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Sheffield Park, East Sussex

Sheffield Park is a Capability Brown designed landscape park first laid out by the Earl of Sheffield in the eighteenth century. Exotic plants were added during nineteenth century modifications, and these echo vast improvement in communications late in the nineteenth century. Using plants from overseas, particularly the Far East, became fashionable. An arboretum containing exotic trees and plants was established in 1885.

Actually Sheffield Park has a small story to tell of the way nineteenth century railway communications developed. This was very much a project of private enterprise. In 1877 an act was passed to authorise construction of the Lewes to East Grinstead Railway. The line was sponsored by a number of local landowners, including the Earl of Sheffield. It was accepted practice at this time for supporters of rural railway lines to have stations built near their properties. This is how Sheffield Park came to have its very own railway station - Sheffield Park station on the Bluebell steam railway. Sheffield Park station is miles from any village, but was available to serve as the Earl's own station whenever he wanted it.

The garden offers beautiful walks centred around four interlinked lakes. The garden is particularly beautiful in autumn.

Steam trains still use Sheffield Park station.

Address: Sheffield Park Garden, Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3QX

Opening Times: Generally Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am - 5.30pm. There is Monday opening in May and October. In January and February opening is confined to weekends, and gates close at 4pm. Check before you visit. Closed 28th June and 21st - 27th December.

 

Directions: Sheffield Park is half way between East Grinstead and Lewes off the A275 in East Sussex. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Sheffield Park.

Access: A map outlining accessible routes is available. Adapted toilet facilities can be found next to the reception building. Two seater vehicles are available, for which booking is essential.

Contact:

telephone: 01825 790231

e-mail: sheffieldpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sheffieldparkgarden.htm

 

 

For plants to complete your garden click on the link below.