Sheffield Park, once the hunting ground of kings, was transformed into the most beautiful of gardens by successive owners over 300 years. A stunning natural and horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of amongst others, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown who channelled the water flowing through the garden into a rolling landscape with great lakes at its heart.  Four stunning bodies of water form the centrepiece of the gardens, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. Each designer has left their own impression, which can still be seen today in the layout of the lakes, the installation of Pulham Falls, the planting of Palm Walk and the hundreds of different tree and shrub species from around the world. Sheffield Park has had many uses including as a deer park and billetting for Canadian troops during WW2, and is now grazed with livestock and home to a woodland play trail for children in Ringwood Toll. The River Ouse runs across the bottom of the parkland and the original meanders are still visible winding across the meadow. This area has been transformed into a wildlife haven and is home to a diverse range of species including kingfishers, birds of prey, butterflies, and dragonflies.

The Earls of Sheffield made it their rural seat, delighting in their place in the country. It later became a focus for cricket-lovers everywhere as a supremely beautiful ground, built by the 3rd Earl, and drew players and visitors from around the world – indeed, Australia’s Sheffield Shield tournament is named after a series of matches played at Sheffield Park towards the end of the 19th century.