Family-friendly things to do at Sheffield Park

Wild Imagination Week
February Half Term 

15 - 23 February 2025
There are a range of family friendly half term activities available at Sheffield Park & Garden throughout the duration of February Half Term. Each day during half term, we will have a different free craft activity inspired by the natural world.

Why not build a bug hotel, befriend a pinecone pal, design some natural jewellery, or create textured rubbings from the Garden. Each day hosts a new, exciting activity for the family to enjoy!

Please note, activities should take approximately 15 minutes.

Plus don’t miss out on an explore round the estate to spot signs of spring emerging from the winter earth. Get off the beaten track by heading up to the cricket pitch over the dramatic Cascade Falls or venture into Walk Wood to explore the ancient trees. Don’t forget your wellies!

 

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.