitch for free Kwik Cricket sessions every Wednesday during the holidays.

Brown bear illustration in front of the giant redwood
The brown bear on the Exotic Spots Family Trail at Sheffield Park and Garden | © Tom Sears and Tori Flower

Event details

Photography Workshops
Fri 27 Jun & Sat 28 Jun | Tue 8 Jul 
8am - 12.30pm

Capture the spectacular waterlily display at one of our photography workshops. With access before the garden opens. Advanced booking essential.
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Exotic Spots Family Trail
Daily, Sat 19 Jul - Sun 7 Sep 

Nine colourful animals are hanging out in Sheffield Park and Garden with their favourite exotic trees and plants, Can you spot them all? Trail is free, normal garden admission applies.
 

Outdoor Theatre: Wind in the Willows
Sat 19 Jul 18:15 - 20:00

Join us by the lakes for a feel-good family performance of the Wind in the Willows. Suitable for audiences of all ages.
Read more and book...
 

Kwik Cricket
Every Wednesday from 23 Jul - 27 Aug
Drop-in, 10.30 - 16:30

Practise your skills this summer with our Kwik Cricket sessions on Sheffield Park’ and Garden's famous cricket pitch. A great chance to get your under 12s active and enjoying themselves. Kwik Cricket is free but normal garden admission applies. 

 

A patch of white waterlilies on the lake, with the house in the background, at Sheffield Park and Garden, E Sussex
Waterlilies on the lake, Sheffield Park and Garden, E Sussex | © National Trust Images/Chris Jonas
A mother and child walk hand in hand through the garden at Sheffield Park, East Sussex.

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From Gardener Walks to workshops and family trails, see what's coming up at Sheffield Park and Garden.

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