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City in South Yorkshire, England
Photo: Peter Tarleton, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The original Steel City, Sheffield is one place most have heard of, but isn't usually on many travellers' bucket lists. If this is you, you're missing out. It's true, Yorkshire's second city has a bit of an image problem. Its cutlery may be in kitchen drawers the world over, but Sheffield hasn't necessarily reinvented itself in the way that other northern English cities have managed to do.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul
Sheffield's 13th-century cathedral. Not to be missed are the crypt - dedicated to the York and Lancaster Regiment of the British Army, the 1960s nave and the gargoyles on the intricate gatepost. Free guided tours are available on request and last around 45 minutes.
Topped out in 1965, the University of Sheffield Arts Tower is a superb example of mid-century architecture. The main interest inside is a rare surviving paternoster lift; claimed to be the largest in the world, this is a continuously moving elevator which you can ride up 19 floors. You're not supposed to go over the top, or below ground level into the basement, but you do so 'by accident', there's no safety issue. The tower is grade-II* listed along with the adjacent Western Bank Library, which you can access across the mezzanine bridge, and which you may be able to visit with permission from the front desk. Please remember that these are busy university buildings; respect the students and staff.
Large square that is used for public gatherings and demonstrations. In the middle is the Sheffield Cenotaph, which is a memorial to the city's fallen. At the western end there are two monuments to very different heroines; the Women of Steel sculpture honours local women's contribution to the steel industry during times of war, while the post box on the corner of Division Street was spray-painted gold to commemorate Jessica Ennis' successes at the 2012 Olympics. Barkers Pool is also the location of the City Hall theatre.
Cathedral Church of St Marie
Opened in 1850, this is the Mother Church of the local Catholic community. There are several interesting architectural elements inside, including stained-glass windows and a 19th-century Lewis organ.
A grand 1930s library in Art Deco style with an impressive volume of books.
A monument to and burial ground for 402 victims of the 1832 cholera outbreak in a lovely park and woodland setting and with commanding views over the city centre. Worth slogging up the hill for.
On 15 April 1989, at the FA Cup semi-final, 97 Liverpool FC fans lost their lives (94 on the day, three later) in a terrible crush in this Sheffield stadium. The memorial at Hillsborough is understandably more low-key than the one at Anfield, but if you want to pay your respects, you can follow the example of others by leaving flowers, messages of condolence, or the shirt or scarf of the team you support.
Grade-II* listed brutalist blocks of flats. Try to spot the graffiti on one of the overhead walkways, where the sprayed words I love you will u marry me have been displayed for over 15 years, and are illuminated in neon by night. Park Hill has also featured prominently in Doctor Who since 2018.
The rising and falling fountains and grassed areas make this small piece of open space popular in summer, with many people choosing to eat picnics here. The gardens are also often used for festivals and entertainment. Adjacent is Millennium Square, a rather windy place between modern office blocks (including the city's tallest building, St Paul's Tower) and with several large restaurants. The steel balls on the square have been chosen to represent Sheffield's industry.
The hub of Sheffield's local government - you can't go inside, but it's worth walking all the way around to admire the Victorian municipal architecture. Of note is the magnificent clock tower upon which the Roman god of metalworking Vulcan poses, and the many stone friezes depicting the city's industries. As you walk, don't miss the Sheffield Legends walk of fame - with plaques for actors Sean Bean and Michael Palin, Olympic athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Seb Coe, astronaut Helen Sharman and musicians Def Leppard and Joe Cocker, among others. You will also spot a green and white police box dating from 1928, which is still in use as a public information point.
Sheffield Canal Basin
An attractive basin at the end of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, with colourful narrowboats and old warehouses that have been converted into offices and apartments. There are also a couple of places for drinks and snacks, with outdoor seating. The Quays is the starting point for boat trips in summer.
The largest urban glasshouse in Europe, built spectacularly in glass and timber, and home to exotic ferns, trees, cacti and other plants from around the world. Temperatures are kept relatively cool in summer and warm in winter. Lots of benches and a coffee bar inside makes it a pleasant place to sit and read or watch the world go by, particularly if the weather outside is not so nice. In fact, there are few more satisfying experiences to be had anywhere than listening to rain or hail lash the glass while you're warm and dry! There is a visitor information stall in the gardens, space for a pop-up shop and a tourist information centre on nearby Norfolk Row.
