Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, England about 35 miles south of Leeds.
The city has an industrial heritage and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
Sheffield was once an important steelmaker, but the industry has since declined.
Located in the Peak District, Sheffield has long been regarded as one of England’s key cities and its greenest, with 61 percent of the city covered by trees.
For visitors there is a good mix of attractions and things to do, with interesting museums, cultural events, memorial structures and relaxing green spaces.
Things To Do In Sheffield
1. Kelham Island Museum
Kelham Island Museum is situated on a man made island, with the museum offering visitors an authentic look at Sheffield’s industrial history.
The museum overlooks the River Don, with the buildings originally a converted power station that used to provide power for the city.
The museum contains an interesting collection of tools, vehicles, photos, films, oral histories and other exhibits.
It also features steam engine demonstrations of the River Don Engine, a steel industry steam engine from 1905, as well as interactive workshops specially designed for families with children.
The surrounding area has also been redeveloped since its days as an industrial hub, and is now a popular destination for dining and shopping.
Address: Kelham Island Museum, Alma St, Sheffield S3 8SA
2. Sheffield Botanical Gardens
The Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a 19-acre garden built in 1836 and home to over 5,000 plant species in 18 different planting areas.
This is an excellent place to take a walk year-round, but especially in spring and summer when so many flowers are blooming.
The historic glass pavilions include plants from Australia, South America, and Asia and are well worth a visit.
Some of the other highlights include the Victorian Garden and Four Seasons Garden, which are colourful throughout the year, and the absolutely amazing Woodland Garden planted with Japanese Maples.
This is a wonderful day out for the whole family and it’s free to get in!
Address: Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN
3. Graves Park
Sheffield’s main public park is a large green space with extensive woodlands south of the city centre.
This large park features 2 children’s playgrounds, on-site farm, bowling greens, tennis courts, 9 Hole Pitch and Putt, nature and hiking trails, a lake and plenty of open green space.
Children who visit Graves Park Animal Farm can see a variety of farm animals as well as donkeys, llamas, and goats.
After a day of active pursuits, you can unwind with a meal at the café.
Address: Graves Park, Hemsworth Rd, Sheffield S8 8LJ
4. Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park
The Tropical Butterfly House is a wildlife centre located on the outskirts of the city.
Featuring farm animals, meerkats, birds and butterflies, it’s perfect for spending a day outdoors getting in touch with nature.
The centre offers animal encounter experiences daily which teach people about wildlife while also allowing them to get close-up with the animals.
If you’re feeling adventurous, get up close and personal with some snakes and lizards in the butterfly and reptile house.
Or, if you prefer something softer, try feeding a baby goat or walking among the lemurs.
If you’re feeling brave, follow the dinosaur trail!
Address: Wildlife Conservation park, Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ
5. Millennium Gallery
The Millennium Gallery is one of Sheffield’s most prominent art galleries.
Situated in the heart of the city, the central location is easily accessible and the gallery is free to enter for all visitors.
The gallery has a variety of permanent collections on display including contemporary art, watercolours, metalwork and fashion.
The John Ruskin’s gallery, which was designed to help people find inspiration in nature, contains many collections.
Well worth a visit if you are an art lover, the gallery also has a cafe downstairs for refreshments and a well stocked gift shop upstairs.
Address: Millennium Gallery, 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP
6. Endcliffe Park
Since 1887, Endcliffe Park has been one of the many green areas available in Sheffield.
The historical pavilion, which is located right by the entrance, adds to the park’s charm.
In addition to this, there is a playground for children and an outdoor gym that are both free to access.
The park makes a perfect place to relax and take a break from exploring the city.
Address: Endcliffe Park, Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB
7. Sheffield City Hall
One of the city’s historical landmarks, Sheffield City Hall is a Grade II listed building.
The building still holds damage from a WWII bomb that exploded in Barker’s Pool, one of Sheffield’s central squares.
Today, besides being an event and concert venue, it also claims the title for housing Sheffield’s largest organ.
The famous British rock band, The Beatles, once performed here as well as Pink Floyd and Lou Reed, and in 1938, even Winston Churchill made an appearance!
If you’re ever in Sheffield and want to soak in the local culture or have some fun, this is the place to go.
Address: Sheffield City Hall, Barker’s Pool, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JA
8. Sheffield Cathedral
The Sheffield Cathedral is located in the city centre making it easy to visit.
The Cathedral honours both St. Paul and St. Peter, and was built on the land of a church that was founded in 1100.
The medieval church has been rebuilt many times since it was originally constructed.
The cathedral has a beautiful interior, with columns and walls adorned with centuries-old artwork.
Guided tours of the Cathedral are available and information can be found online.
Address: Sheffield Cathedral, Church St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1HA
9. Weston Park Museum
Sheffield’s Weston Park Museum was established in 1875 and is one of Sheffield’s largest museums.
It is also home to the Mappin Art Gallery that has a stunning collection of artworks donated to the city by a steel industrialist.
The Weston Park Museum contains the city’s natural history, archaeology, social history, and decorative art collections.
