Sheffield
Why we love Sheffield
With a heritage forged in metalwork dating back to the 12th century, Sheffield has harnessed its power to become a cultural hub in its own right. One third of the city sits in the Peak District National Park, making it a place for outdoor lovers, adrenaline cravers and creative thinkers. Sheffield has its own hip vibes and they’re waiting to be discovered by you. Pick up tasty vegan grub from vivacious Kelham Island, delve into video games at a dedicated museum, or transport yourself to the metaverse. Then break beyond the city boundaries for rocks that are made to be climbed and trails designed to be explored. From city-centre gems to big outdoor adventures, Sheffield has some seriously cool credentials.
Look Up
Take an artsy journey through the metaverse with a free augmented reality art trail. Watch in awe from your smart device as five of Sheffield’s iconic buildings burst into life. Using the Look Up app, spy the furriest resident, Hank the cat, at The Graves Gallery and gaze to the rooftop of the former Cole Brothers’ department store for colourful characters. Or view the digital artwork from Corbin Shaw, a Sheffield born artist who is churning up the art scene with pieces around identity, modern masculinity and community.
Festival of the Outdoors
Celebrate the city outdoors each March – cycle, run, kayak, climb or even ride your way into action packed adventures. Test your balance at a SUP taster session, try urban orienteering or see international climbers come together to compete. There are less-pulse-racing moments on offer too, from photo walks to beer festivals.
Street Art
Sheffield is awash with cool and creative street art. Follow an art trail, part of a project curated by Sheffield-based artists Florence Blanchard and Kid Acne, to see the city’s art-drenched buildings for yourself. Spy Pete McKee’s playful cartoons to Marcus Method’s pattern-based murals as you explore Sheffield’s creative side.
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Explore the Peak District National Park - situated on the outskirts of the city, it offers miles of walking and cycling trails, as well as other outdoor pursuits.
Marvel at the comprehensive collection of fine art, craft and design at the Millennium Gallery in the heart of Sheffield’s cultural quarter.
Discover the industrial history of 'The Steel City' at Kelham Island Museum, with exhibits on the steel-making industry that shaped the city’s identity.
Stroll through the Winter Gardens, one of the largest urban greenhouses in Britain, home to a variety of tropical plants right in the city centre.
Fun Fact
Fun Fact
Sheffield is home to the Britain’s oldest football club. Founded in 1857, Sheffield FC is recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest football club still in existence, although Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday also now play in the city.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Spread across 19 acres, Sheffield Botanical Gardens is home to a wide variety of plants, tranquil walking paths, and six glasshouses.
- Home to the World Snooker Championship, The Crucible Theatre is an iconic venue in the UK’s arts scene, known for both live performances and sports events.
- Holly Hagg Alpaca Treks offer an alternative way to experience the countryside around Sheffield.
- The National Video Game Museum offers an interactive experience for all ages, celebrating the history of video gaming with hands-on exhibits and playable retro games.
- Sheffield’s Magna Science Adventure Centre is a fusion of industrial history and hands-on excitement, where visitors can unleash fire tornadoes, control roaring water jets, and explore interactive zones on earth, air, fire and water.
Things to do in Sheffield
Featured things to do
Tuck into Sheffield on a food tour
This transformed industrial powerhouse now boasts indie arcades, food halls and microbreweries. Discover its foodie scene that’s full of local produce and international flavours on a Kelham Island Food tour.
Get a taste for Sheffield in Kelham Island
An outdoor playground
From rock climbing, abseiling and weaselling to kayaking and canoeing, there's heaps of adventure to discover in Sheffield and the Peak District. Why not balance on a stand-up paddle across the historic Victoria Quays, or hop in a kayak and travel down the Tinsley Canal.
Explore the Outdoor City
Visit Bolsover Castle
Built as an extravagant retreat for 17th century courtiers, Bolsover Castle was once the place for lavish parties and dazzling dances. Take a walk round the walls for panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale and step into turrets and towers at the Little Castle.
Explore Bolsover Castle
Urban gardens at Sheffield Winter Garden
A green oasis that boasts being Europe’s largest urban glasshouse, Sheffield Winter Garden is home to over 2,500 exotic plants. Located next to the city’s Peace Garden and the Millennium Galleries, this is a must visit for city centre goers and plant lovers.
See flora bloom in SheffieldPlaces to stay in Sheffield
City centre
Bustling bars, vibrant eateries and cultural hotspots make up Sheffield’s city centre. Find a mixture of budget friendly places to stay, alongside homely apartments and quirky offerings including a houseboat.
Suburbs
Escape into tranquillity on the fringes of the city, where you’ll find the perfect blend of nature and urban living. Stay in plush historic halls, guest houses and farm cottages.
Peak District
A hotbed for nature and adventure, Sheffield stands as a gateway to this popular National Park. Choose from cottages, camping pods, farm stays or luxury hotel and spas.
Explore nearby
Getting to Sheffield
Located in the centre of the country, it’s easy to get to Sheffield using public transport. East Midlands Railway services run from London St Pancras and take approximately two hours, while services from Edinburgh take three and a half hours. It’s well connected to other cities too, such as Liverpool, Nottingham and Birmingham.
Manchester International is the closest major airport, with trains connecting to Sheffield city centre in around one hour and 15 minutes.
Getting around
By bike
As a gateway to the Peak District, Sheffield boasts plentiful eco-friendly travel options. Across the city you’ll find cycling stands, lockers and pumps to make ease of travelling by bike easier.
By bus
Travel South Yorkshire offer a CityBus ticket option that allows you to catch any bus in the city. CityWide tickets can be used on any bus and any Stagecoach Supertram service.
By tram
For an easy way to travel around the city, use the Stagecoach Supertram network. For out of town shopping, hop on the tram to Meadowhall Shopping Centre.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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