The best walks and hikes around Sheffield Park
4.6
(1168)
6,175
hikers
406
hikes
Hikes around Sheffield Park explore a landscape of historic parkland, managed gardens, and sections of the Wealden countryside. The terrain is characterized by gentle slopes, dense woodlands like Sheffield Wood, and open meadows. Water is a key feature, with routes passing the five lakes of the estate and following parts of the River Ouse.
Best hiking trails around Sheffield Park
- The most popular hiking route is the Sheffield Mill Pond – Bluebell Railway Bridge loop from Fletching, a 9.3 mile (15.0 km) trail that takes about 4 hours to complete. This route features a mix of woodland paths and open fields.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the West Wood – Sheffield Park loop from Sheffield Park, a moderate 5.2 mile (8.4 km) path. The trail leads through sections of woodland and across the historic parkland.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Sheffield Park loop from Fletching, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail leading through the estate's core landscape, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Sheffield Park is defined by its landscaped gardens, riverside paths along the Ouse, and quiet woodland trails. The network of paths provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Sheffield Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,100 reviews. More than 6,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Sheffield Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.3
(4)
21
hikers
15.0km
04:01
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
16
hikers
8.44km
02:14
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.5
(2)
12
hikers
9.54km
02:36
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.02km
01:21
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
hikers
5.50km
01:28
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
A very beautiful park with many old trees and beautiful plantings. The lakes form the center of the park. Old redwoods and sequoias are found here.
0
0
The Village Store is now a cafe and florist called Bay and Bellflower. It opens Tuesday to Saturday till 4.30pm. I got coffee and polenta cake which was frankly delicious.
0
0
The cafe has re-opened Tuesday to Saturday closing at 4.30pm. Had the coffee and polenta cake - very yummy.
0
0
Four lakes form the heart of the garden and at the end of the line of sight the Gothic castle rises on a hill. While you can explore all the paths in the garden and the adjacent parkland, the house is privately owned and cannot be visited. The design of the park and the expansion of the house were initiated by John Holroyd at the end of the 19th century. He and his wife spent a fortune to design the property according to their ideas. The park and garden were further designed according to the original plans by subsequent owners. Finally, the National Trust acquired the site and now looks after it. The current opening times and further information can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
2
0
An extremely peaceful spot, with a nice woodland walk as you walk towards the pond
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walks around Sheffield Park dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on walks in the wider parkland and surrounding countryside, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near livestock. Within the formal Sheffield Park and Garden, dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times. The wider estate offers more freedom for longer walks.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks available?
Absolutely. The paths around the five lakes inside the main National Trust garden are perfect for a gentle, leisurely stroll with the family. For a proper but still accessible hike, the Sheffield Park loop from Fletching is a great 3.1-mile (5 km) option that is mostly flat.
What are the options for circular walks?
Most trails in the area are circular. For a moderate loop that explores the surrounding woodland and historic parkland, consider the 5.2-mile (8.4 km) West Wood – Sheffield Park loop from Sheffield Park. It offers a good sense of the landscape beyond the formal gardens.
Is there a pub or cafe on any of the walking routes?
Yes, there are options. The National Trust site at Sheffield Park has a cafe for refreshments before or after your walk. For a classic pub experience, the Chequers Inn, Maresfield – Maresfield Meadow loop from Fletching incorporates a stop at a well-regarded local pub into a longer countryside walk.
How do I get to Sheffield Park using public transport?
The area is somewhat rural, making public transport a bit tricky. The nearest major train station is Haywards Heath. From there, you would typically need to take a bus service towards Uckfield, with a stop near Sheffield Park, or use a local taxi. It's best to check local bus timetables in advance as services can be infrequent.
Is there parking available for the walks?
Yes, the main car park is at the National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden. This is a pay-and-display car park, though it is free for National Trust members. Some walks start from nearby villages like Fletching, where you may find limited on-street parking.
What is the best time of year to hike at Sheffield Park?
Autumn is particularly famous at Sheffield Park for its spectacular display of colours from the exotic trees and shrubs around the lakes. However, the area is beautiful year-round, with bluebells in the woods in spring and lush green landscapes in summer. Winter offers stark, dramatic views, but be prepared for muddy paths.
Are there any long-distance hikes in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Sheffield Mill Pond – Bluebell Railway Bridge loop from Fletching is a substantial 9.3-mile (15 km) hike. Additionally, Sheffield Park is located near the Ouse Valley Way, a long-distance public footpath that you can join for a more extensive trek along the river.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?
The scenery is very diverse. You'll find meticulously landscaped gardens with five large lakes, historic parkland with ancient trees, and quiet woodlands like Sheffield Wood. Many routes also follow the River Ouse, passing through restored floodplains that are now havens for wildlife.
How many hiking trails are there around Sheffield Park?
There are over 390 hiking routes to explore around Sheffield Park on komoot. They range from short, easy strolls through the gardens to more challenging moderate hikes through the wider Wealden countryside, ensuring there's a trail for every ability level.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Sheffield Park?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning lake reflections, the peaceful woodland paths, and the well-maintained trails within the National Trust estate.
Are there any walks that feature the Bluebell Railway?
Yes, some routes offer views of the famous Bluebell Railway. The Sheffield Mill Pond – Sheffield Forest loop from Fletching is a moderate 5.9-mile (9.5 km) hike that takes you close enough to potentially see the steam trains.
Most popular routes around Sheffield Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
