Introduction
If you are looking for a spacious green escape in Sheffield, Graves Park is one of the city’s best-known places to visit. Located in the south of Sheffield, the park combines open parkland, woodland, family facilities, sports areas and the popular Graves Park Animal Farm.
Sheffield City Council lists Graves Park & Animal Farm among the city’s 13 major city parks and describes these destinations as established visitor attractions.
Whether you are visiting with children, meeting friends, enjoying a walk or simply looking for somewhere peaceful outdoors, Graves Park offers plenty to explore.
Where Is Graves Park?
Graves Park is located in the Norton area of Sheffield, with access from roads including Hemsworth Road. Official council documents identify the park’s location as Graves Park, Hemsworth Road, Sheffield.
Its location makes it a convenient destination for visitors exploring south Sheffield.
The park is also connected with Sheffield’s wider walking network. The Sheffield Round Walk passes through Graves Park as part of its approximately 14-mile circular route through several of Sheffield’s parks and woodland areas.
What Can You Do at Graves Park?
One of the biggest advantages of Graves Park is the variety of activities available in one location.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Walking and exploring the parkland
- Woodland walks
- Children’s playgrounds
- Visiting Graves Park Animal Farm
- Sports and recreational facilities
- Pitch and putt
- The rose garden area
- Family days out
- Seasonal events and activities
Official Sheffield City Council documents identify features including Norton Hall, St James Church, the animal farm, two playgrounds, sporting facilities and the Rose Garden Café.
Graves Park Animal Farm
For families, Graves Park Animal Farm is one of the main attractions.
The farm provides visitors with an opportunity to see animals in a family-friendly setting and regularly hosts activities and events. Sheffield City Council’s current licensing register lists Graves Park Animal Farm with an animal exhibition licence running until 5 August 2028.
The farm also participates in seasonal events. For example, the council’s 2025 Christmas programme included a live nativity at Graves Park Farm featuring donkeys and alpacas.
If you are visiting specifically for the animal farm, it is sensible to check the latest opening information and event details before travelling, as farm activities and special events can change.
Graves Park Pitch and Putt
Golf fans and families looking for a casual activity can try the park’s nine-hole pitch and putt course.
According to Sheffield City Council, the course is situated on the western side of Graves Park near Meadowhead and is suitable for people of different ages and abilities.
An important visitor detail is that the pitch and putt is free to play throughout the year, but visitors need to bring their own clubs, balls and scorecards because these are not provided.
Walking and Outdoor Activities
Graves Park is a good choice if your main goal is to spend time outdoors.
The park contains open areas and woodland, making it suitable for casual walks as well as longer routes. For more ambitious walkers, Graves Park forms part of the Sheffield Round Walk, which connects several green spaces across the city.
A relaxed visit can therefore be as simple as taking a short walk, enjoying the scenery and stopping for refreshments.
Food and Refreshments
Visitors can find refreshments at Graves Park, although it is worth checking the latest arrangements before visiting.
Sheffield City Council currently lists Café Carte at Graves Park Animal Farm and Sophie’s Cake & Coffee at the Charles Ashmore Entrance among catering concessions in Sheffield’s parks.
The historic Rose Garden Café is also an important part of Graves Park’s story. The café was closed in 2022 following structural concerns, and Sheffield City Council has since been working with partners on restoration and refurbishment plans. An update from August 2024 confirmed that its internal seating area had reopened after structural work allowed the supporting scaffolding to be removed.
Because facilities can change, checking current information before your visit is recommended.
Is Graves Park Good for Families?
Yes. Graves Park can be particularly appealing to families because it combines outdoor space with attractions such as the animal farm and children’s play areas.
The park’s combination of playgrounds, open spaces, animal attractions and recreational facilities means families can create a full day out without relying on a single attraction.
For younger children, the animal farm and playgrounds can be the main highlights, while older visitors may prefer walking, sports or pitch and putt.
Graves Park Visitor Guide: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Norton, Sheffield |
| Main attraction | Graves Park Animal Farm |
| Outdoor activities | Walking, recreation and sports |
| Pitch & putt | 9 holes |
| Pitch & putt cost | Free |
| Family facilities | Playgrounds and animal farm |
| Walking connection | Sheffield Round Walk |
| Refreshments | Catering concessions available |
| Best for | Families, walkers and outdoor visitors |
Why Visit Graves Park?
Graves Park offers something that many city parks cannot: a combination of nature, recreation, family attractions and history in one destination.
It can work equally well for a short morning walk, a family afternoon or a longer day exploring the park’s different facilities.
Graves Park Visitor Guide 2026: Parking, Animal Farm, Facilities & Visitor Tips
Graves Park Animal Farm: A Family Favourite
For many visitors, the Graves Park Animal Farm is the main reason to visit the park. It adds a family-friendly attraction to the large outdoor setting and makes Graves Park particularly appealing for parents with children.