The early industrial history of Sheffield, including water-powered grinding wheels and trip hammers, set among a collection of Grade I- and II-listed buildings.
16th-century Grade-II* listed timber frame house, managed as a museum and events venue by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. There are exhibitions on life during the Stuart era, and period-decorated rooms. The historical investigations are ongoing and in 2017, ring-dating of the house's timber framing dropped the bombshell that this was never the residence of bishops, as had long been thought.
Sheffield's municipal art collection, with a good chronological selection from the 16th century to the contemporary era. The British, Flemish and French impressionist sections are particularly impressive. Includes works by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Damien Hirst, L.S. Lowry, Grayson Perry, both Pissarros, Stanley Spencer, JMW Turner and Jan van Goyen. Often has notable travelling exhibitions. The gallery is not especially big, allowing you to see and appreciate everything within two hours. Keep your coat, as some galleries are kept uncomfortably chilly to the extent that blankets are left out for customers to borrow.
The industrial and social history of Sheffield, within a hipster area that was once the heart of the steel industry. Main attraction is the massive 3-cylinder rolling mill engine (in steam every hour) from the River Don Steelworks.
A gallery dedicated to arts, craft and design, with two permanent galleries, and one temporary exhibition space. The Metalwork Gallery includes an extensive collection of Sheffield-made cutlery and extravagant metalwork. The Ruskin Gallery was established by John Ruskin in the 19th century, and is a hotchpotch of different artefacts.
The world's largest collection of vehicles, uniforms and memorabilia from the police force, fire brigade and ambulance service.
This collection moved from Nottingham at the end of 2018, so is still establishing itself. If you want to play nostalgic games for hours on end, you will adore this place, but if you're looking for any narrative, information, or context, you might find the place lacking. If you go there thinking of it has a retro games arcade rather than a museum, you won't be disappointed.
An artist-led organisation providing studio space for over 20 Sheffield-based artists. It presents an annual programme of contemporary exhibitions, screenings and events. Temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A grade-II listed small cutlery workshop powered only by the rushing waters of Porter Brook. A water-powered cottage cutlery industry flourished in the area between the 1500s and 1930s. See the waterwheel and other machinery in action. Museum partially accessible to disabled visitors.
Sheffield Institute of Arts
Showcases art from Sheffield Hallam University and the wider community, as well as visiting artists, with a focus on graphic design and contemporary fine art. Always challenging, often thought-provoking and moving. A visit to the gallery is complemented by exploring the SIA itself, which is in the beautifully repurposed central post office building 10 minutes' walk north on Fitzalan Square. It has a café and its own small exhibition space.
Founded in 1943 by Prof. W.E.S. Turner, this is a significant collection of 19th- and 20th-century glass. It has pieces by all the major European and American glassmakers. There is even a glass wedding dress, worn by Turner's wife! Wheelchair access is limited.
A pleasant and modern museum, particularly suitable for children, in a fittingly grand old building. Galleries on Sheffield's natural and social history as well as the Arctic, art and treasures. The temporary gallery often hosts touring exhibitions from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Metal-bashing forge set up in the 1640s on a bend in the River Don, and remaining water-powered until the site closed in 1910. It latterly produced wrought iron railway axles, until these were replaced by steel.
The restored Victorian gardens are a tranquil green oasis to which to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Highlights include the formal borders, the rose garden and the Mediterranean zone, as well as some rather grand glass houses designed by Joseph Paxton. Look out for the semi-hidden bear pit, which was indeed home to a bear in the 19th century, until (according to local legend at least) a young boy fell in and was mauled to death. A rather full events programme includes regular horticultural talks, plants sales, and a summer series of outdoor theatre and concerts.
Dev Green
The only significant green space in the City Centre is the heart of the vibrant Devonshire Quarter. Both are named after the Dukes of Devonshire, whose seat is at Chatsworth in the Peak District. It has an area of landscaped grass (thronged with young people in good weather) and semi-mature trees, a skatepark, and an outdoor arena used for festivals and events including Tramlines. Architecture buffs will appreciate the Gaudíesque curved walls and serpentine benches.
