Norfolk Park is situated about one mile South-East of Sheffield City Centre and covers an area of 70 acres. It is one of six major City Parks and one of the reasons why Sheffield is one of the greenest Cities in Britain.
It is a place that I visit often as it is quite literally on my doorstep, but it is also a place that I try not to take too much for granted.
THE HISTORY
Norfolk Park has a long history and in fact it is actually one of the oldest Public Parks in England.
The majority of Norfolk Park was given to the Sheffield City Council in 1910 by one of the largest landowners in the area, the Duke of Norfolk. The Jervis Lum Woodlands, an area of ancient Woodland, which is now incorporated within the Park was given to the Council in 1956.
However the Park itself, which is now known
as the Norfolk Heritage Park, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a £3.6 Million makeover, dates back to 1841 when the laying out of the Park commenced. The Park was opened in 1848 but remained in private ownership until it was handed over to the City Council.
In 1897 Queen Victoria visited this Park as part of her Golden Jubilee Celebrations and 50,000 local Schoolchildren sang for her. During this same year the 15th Duke of Norfolk was also the Lord Mayor of the Sheffield.
Restoration of Norfolk Park began in 1998 and was completed in 2004. Following this major restoration the Park was given the new name of Norfolk Heritage Park.
GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE PARK
The general theme of Norfolk Heritage Park is based upon the design of a traditional English Estate. There are vast, extensive areas of open, gently rolling Grassland, interspersed with clumps of mature Trees. Around the edges of the Park there are larger areas of mixed, deciduous Woodland. Whilst all of the main entrances into the Park are lined with rows of Lime Trees.
FACILITIES IN THE PARK
The main function of the Park is to provide an area of green within an otherwise built up residential and industrial area. The Park has Grade 11 status on the English Heritage register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Within the Park there is a Playground which has been built specifically for the under 8's. Whilst adjacent to this there is a further play area and Adventure Park designed for those over 8 years old.
Elsewhere within the Park there are a number of different football pitches, 2 bowling greens and a tarmac multi-use games area. Next to these Sports areas there is a pavilion that is available for hire with changing facilities and toilets.
THE VISITOR CENTRE
One of the main things that was built following the National Lottery Heritage Grant was the Centre in the Park. This is a purpose built building, which is used as the Ranger base.
It also houses a Crèche, Toilets (including ones with disabled access) and there is a Cafe. The Cafe is open daily from 11am to 4pm.
Sheffield City Council has an equal opportunities policy and access for disabled visitors was therefore foremost in the planning of this visitor centre. To assist disabled visitors the centre is on one level and fully accessible by a wheelchair. There are Braille signs throughout the centre and a hearing loop has been installed.
THE NORFOLK HERITAGE TRAIL
The Norfolk Heritage Trail is a clearly sign-posted route which links a number of historical buildings with connections to the Dukes of Norfolk. It runs for 2 ¾ miles from ManorLodge to the Cathedral, right in the City Centre, cutting directly through the Norfolk Heritage Park. The trail has been developed by the Sheffield Wildlife Trust thanks to grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
HOW TO GET THERE
Norfolk Heritage Park is easily accessible by both Tram and Bus. The 41 Bus from the central Bus Station will take you directly to the Park gates on Granville Road and runs every few minutes throughout the day. The nearest Tram Stop at Norfolk Park is about a 5 minute walk from the entrance.
The location of the visitor centre is as below:
Centre in the Park Norfolk Heritage Park Guildford Avenue Sheffield S2 2PL
Telephone: 0114 286 0400
Access to the Park is free at all times.
MY THOUGHTS
If you live in Sheffield Public Parks are something that we can all too easily take for granted, yet they offer a real chance of peace and tranquillity within walking distance of the City Centre.
This is a place that is popular with both Children and Adults alike and it is a great place for Dog Walkers. As a small Child I always remember coming here every Bonfire Night to watch a huge Firework Display but sadly those days are gone.
Once you are within the boundaries of the Park it is very easy to forget just how close you actually are to the hustle and bustle of one the largest Cities in the UK, but its elevated views across the City are a stark reminder of just how close you actually are.
I think this is a truly wonderful place and without it the City of Sheffield would be a much poorer place.
Forgot to mention in previous comment - Norfolk Park has achieved Green Flag status, which is no mean feat. This is a national award (England & Wales) for Parks and green spaces. Parks "flying the flag" have been judged to be managed and maintained to a high standard. Darren
Alslad36 04.10.2006 13:46
This is a nice park. I am a Green Flag (not associated with the car breakdown people!) judge in my spare time and we did some training for new judges there this year so had a good chance to have a walk round. Nice review. Darren
jo145 19.09.2006 21:50
Memories of my courting days! I'll have to visit to see th changes next time I'm down in Sheffield. Jo x
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