The animal farm continues to operate under an animals-for-exhibition licence. Sheffield City Council’s licensing register, updated in July 2026, lists the Graves Park Animal Farm licence as running from 6 August 2025 until 5 August 2028.
The farm also holds events and activities at different times of the year. Visitors should therefore check the latest official information before travelling, particularly if they are planning their visit around a specific event.
Is There Parking at Graves Park?
Yes. Visitors arriving by car should be aware that parking charges now apply at Graves Park.
Sheffield City Council currently lists the charge as:
- £1 per hour
- £4 for more than four hours
- Charging hours: 9am to 6:30pm
- Charging days: 7 days a week
- Blue Badge holders and motorcycles can park free with unlimited duration
The council says revenue from parking charges at Graves Park and other selected parks goes directly towards maintaining those parks.
Because parking arrangements can change, visitors should always check the signs and current council information when they arrive.
Graves Park Pitch and Putt
Another attraction worth including in your Graves Park visitor guide is the nine-hole pitch and putt course.
The course is located on the western side of the park near Meadowhead and is described by Sheffield City Council as suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Best of all, it is free to play throughout the year.
There is one important point to remember: the council does not provide clubs, balls or scorecards. Visitors who want to play should bring their own equipment.
This makes the pitch and putt a useful low-cost activity for families or visitors who want to add something different to their park walk.
Food and Refreshments
You do not necessarily need to leave the park when you get hungry.
Sheffield City Council’s current parks catering information lists the Rose Garden Cafe at Graves Park, along with mobile catering options including Café Carte at Graves Park Animal Farm and Sophie’s Cake & Coffee at the Charles Ashmore Entrance.
Opening times can vary between individual concessions, so it is worth checking current information before your visit.
If you are planning a longer family day out, bringing water and a few snacks can also be useful, especially when visiting with young children.
Walking Around Graves Park
Graves Park is more than an animal farm. The wider park provides open green space where visitors can walk, relax and enjoy the outdoors.
For people who want a longer walking experience, Graves Park is also associated with Sheffield’s wider walking network. It forms part of routes connected with the Sheffield Round Walk, making it useful for visitors interested in exploring more of the city’s green spaces.
A short visit can focus on the main attractions, while walkers can spend considerably longer exploring the parkland.
Family Facilities
Graves Park is particularly suitable for families because visitors can combine several activities during one trip.
Depending on your interests, a family day could include:
- A visit to the animal farm
- Time in the playgrounds
- A walk through the park
- Watching wildlife
- A picnic
- Pitch and putt
- Refreshments at a park café or mobile caterer
Sheffield City Council identifies Graves Park & Animal Farm as one of the city’s established major visitor destinations.
What Should You Take to Graves Park?
A little preparation can make your visit more comfortable.
Consider taking:
Comfortable shoes: The park is best explored on foot.
Water: Useful during longer walks and warmer weather.
Weather-appropriate clothing: Sheffield weather can change quickly, so a light waterproof jacket can be useful.
Picnic supplies: If you want to make the visit last longer, bringing your own food can be convenient.
Golf equipment: Pitch and putt visitors need to bring their own clubs, balls and scorecards.
Camera or phone: The park provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor photographs.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Graves Park?
There is no single perfect time for everyone.
Spring can be a good choice for visitors who enjoy fresh greenery and outdoor walks.
Summer is particularly attractive for families who want to spend more time outdoors, although weekends can be busier.
Autumn offers changing colours and can be excellent for photography and walking.
Winter can provide a quieter park experience, although visitors should dress appropriately and check individual attraction arrangements before travelling.
If the animal farm is your main reason for visiting, prioritise checking its current opening information rather than relying only on general park information.
Is Graves Park Accessible?
Accessibility can vary depending on the specific area and activity you want to use.
The park contains different landscapes, paths and facilities, so visitors with mobility requirements should plan their route around the areas they want to visit.
For the most accurate accessibility information, contacting Sheffield City Council or checking the latest information for the specific attraction is recommended.
Graves Park Visitor Tips
Here are some simple tips for a smoother visit:
- Check attraction information before travelling.
- Allow extra time if you are visiting with children.
- Remember that Graves Park parking is chargeable.
- Bring your own pitch-and-putt equipment if you want to play.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Check café opening times before relying on them for food.
- Take weather conditions into account.
- Keep children supervised around animals and park facilities.
- Use bins and help keep the park clean.
- Plan your route if you want to explore more than the animal farm.
Is Graves Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Graves Park offers a combination of green space, family attractions, recreation and outdoor activities, making it one of Sheffield’s most versatile parks.
The animal farm is likely to be the biggest attraction for families, while walkers and outdoor visitors can enjoy the wider parkland. The free pitch and putt also provides an additional activity for visitors who want something beyond a traditional park walk.
For anyone searching for a Graves Park visitor guide, the main takeaway is simple: plan around the attraction you most want to see, check current opening details, and allow enough time to explore the wider park.