A great city park with lots of amenities and a good amount of space; there's woodland, playing fields, a children's playground, café and even a small river, the Porter Brook, running through. Also to be seen is a large statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted in 1887 to mark the monarch's golden jubilee, and a memorial stone for the United States Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress which crashed in the park on 22 February 1944 with the loss of all ten crew. Around the stone is planted a grove of American oaks in remembrance. The Porter Brook can be followed out of the park, through more attractive woodland and past the Shepherd's Wheel to the edge of the Peak District in less than hour's walking.
An historically important Victorian cemetery, which is the final "home" for 87,000 people, including influential Sheffielders such as steel manufacturer Mark Firth and Chartist Samuel Holberry. The 19th century class system is evident in the range of memorials, with great mausoleums, modest stones and unmarked paupers' graves (some with 40 or more burials in one plot) jostling for space. When you pass through the imposing arched gateway from Cemetery Avenue, you very much know you're entering a necropolis. The neo-gothic Anglican chapel and contrastingly neo-classical nonconformist chapel are hauntingly derelict. All in all, this is a beautiful and fascinating spot, where visitors can enjoy some atmospheric wildness near the centre of town.
This 92-hectare park, the largest in Sheffield, has a variety of amenities, from sports fields, to playgrounds, woodland and a café. The main draw to visitors is the rare breeds farm, in the north east corner of the park close to Hemsworth Rd. Donkeys, pigs, deer and alpacas are the stars, but there are plenty of smaller animals to keep your kids happy for hours.
The ruins of a Tudor manor house, which was the home of the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. During the 1570s and 1580s, the house served as Mary Queen of Scots' luxurious prison. The 1940s Manor Cottages offer an immersive and interactive wartime experience. Meet a variety of farmyard animals at Manor Oaks farm. Costumed historical characters associated with the area, the giant sandpit and lavender labyrinth should all appeal to kids, while extensive wildflower meadows and on-site café complete the visit.
An atmospheric deconsecrated churchyard complete with heavily-weathered gravestones and mature trees around the 1826 neo-gothic former church, now University of Sheffield lecture theatre and student accommodation. In spring and summer, a pair of peregrine falcons can usually be seen nesting and raising chicks high on the church tower. While you're there, you might as well look at some of the university buildings around it, most notably the grade-II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building is an imposing example of Edwardian architecture, while the striking metallic Diamond is either a modern masterpiece or a hideous carbuncle, depending on whom you ask.
This grand 5-hectare park, a mixture of mature landscaped trees and flower beds, includes a working bandstand, war memorial to the York and Lancaster Regiment's dead, tennis courts and water features. The park plays host to many events during summer.
by EMA
Colourful urban camouflage.
'Fat as a butcher's dog' by Colorati / 'Holy Cow' by Skisms
Two locally-iconic animals.
artist unknown
An older couple enjoying an outdoor fish supper.
by Florence Blanchard
Colourful interpretation of a cell membrane, as seen under a microscope.
by Rocket01
Mural of the father of modern biology.
by Rocket 01
Mural likeness of the much-loved presenter and television naturalist.
by Trik9
A touching, if unintentionally comical, non-likeness of Ziggy Stardust.
by Jo Peel
Funky representation of the local area, the houses, shops and mosque.
by Sarah Yates
Mural representation of the inventor of stainless steel.
by "Jason"
Addressed to an unrequited love. Originally spray painted, now lit up in neon at night.
by Simon Armitage
20 metre-high poetry.
by Phlegm
The Reader decorates the front of Rare & Racy book shop. There is more Phlegm behind the shop on Westhill Lane.
by Phlegm
Two different pieces decorate this pub.
by Florence Blanchard
Vibrant colours on the side of the pub.
by Phlegm
Another unspeakably weird scene from the imagination of Phlegm.
by Mila K
Only visible when the e-cig shop is closed and the shutter down.
by Kid Acne
A cheering message in bubble text.
by Phlegm
A steampunk ship hunts the kraken.
by Pete McKee
An elderly couple embracing passionately.
by Paul Waplington
1980s brick mosaic of a typical working Sheffielder.
'Fog' by Tellas / mural by Phlegm
Fog is grey, white and indistinct, just like the weather phenomenon. The Phlegm mural just up the street is an impressive representation of a city. On the other side of the street is the imposing façade of the former Mount Zion hospital chapel.
by Andrew Motion
Gigantic poem that greets newcomers walking up from the station.
by Jarvis Cocker
Poem in metal letters adorning student digs.
by Kid Acne
26 - 28 May 2018
Held for three days over the spring bank holiday, the last weekend in May. Spread across Fargate, the Peace Gardens, Millennium Square and the Winter Garden. A culinary festival showcasing Sheffield's best offerings of food and drink with fresh hot food stalls, pop up bars, cookery master classes, chef demos and of course plenty of local produce sold. On Fargate, there is al fresco dining and drinking with a soundtrack of live music and DJ sets.
