Family-friendly things to do at Sheffield Park

The Snowman™ this Christmas

30 November – 12 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
9am - 4pm, last entry 3.15pm

The Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden for the first time this Christmas.

Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book The Snowman™ - the ultimate festive story of childhood wonder, imagination, and adventure. Twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™ are waiting to be discovered along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. Inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas, each one is uniquely decorated by a professional artist with traditional festive themes and contemporary twists.

Alongside the sculptures are games and activities to keep all ages entertained. You’re invited to craft your own Christmas cracker hat, join in with the snowpeople party. Test your aim on the festive snowball toss, or try on fruit noses in the walkway of mirrors.

Plus add some festive magic to your day with a ride on the traditional fairground, which is also the place to go for a warming Christmassy indulgence including mulled wine, marshmallows complete with a fire pit for toasting, and delicious roasted chestnuts.

Meet The Snowman™

• On 14, 15 & 21 December 2024 The Snowman™ will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day, perfect for family photo snaps.

Walking with The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK).

 

Key information:

• Trail runs 30 November – 12 January (closed Christmas Eve/Day). 9am - 4pm, last entry 3.15pm.
• Pre-booking not required for the trail or public appearances.
• Trail and public appearances are free but normal garden admission applies. 
• Parking is on a first come, first served basis. You may be parked on a grass overflow carpark which is along a country track. Please wear wellies and respect our neighbours by not queueing on the road. 
• We are a countryside site so please come prepared for the weather. 
• Dogs are welcome on a short, fixed lead, apart from Saturday mornings before 1pm. 

 

More family-friendly events

Christmas Carol Concert

14 & 15 December
It doesn’t get much more festive than sharing mulled wine, mince pies and carols by the light of the Christmas tree in Oak Hall.
Booking essential.
Book tickets here
 

Wild Imagination Week
February Half Term 

15 - 23 February 2025
Get outdoors in nature this February half term with a week packed full of activities. Join in with a variety of crafty activities to get your children's imaginations running wild.
 

New family map

Where are the ducks? What's the best place for picnic? And which is the best bridge for playing pooh sticks? All these questions and more are answered by our new family maps. We asked visitors what their favourite parts of a visit were and drew them on the map - from the new peacocks to the waterfall cascades. Pick up a free map when you arrive, plan your lap of the parkland or garden and make Sheffield Park and Garden your new family tradition. 

Download the family map here

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Sheffield Park and Garden:

           Food and facilities

• Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets near reception and the café.
• Lunch is served between 12 noon and 2.30pm with assemble your own 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.
  
  The garden
• The paths in the garden are buggy and wheelchair friendly whatever the weather, but bring your wellies if you want to enjoy a day on the parkland in wetter weather.
• We kindly ask that children only climb on the trees in Ringwood Toll on the parkland. 
• 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 strongly advised.
• Do ask at reception if you would like to try one of our autism-friendly sensory packs, and let us know if there's anything we can do to make your visit more enjoyable.
• The Shant takeaway cafe in the gardens is cash only.   

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and parkland

Run free in the parkland

Head out across the parkland and see what adventures unfurl as nature guides the imagination, little explorers run wild and bigger kids build dens and let off steam. The ideal place to tick off some of your '50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. Head on a longer walk to the River Ouse for wildlife spotting. 
 

Discover Sheffield Wood 

Enjoy a gentle stroll through the leafy glades of Sheffield Wood. Soak up the ambience of this historic woodland area of the garden and delight in the abundant wildlife that shelters here. 

 

Catch a cricket match 

The cricket pitch in the gardens hosts regular matches and is home to the Armadillos CC. You are welcome to take a stroll to the pitch and enjoy a match. Check the Armadillo's website for the latest fixtures.