What's on at Sheffield Park
From Gardener Walks to workshops and family trails, see what's coming up at Sheffield Park and Garden.
Lakes & Lilies Festival | Sat 13 June - Sun 6 Sept 2026
- Published:
- 22 May 2024
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 the Lakes & Lilies Festival have in store?
Majestic Waterlilies
The waterlilies take centre stage from throughout the summer at Sheffield Park and Garden. 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 23 & 30 July and Thursday 6 & 13 August 2026). Relax with a picnic and complete your evening with live music floating across the lakes. Free but standard garden admission applies.
Outdoor theatre: The Jungle Book
Sat 4 July 18:15 - 19:55 Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring their trademark energy to their wildly entertaining musical adaption of the Rudyard Kipling family favourite, The Jungle Book. Adult ticket £16, child £14, under 3's go free. Family tickets available.
Outdoor theatre: Romeo and Juliet
Sat 22 August 18:15 - 20:05Immersion Theatre produly presents an unforgettable adaption of Shakespeare's iconic Romeo and Juliet. Interactive, fun and highly accessible! Adult ticket £16, child £14, under 3's go free. Family tickets available.
Big Camp Out
Fri 7 August Join our Big Camp Out and stay overnight at Sheffield Park and Garden! Activities include; bat walks, bushcraft and den making, wellbeing sessions, live music and star gazing. Pitches from £70.
The Maker's Fair
Fri 14 - Sun 16 August Celebrating Sussex's finest craftspeople. Browse the amazing array of stalls and crafts on offer, from contemporary cereamics to hand-painted textiles. Normal garden admission applies.
Big tree climbing
13, 14 & 15 June and 18, 19 & 20 July Ascend into the canopy of one of Sheffield Park's largest trrees, with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. This activity is suitable for ages 6+. Tickets £30.
Watercolour workshops
Wed 17 June, Fri 24 July & Mon 10 August Spend a creative morning immersed in nature at our Beginner's Watercolour Workshop, led by Zara Wilkins (Ginger Green Workshops). Tickets £60.
Sound baths
Wed 24 June, Wed 8 July & WEd 12 August Our summer sound baths, led by Sound Therapist Brighitta, are offered as a pause to truly rest, receive and connect with yourself. Tickets £40
Summer poetry workshop with Poet Siân Thomas
Fri 3 July Join local poet Siân Thomas on a summer themed poetry workshop, celebrating the beauty of the garden when it's bursting with colour. Share the joys of summer and poetry in the garden. Tickets £32.
Botanical printing workshop
Tue 25 August & Tue 6 October Led by textile artist Mary Cushing, create your own beautiful handmade notebook, bound with botanically printed paper and learn about this sustainable approach to artmarking. Tickets £57.
Summer photography workshop
Fri 26 June & Sat 4 July Capture the spectacular waterlily display, and utilise the summer colours to improve your photo composition skills led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham. Tickets £40
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP)
From July throughout the summer 2026 Get a ducks-eye-view of Sheffield Park and Garden this summer as we welcome stand up paddleboarding (SUP) on one of the lakes in the garden. 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. Sessions taking place from July. To book please visit: moxieunleashed.com
Yoga session
Wed 8 July Find your calm in nature with a guided outdoor yoga session in the beautiful surroundings of Sheffield Park and Garden led by an experienced instructor. Tickets 15.
Pilates with Moxie Unleashed
Tue 21 July and Tue 11 August Reconnect with your body and mind through calming yet effective outdoor Pilates sessions. Led by a qualified instructor, these sessions focus on core strength, flexibility and mobility. Tickets £13.
Group Fitness Sessions with Moxie Unleashed
Tue 28 July and Tue 18 August Invigorate your day in our beautiful garden setting with energising outdoor group fitness sessions designed to help you feel stronger, fitter and more motivated. Tickets £13.
Summer evenings
Thurs 23 & 30 July and Thurs 6 & 13 August 2026 Enjoy an evening at Sheffield Park and Garden accompanied by live music floating across the lakes. Pack a picnic and experience the beauty of the garden as the sun sets. This event is free with normal admission.
Summer of Play
Summer of Play: Myths and Legends
Sat 18 July - Sun 6 Sept Explore our enchanting garden as it transforms info a magical realm throughout the summer months, with five play zones to discover, each with its own distinct mythological creature. Summer of Play is free with normal admission.
Wildlife detectives
Tue 28 July & Wed 19 August Join our team of wildlife experts on the parkland, with activities for all ages, including insect surveys, and a Ranger walk and talk
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.
Kite flying on the parkland
Sun 27 June 10:30 - 16:00 Bring your favourite kite and chase the perfect breeze on the rolling hills of the parkland on our kite flying day this summer! Our parkland is free to enter.
You might also be interested in
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