2-3 June 2018
Held at the Sheffield Arena (Supertram: Arena) is this family-friendly costume convention, with star meets, stage events and loads of activities and games. Go as your favourite character from anime, sci-fi, fantasy, comic books or video games, or just turn up in your civvies and admire the hard work of everyone else!
International Documentary Festival; 7-12 June 2018
Held at the Showroom Workstation (behind the cinema) and other venues across the city. One of the biggest and best documentary film festivals in the world, with talks from high-profile speakers, special events, live music, parties and of course many film screenings, culminating in an awards ceremony.
Dates in June, July and August
A summer season of open-air theatre in the atmospheric Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Bring a picnic, deckchairs and (depending on the weather) a cardy and waterproof!
20-23 July 2018
Sheffield's annual summer music festival. Tramlines attracts over 100 artists and groups, and is well-known for its cheap (and often free) concerts. The party atmosphere spills out into the streets as locals and visitors aim to enjoy themselves to the max. Don't miss the nightly after-parties held at club venues in town.
20-30 September 2018
Held in and around the University of Sheffield (Supertram: University). A biannual celebration of ideas, incorporating the arts, philosophy, science and technology. There are talks, demonstrations, performances and exhibitions. The Ideas Bazaar brings together academics, students and artists for an interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge, concepts and creativity.
Held throughout October at the City Hall, Lyceum Theatre and other venues around town. Dozens of the UK's biggest stand-up names and fresh talent come together for a month of shows in the Steel City. Come and "grin up north".
Festival of Words; 6-27 October 2018
Held for three weeks in October at venues across the city. Sheffield's annual literary festival is jointly run by the city's two universities, and brings together over 200 author events, book readings, poetry recitals, debates and workshops.
10-13 October 2018
Held at Kelham Island Museum. Sheffield's official CAMRA-supported drinking festival has been going for over 40 years. Sample a great many local and international beers, ciders and perries, while enjoying live music and tasty street food from local producers.
Held for one week in October. A "citywide celebration of design in all its forms", including graphic design, architecture, technology, manufacturing, fashion and film. Features exhibitions, workshops, talks, guided walks, installations and product launches.
5 November 2018
Held on bonfire night at Don Valley Bowl (Supertram: Arena). Remember, remember, the fifth of November... Sheffield's annual Guy Fawkes celebrations with fireworks to music, a giant bonfire and funfair with plenty of festive food stalls. Bonfire lit: 7:30PM, fireworks: 9PM
14 November - 24 December 2018
Held at Fargate and the Peace Gardens from mid-November until Christmas Eve. 50 traditional wooden cabins offering many gifts and treats including hand-made craft and seasonal food and drink. Come after dark and see the lights, have a go on the traditional rides, and bring your kids to meet the actual Father Christmas.
Take a heritage cruise down the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal on board the LB Hardfleet. The less expensive trips go as far as Don Valley Stadium, while the more expensive ones run out to Tinsley Locks on the outskirts of Rotherham. Turn-up-and-go is possible, though booking is recommended. Santa specials run on select dates in December.
Inner city farm and environmental visitor centre with a range of rare breed farm animals, poultry, little critters, gardens and vegetable plots. Go to meet and feed the animals, stay for a bite at the café. The farm is run by volunteers from the community and aims to promote understanding of food production and conserve endangered breeds.
An eclectic programme, with everything from musicals and panto, to contemporary plays and Shakespeare. As well as being Sheffield's largest and best-known theatre, the Crucible is also home to the widely televised annual World Snooker Championships.
Shows productions by local amateur dramatics groups. Not accessible to wheelchair users.
This beautiful Grade-II* listed theatre dates from 1897, and was designed by famous Victorian theatre architect W.G.R. Sprague. The Lyceum offers Sheffield's best selection of productions alongside the Crucible, specialising in touring West End and Opera North productions, as well as locally-produced plays.
Methodist-run theatre which shows productions aimed at families and younger audiences. Not everything has a religious angle, but some shows obviously do.
