What's on at Sheffield Park
From Gardener Walks to workshops and family trails, see what's coming up at Sheffield Park and Garden.
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.
The waterlilies take centre stage from 15 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 (25 & 27 July). Relax with a picnic and complete your evening with music from a singer and saxophonist floating across the lakes. Free but standard garden admission applies.
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.
An artist’s eye. Try your hand at an art workshop this summer, all inspired by the glorious waterlilies. The series includes photography, watercolour and poetry sessions with all artistic abilities welcomed. The workshop series is aimed at adults.
Saturday 20 July - Sunday 1 September.
Eight 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.
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.
Photography Workshops
Fri 28 & Sat 29 Jun | Fri 5 Jul | Sat 31 Aug.
8am - 12.30pm
Capture the spectacular waterlily display at one of our photography workshops. With access before the garden opens. Advanced booking essential.
Read more & book...
Watercolour Workshops
Mon 8 & Sat 13 Jul | Sun 11 & Thur 22 Aug
9.30am - 12.30pm
Artist Amanda Thesiger leads this watercolour workshop as part of our Lakes and Lilies Festival 2024. This workshop is aimed at adults and all artistic abilities are welcome. Advanced booking essential.
Read more & book...
Historic Water Systems Tour
Wed 17 Jul
9am - 11am
Part of the Festival of Archeology. Details coming soon.
Exotic Spots Family Trail
Daily, Sat 20 Jul - Sun 1 Sep
Eight 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.
Waterlily Walk with Senior Gardener Steve
Tue 23 Jul
10.30am - 12pm
As you admire species dating back to the early 1900s in shades varying from buttery yellow to deep pink, our Senior Gardener will talk about how you might be able to create your own aquatic paradise at home. Gardener Walks are free but normal garden admission applies. Pre-booking not required.
Read more...
Kwik Cricket
Every Wednesday from 24 Jul - 28 Aug
Drop-in, 10.30am - 4pm
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.
Read more...
Summer Evenings
Thur 25 & Sat 27 Jul
5 - 9pm
Explore the gardens in a new light as Sheffield Park and Garden is painted with the golden hues of the long summer evenings. Relax with a picnic as you enjoy music from a singer and saxophonist floating across the lakes. Free event but standard garden admission applies.
Read more...
You might also like:
Bioblitz on the Parkland
29 & 30 Jun
10am - 3.30pm
Join our team of wildlife experts on the parkland for a weekend of free activities counting the flora and fauna that lives in our countryside.
Read more...
Wildflower Walk with Head Gardener Jodie
Thur 4 Jul
10.30am - 12pm
Learn more about the beautiful wildflowers here at Sheffield Park this National Meadows Day. Gardener Walks are free but normal garden admission applies. Pre-booking not required.
Read more...
From Gardener Walks to workshops and family trails, see what's coming up 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.
Browse in the shop and plant sales area, or stop by one of the indoor and takeaway eateries for a well-deserved rest, when you visit 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.
Volunteers are a vital part of our team. See how you could get involved with the work we do here, and join us.
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.