Norfolk

Repton’s walk at Sheringham Park

On this stroll through the landscaped parkland at Sheringham, you'll take in impressive sea views as well as country vistas. Relax a while in the Bower and the Ling Hut; continue on until reaching the temple, designed by Repton but not built until over 160 years later.

Enjoy seasonal flowers

Visit in May and June to see the vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas.

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Total steps: 11

Start point

Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, grid ref: TG139410

Step 1

Starting from the visitor centre, head down the main drive towards the turning for the Bower which is the first path on your left. Return to the main pathway after your detour and walk through the varied collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are shaded by the woodland canopy.

The Bower

Transformed from an old car park, the Bower is an ideal spot to sit and relax, listen to birdsong and spot wildlife visiting the pond. Adults can rest while the children search for insects or create a sculpture in the environmental art area. The structure in the middle is designed to look like a bowerbird's display area. The dogwood growing around it provides insulation against the elements. After the leaves drop in the autumn, deep coral red stems are revealed.

Step 2

Continue your walk down the drive. In front of you is a wooden hut called the Ling Hut.

The Ling Hut

Stop for a moment here to take in one of the best views in the park, looking down a valley framed by rhododendrons, over parkland and out to sea. The Ling Hut is a shelter built in the 1900s set amongst the rhododendrons. It was intended by Repton as a glimpse point over the coastline for visitors arriving by horse and carriage. Skelding hill viewpoint can be seen over by Sheringham Golf Course.

Step 3

Continue along the path taking in the different varieties of rhododendrons which first appeared in the park around the mid-1800s.

Step 4

Approaching the black railings you now come to one of Humphry Repton's famous scenes from the Sheringham Red Book called 'The Turn'. As you descend down the drive Sheringham Hall appears sitting in front of Oak Wood with sea views on either side.

Step 5

Continue along the path and over the cattle grid which leads you out into the open parkland. As you approach Sheringham Hall (not open to the public) take the path to the left. If you wish to bypass the gazebo go right and pick up the route at Step 8.

Step 6

Head through the gate and turn right. Follow the path to the gazebo and, if you wish, climb to the top to see the amazing views over the oak canopy.

Step 7

Re-trace your steps through the gate until you are back outside Sheringham Hall. Continue straight along the path.

Step 8

As you approach another cattle grid, Park Lodge is on your left, and a view of the parkland and woods runs along to your right. Centre stage is the temple. Keep moving along the path, noting how the parkland dips and rises.

The temple

The temple was designed by Repton but not built until more than 160 years later. It was opened in 1975 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mr Thomas Upcher, the last of the Upcher family to live in Sheringham Hall. Although built in a slightly different position to that planned by Repton, the temple still provides the intended view, looking over the parkland with yellow gorse in flower and taking in Sheringham Hall and the coast beyond.

Step 9

Continue along the path passing by Hall Farm on your left and take the right-hand pathway leading to the temple.

Step 10

Once at the temple, follow the red, blue and orange arrows to the right. Keep to the right as you cross the field to the five bar gate. Pass through the gate and head up the track (Summer House Valley).

Step 11

At the marker, turn left along the main path back to the visitor centre. Here you will find the exhibition centre with copies of the Red Book and more information on Humphry Repton and the Upcher family.

End point

Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, grid ref: TG139410

Trail map

Map showing route and steps of Repton's walk at Sheringham Park — Repton's walk at Sheringham Park | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

Rust-coloured cliffs reflected in the sea on the beach at Sheringham Park

Trail

Woodland and coastal walk at Sheringham Park

Take the circular woodland and coastal walk for views from the treetop gazebo and absorb the history and rich variety of trees, bird and animal life. With opportunities for refreshment along the route this is a walk with plenty of variety.

Upper Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8TL

01263820550

sheringhampark@nationaltrust.org.uk

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