The facility also has Bronze Age reproductions of art and armour along with 250 paintings from local artists.
In addition, there are many temporary exhibits on display.
The museum is free to enter, and benefits from a café and gift shop
Address: Mushroom Ln, Sheffield S10 2TP
10. Winter Gardens
One of the best things to do in Sheffield is a visit to The Winter Gardens!
The Winter Garden in Sheffield is one of the biggest urban glasshouses in Europe.
Home to over 2,000 plants from different cultures, it features a diverse and constantly changing environment.
The construction of this eco-friendly building used materials that change colour over time.
You don’t have to spend a pound to enter the beautiful Winter Garden, and there is even an on-site café should you get peckish during your stay.
This serene spot in the heart of the city is truly a magical place to explore and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Address: 90 Surrey Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 2LH
11. New Moor Market
The New Moor Market is in the city’s Moor Quarter that has some of Sheffield’s top shopping attractions.
Featuring pedestrianised streets, the market has 200 stalls, as well as a number of small businesses, encouraging local and small business growth in the region.
The market offers a plethora of choices for the freshest food, whether you’re looking for seafood, meat, baked goods or deli items.
You can also find global cuisine at various stalls around the market, which make great lunchtime snacks.
In addition to food, the market features homeware, fabric jewellery handmade crafts clothing options and more.
If you’re looking to do some serious shopping but don’t want to break the bank, then look no further than Sheffield’s New Moor Market.
This delightful shopping area is full of small businesses selling high-quality items at more affordable prices.
Address: New Moor Market, 77 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4PF
12. Chatsworth House
If you find yourself in Sheffield, Chatsworth House is a short drive away and definitely worth the visit.
This historic manor house located south of Sheffield has been passed down through generations of Dukes.
The house itself is beautiful, set against the backdrop of the River Derwent with views of woodland slopes.
Once inside, prepare to be wowed by the array of artworks and artefacts on display including paintings, furniture and books from different historical periods.
The house has been featured in many films and books, such as The Duchess and Pride and Prejudice.
In the stables, you may enjoy a classic English afternoon tea while viewing the beautiful British countryside.
This is an experience not to be missed!
Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP
13. Beauchief Abbey and Ancient Woodland
The picturesque ruins of Beauchief Abbey, containing a monastery from the mid-12th century as well as a chapel from 1660, are definitely worth your time.
Located on the outskirts of Sheffield there is also the opportunity to explore the magnificent ancient forests near by which are a highlight of any trip.
Ladies Spring Wood, Parkbank Wood, and Old Park Wood are just a few, with Ladies Spring Wood particularly attractive to bird-watchers since it contains a variety of species of woodpecker.
Thanks to the numerous well-maintained public footpaths that crisscross the region, these ancient woods are great to explore.
Address: Beauchief Abbey and Ancient Woodland, Beauchief, Sheffield S8 7BD
14. Peak District
A third of Sheffield is found in the Peak District, an area that encompasses some of England’s most gorgeous mountains and countryside.
The Peak District is a tourist hotspot for its countless outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as being photogenic with many varied landscapes.
Sheffield is centrally located to a number of walks and routes in the Peaks, making it easy to get out and explore.
Take a trip back in time by visiting an old mansion, or explore an underground cave.
For those looking for a more adventurous way to take in the English countryside scenery, there are opportunities to go potholing or climbing.
Address: Peak District National Park, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WS
15. Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
Located a few miles south of the centre of Sheffield, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a historically significant industrial site that has been restored.
The museum features exhibits that includes warehouses, water wheels, tilt hammers, a Manager’s house and workers cottages, many Grade I and Grade II listed historic buildings.
There is also the last surviving crucible steel furnace in the UK on display.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is open from Thursday to Sunday and is free to visit.
Address: Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Rd S, Beauchief, Sheffield S7 2QW
16. Heeley City Farm
Heeley City Farm is located a short distance from Sheffield City Centre.
This urban farm is a rare breeds farm park with so many of the animals endangered native breeds.
Visitors can see many adorable farmyard animals including cows, goats, sheep, pigs and horses, there is also a selection of ducks and chickens.
If you feel hungry the Farm Kitchen serves tasty vegetarian and vegan, home-cooked food.
Children can play in the under 8’s Playground, and at the Garden Centre you can purchase food to feed their animals.
The farm is open daily, is free to visit and has lots to see for all the family.
Address: Heeley City Farm, Richards Rd, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DT
FAQ
Is Sheffield good for shopping?
Sheffield is a great place to shop, you can find most of the big national brands plus some excellent independent shops.
What product is Sheffield famous for?
Sheffield’s industrial past made the city famous for it’s steel industry.
Causing it to have the nickname ‘Steel City.’
Where is the Sheffield cross?
The Cross dates from the early ninth century and is Anglo-Saxon.
It has been kept in the British Museum since 1924.
Are there good places to eat in Sheffield?
Sheffield is known for it’s multicultural population and culture which is reflected in it’s dining options.
From street food to fine dining to takeaways, there is an excellent choice across the whole city.
