Graves Park, Sheffield's largest public park, spans over 100 hectares (248 acres) in the southern part of the city. Developed by Alderman J.G. Graves between 1926 and 1936 to preserve ancient woodlands, the park features a mix of open fields and woodlands with several streams and three small lakes bordered by mature trees. Notable attractions include the Graves Park Animal Farm, home to rare breeds like Tamworth pigs, Highland cattle, and Jacob sheep, as well as goats, donkeys, and waterfowl. Visitors can also enjoy a practice golf course, two bowling greens, tennis courts, and sports pitches for cricket and football. The park is managed by a charitable trust owned by Sheffield Council.
What each source says
- Google 4.7 4,163
- Tripadvisor 4.5 989
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Dog-Friendly Environment Graves Park is ideal for dog walkers, featuring open spaces and woodland trails. A dog-friendly cafe, The Duke of Roses, offers food and drinks, making it a convenient spot for pet owners.
- Extensive Park Area Graves Park offers large grass areas and extensive woodlands, perfect for walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. The park provides ample space for relaxation and recreation.
- Free Animal Farm The park boasts a free-to-enter animal farm with a variety of animals like sheep, goats, and llamas, providing an engaging experience, especially for young children. Animal feed is available for purchase to enhance the interaction.
- On-Site Cafe The Rose Garden cafe provides a selection of hot and cold food and drinks. It’s a convenient option for refreshments during your visit, although it can get busy.
- Varied Activities The park offers a wide range of activities including tennis, football, pitch and putt, and playgrounds. There are facilities catering to diverse interests and age groups.
Criticised
- Accessibility Issues While the park is partially wheelchair accessible, some areas, particularly the playground, may not be fully accessible to those with mobility issues. This can limit the experience for some visitors.
- Cafe Queues The cafe can get very busy, leading to long queues and potential delays in service. Customers have reported frustration with the speed of service during peak hours.
- Occasional Rat Sightings There have been reports of rat sightings near the bins and children's play area. This can be concerning for visitors, especially families with young children.
- Parking Limitations Parking can be limited, especially during peak times, and the car park can get crowded. Visitors may need to seek alternative parking on nearby streets.
- Toilet Cleanliness Some reviewers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the toilets, particularly those near the cafe. This can detract from the overall park experience.
The longer read
Graves Park in Sheffield is highly praised as a versatile and family-friendly destination, offering a wide array of activities and attractions suitable for various interests and age groups. A significant highlight is the free-to-enter animal farm, which houses a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, and chickens, providing an engaging experience for children and adults alike. Many reviewers recommend purchasing animal feed for a more interactive visit. The park also features well-maintained play areas, including sandpits and diverse play equipment, making it a hit with younger children. The park's vast open spaces are ideal for dog walking, picnics, and general relaxation. Reviewers appreciate the mix of woodland, ponds, and gardens, providing varied scenery for walks and exploration. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the rose garden and duck pond as highlights. The park also caters to sports enthusiasts, with facilities such as tennis courts, football pitches, and a pitch and putt course. There is a cafe on site where standards and pricing vary but provides refreshments and meals, with some reviewers specifically mentioning the gluten-free options. Several reviewers note the availability of parking, though it can be limited during peak times. Public transport is a viable alternative. While the park is generally well-maintained, some reviewers have noted issues with the cleanliness of the toilets and the occasional presence of rats near the cafe. Some reviewers mention that certain areas of the park may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Despite these minor drawbacks, Graves Park is consistently described as a valuable community asset and a worthwhile destination for a day out. The combination of free attractions, diverse activities, and natural beauty makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The park's large size allows for both active recreation and peaceful relaxation. Graves Park strikes a balance between providing organized facilities and preserving natural spaces, making it an attractive option for a wide range of visitors. Families, dog walkers, nature enthusiasts, and sports fans can all find something to enjoy within the park's expansive grounds. Its location on the outskirts of Sheffield provides a welcome escape from the city, while still being easily accessible.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.7 across the 3 venues we hold for Meersbrook, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What is the best time of year or day to visit Graves Park for the best experience?
- What are the main attractions and activities available within Graves Park?
- What facilities and features make Graves Park suitable for families with children?
- What are some interesting historical facts or significance of Graves Park in Sheffield?
- Are there any recommended cafés or restaurants near Graves Park or within the park itself?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.