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Norfolk Heritage Park, Sheffield’s Historic Green Haven

Historic Victorian park in Sheffield with playgrounds, sports facilities, scenic trails, and a welcoming community centre café.

4.6

Norfolk Heritage Park is a sprawling 28-hectare Grade II* listed Victorian park in Sheffield, blending historic charm with modern recreational facilities. Featuring two playgrounds for different age groups, sports pitches, woodland trails, and the community-focused Centre in the Park, it offers a tranquil urban escape. The park’s tree-lined avenues, wildflower garden, and panoramic city views make it perfect for families, nature lovers, and casual walkers alike.

A brief summary to Norfolk Heritage Park

  • Guildford Ave, Sheffield, S2 2PL, GB
  • +441142860400
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in spring to enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms and vibrant floral displays.
  • Take part in the Friday health walks starting from the Centre in the Park for a friendly community exercise.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the spacious green areas or use the park’s picnic tables.
  • Stop by Duke's Café, which is dog-friendly, for refreshments during your visit.
  • Explore the Norfolk Heritage Trail to discover historical points and sculptures throughout the park.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the number 41 bus towards Granville Road; the closest park entrance is at Granville Road, about a 5-10 minute walk to the Centre in the Park. Buses run frequently during the day with tickets costing around £2-£3.

  • Tram

    Use the Sheffield Supertram to Arbourthorne Road stop, which is approximately a 5-minute downhill walk to the Centre in the Park. Tram fares typically range from £2 to £3.50 depending on the time and ticket type.

  • Car

    Drive to the park via Guildford Avenue where there is a car park near the Centre in the Park. Parking is limited and can fill up on weekends or during events. Pay parking rates vary but expect around £1-£2 per hour.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in Sheffield city centre, the park is about a 20-30 minute walk southeast along well-paved urban streets and park trails. Terrain is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, suitable for most fitness levels.

Norfolk Heritage Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Norfolk Heritage Park

A Legacy of Green Space in Sheffield

Norfolk Heritage Park stands as one of the oldest public parks in the UK, with origins dating back to 1841 and officially opening in 1848. The park was gifted to the city by the Duke of Norfolk in 1910, with additional woodland added later, creating a historic green oasis within Sheffield’s urban landscape. Its design features a circular carriageway connected by majestic tree-lined avenues, including Turkey Oaks and Lime trees, reflecting the Victorian era’s landscaping elegance. The park’s historical significance is recognized with a Grade II* listing on the English Heritage Register, alongside five Grade II listed buildings and structures within its grounds.

Recreational Facilities for All Ages

Visitors to Norfolk Heritage Park can enjoy a variety of well-maintained amenities tailored to families and active visitors. Two distinct playgrounds cater separately to under-8s and over-8s, equipped with climbing frames, swings, and slides designed to engage children safely. Sports enthusiasts have access to football pitches, two bowling greens, and a multi-use games area. The park also hosts health walks every Friday and junior football programs for children under 14, promoting community fitness and outdoor activity.

The Centre in the Park: Community Hub

At the heart of the park lies the Centre in the Park, a modern community building offering a welcoming café serving locally sourced produce, a creche, fully accessible toilets with baby changing facilities, and meeting rooms. This facility provides a sheltered space for visitors to relax or seek respite from the weather, enhancing the park’s family-friendly atmosphere. The café is dog-friendly, making it a popular stop for visitors accompanied by pets.

Natural Beauty and Scenic Walks

The park’s landscape is a harmonious blend of rolling grasslands, wild woodland, and formal avenues, offering varied environments for exploration. Seasonal highlights include vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and rich autumnal foliage, creating picturesque scenes ideal for photography and peaceful strolls. The park is part of the Norfolk Heritage Trail, a signed walking route connecting historical sites and open spaces linked to the Dukes of Norfolk. Visitors can also discover sculptures scattered throughout the park and participate in orienteering courses.

Events and Community Spirit

Norfolk Heritage Park regularly hosts outdoor events such as the Sheffield Fayre, a free community festival held over the August bank holiday weekend. The park’s open spaces and facilities support a range of cultural and recreational activities throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of local community engagement and celebration.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, with the café operating from 11am to 4pm. It offers wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, public restrooms, picnic areas, and seating throughout the grounds. Dogs are welcome, and there is a dedicated dog park area. The park’s location on Guildford Avenue places it near Sheffield’s city centre, making it easily accessible by public transport and car. Visitors can enjoy a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment suitable for families, solo visitors, and groups alike.

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