Westward ho!
These attractions are all in the west of the county and provide a mixture of things to see and do, suitable for all ages. They are within a few miles of each other.
Sheffield Park Garden
Originally designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown, these magnificent gardens surround four elegant lakes, linked by cascades and waterfalls. The garden covers 120 acres and contains thousands of mature trees and shrubs. It is known for its rhododendrons and azaleas in spring and early summer, and its autumn foliage. The garden is open most of the year – please check the National Trust website for full details (see link below).
- Where is it? Just off the A275, between East Grinstead and Lewes.
- How do I get there? Sheffield Park is on the eastern side of the A275 (between A272 & A22).
- Nearest train station: Uckfield – approximately six miles away; Haywards Heath – approximately seven miles away.
- Cost: There is an entry fee. Combined tickets are available for the garden and the Bluebell Railway.
- More information: National Trust website
Bluebell Railway
Just down the road from the garden, you can travel back in time on the Bluebell Railway. Restored steam locomotives go from Sheffield Park in the south to Kingscote, nine miles to the north. There are also locomotive sheds, a gift shop and a licensed restaurant. Trains run daily between mid-March and the end of October, from 11am. There is a limited timetable the rest of the year – please check the Bluebell Railway website for full details (see link below).
- Where is it? Just off the A275, between East Grinstead and Lewes.
- How do I get there? From Sheffield Park Garden turn left onto the A275. Sheffield Park station is about half a mile on the right. There are brown tourist signs from the A22 and A23.
- Nearest train station: East Grinstead – special bus (service 473) to Kingscote station; Haywards Heath – approximately five miles to Sheffield Park station.
- Cost: There is a fee for travelling on the trains. Combined tickets are available for Sheffield Park Garden and the railway.
- More information: Bluebell Railway website
Heaven Farm
To finish the day you could stop for tea and cakes at Heaven Farm. Browse the craft shop, explore the nature trail and woodland walk, or take a look at the museum of agricultural and domestic equipment. There are even camping facilities if you decide you want to stay. The farm is open daily from March to October, 10am to 5pm.
- Where is it? On the A275, near Dane Hill.
- How do I get there? From Sheffield Park station turn left back onto the A275. The farm is approximately two miles up the road on the left.
- Nearest train station: Haywards Heath – approximately five miles away.
- Cost: There is an entry fee.
- More information: Heaven Farm website