Graves Park Visitor Guide 2026: FAQs, History, Highlights & Final Tips
A Brief History of Graves Park
Graves Park is more than a modern recreational space; it is an important part of Sheffield’s green-space heritage.
The park is associated with the J G Graves Charitable Trust, and Sheffield City Council identifies Graves Park & Animal Farm as one of the city’s 13 major city parks and established visitor destinations. The park includes historic features such as Norton Hall and St James Church, alongside the animal farm, playgrounds and sporting facilities. (sheffield.gov.uk)
The combination of historic buildings, open parkland and family attractions gives Graves Park a character that goes beyond an ordinary urban park.
Graves Park Animal Farm Highlights
The animal farm remains one of the most recognisable attractions at Graves Park.
The farm is licensed for the exhibition of animals, with Sheffield City Council’s July 2026 register showing its current licence running from 6 August 2025 until 5 August 2028. (licensing.sheffield.gov.uk)
The farm has also welcomed new animals and runs seasonal activities. In 2025, for example, the council reported the birth of a baby llama and noted that the farm’s herd contained more than 20 llamas, some of which also graze conservation areas around Sheffield. (sheffield.gov.uk)
This makes the farm particularly interesting for children who enjoy seeing animals up close.
Walking at Graves Park
If you prefer a quieter experience, walking is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the park.
Graves Park forms part of the Sheffield Round Walk, an approximately 14-mile route linking several green spaces across the city. The route reaches Graves Park after passing through areas including Whirlow Brook Park, Ecclesall Woods and Chancet Wood. (sheffield.gov.uk)
You do not need to complete the entire route to enjoy Graves Park. A shorter walk around the park can be a much easier option for families and casual visitors.
Pitch and Putt for Visitors
For an inexpensive activity, Graves Park’s pitch and putt is worth considering.
The course has nine holes, is located on the western side of the park near Meadowhead and is suitable for different ages and abilities.
The official council information states that it is free to play throughout the year, but visitors need to bring their own clubs, balls and scorecards. (sheffield.gov.uk)
This makes it an especially useful option for visitors who already have basic golf equipment.
Food and Drink Options
Visitors have access to several catering options around the park.
Sheffield City Council currently lists Café Carte at Graves Park Animal Farm and Sophie’s Cake & Coffee at the Charles Ashmore Entrance among its park catering concessions. (sheffield.gov.uk)
Food and drink availability can change according to opening times, weather and seasonal arrangements, so checking before your visit is a good idea.
Graves Park for a Family Day Out
A family visit can easily combine several activities.
A simple itinerary could look like this:
Morning: Start with the animal farm.
Late morning: Explore the surrounding parkland and playground areas.
Lunch: Enjoy refreshments or have a picnic.
Afternoon: Take a relaxed walk or try pitch and putt.
Before leaving: Stop for a final drink or explore another section of the park.
The exact itinerary will depend on the age of children and the attractions operating on the day.
Graves Park Visitor Guide: What to Check Before You Go
Before travelling, visitors should check the latest information for:
- Animal Farm opening arrangements
- Special events
- Parking conditions
- Café opening times
- Pitch-and-putt arrangements
- Weather conditions
- Any temporary access restrictions
This is particularly important because individual facilities can have different operating arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graves Park free to visit?
The park itself is a public green space, so visitors can enjoy the parkland without paying an entrance fee. However, individual attractions or activities may have their own arrangements, and parking charges may apply.
Is Graves Park good for children?
Yes. The animal farm, playgrounds, open spaces and family-friendly activities make Graves Park a popular choice for families.
Is Graves Park Animal Farm open?
The animal farm operates under a current animal exhibition licence. However, visitors should check the latest official opening information before travelling because opening arrangements can vary. (licensing.sheffield.gov.uk)
Can you play golf at Graves Park?
Yes. Graves Park has a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course. It is free to play, but visitors must bring their own clubs, balls and scorecards.
Is there food at Graves Park?
Yes. Sheffield City Council lists catering concessions including Café Carte at the Animal Farm and Sophie’s Cake & Coffee at the Charles Ashmore Entrance.
Can you walk at Graves Park?
Absolutely. Graves Park is suitable for shorter walks and also forms part of the Sheffield Round Walk.
Is Graves Park worth visiting?
For families, walkers and anyone looking for outdoor space in Sheffield, Graves Park is well worth considering. Its combination of parkland, animal attractions, recreation, history and walking routes makes it one of Sheffield’s most varied city parks.
Final Verdict
Graves Park is a versatile Sheffield destination that can suit both short visits and full family days out.
The Animal Farm is the biggest draw for many families, while the wider park provides space for walking, relaxing, playing and exploring. The nine-hole pitch and putt adds another activity, and the park’s connection with the Sheffield Round Walk makes it attractive to walkers as well.
If you are planning a visit in 2026, the best approach is to check current attraction and facility information before leaving home, especially if you are travelling specifically for the animal farm, café or a particular event.
With a little planning, Graves Park can provide an enjoyable and affordable day outdoors in Sheffield.