A large and grand old concert hall mixing neoclassical and art-deco styles, which hosts theatre, music, opera, dance and comedy gigs. Arrive early to take in the building, including its portico, semi-circular rear and two stone lions and impressive decorated ceilings in the foyer and corridors. Not to be confused with the Town Hall, which is the seat of Sheffield City Council.
Intimate auditorium for smaller-scale and experimental productions.
This edgy venue is a hybrid of many uses: theatre, arts centre, tea room and community centre. Sheffield's home of leftfield drama productions and music gigs by night, host to tea parties, experimental art sessions and social events by day.
A three-screen "boutique cinema" in a tastefully-restored Grade II-listed former bank, with several lounge areas and a popular rooftop bar.
Slightly shabby multiplex showing all the latest cinema releases. You could certainly do better than go here, but it's cheap.
Sheffield's largest indie cinema, showing a range of independent and foreign films, as well new and classic blockbusters. The art-deco building is a former car factory, built in the 1930s. Pleasant onsite bar and café serving meals and alcoholic and soft drinks.
The Light "cinema experience" shows big blockbusters, cinema classics, arts events and the fun concept of a "mystery screening", while you recline on comfortable and spacious armchairs. The café-bar has good views over The Moor and local area, and there are several restaurants next door.
An atmospheric 200-seat theatre owned by the University of Sheffield in a converted Victorian church. Regular productions by both students and local drama groups, including a couple of foreign-language (mainly French and Spanish) productions throughout the year.
Sheffield's oldest and smallest theatre, in a quiet Victorian residential neighbourhood.
Small community theatre which specialises in autism- and disability-friendly productions. It is housed in an evocatively grey stone building, and benefits from some beautiful gardens to sit in before and after performances.
A beautiful domed 1920s cinema, which fell into disrepair in the 1970s. Since early 2017, it has been the focus of a community restoration venture, which is ongoing, and has since begun a programme of events, including screenings of classic films and regular community antiques markets. This real Sheffield gem is far from looking its best due to decades of neglect, but its long-term future is brighter than it has been since 1975!
Multiplex cinema with 20 large screens - one of the busiest cinemas in the country and the largest Cineworld branch. Also includes an IMAX screen, showing films on a massive screen in 3D, and a 4DX screen, showing 3D films complete with motion and tactile effects.
Medium-sized multiplex; a good way to end a day's shopping in Meadowhall, otherwise is out of the way.
"The Blades" were relegated in 2024 and now play football in the Championship, the second tier. The stadium, capacity 32,700, is one mile south of the main railway station. Their women's team play in their own Championship, with home games at Technique Stadium in Chesterfield.
"The Owls" were relegated in 2026 so they play soccer in League One, the third tier. The stadium normally has a capacity of 40,000, but is temporarily reduced to 34,800. It's 3 miles north of city centre along A61. In 1989 this stadium was the scene of the Hillsborough Disaster, a crowd-crush which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans, the 97th lingering death being in 2021. Note the memorial outside the Parkside Road entrance.
A minor team playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South. Yes, we really are recommending you attend a non-league game of a team whose last major win was in 1904. So what makes Sheffield F.C. special and internationally-important? Only that it is the oldest association football club in the world, having been founded in 1857! FIFA marked the club's 150th anniversary in 2007, when SFC played special matches against Ajax and Inter Milan, which Pelé attended, at Bramall Lane.
rugby league
The team plays in the Championship, which is the second tier in English rugby league. The 2017 season marked their return to a permanent home venue for the first time in several years.
The Giants play in the top division of the UK's fledgling American football league, and receive backing and players from the two universities' NFL teams.
field hockey
One of the top hockey clubs in the UK, playing both men and women's teams at all levels both indoors and outdoors. The men's first team play in the English Hockey League (national/top tier), while the ladies' first team play in the Northern Hockey League (regional/second tier).
basketball
Mens' team that plays in the British Basketball League (national/top tier). They are the second most successful UK basketball team of all time.
women's rollerblading
Women's amateur flat-track roller derby team that welcomes spectators and visiting skaters.
ice hockey
An ice hockey team that play in the Elite Ice Hockey League, which is the top tier for the sport in the UK. There is a strong family ethos within the club, and the match atmosphere is rather Americanised, in great contrast to what you would find at local football.
speedway motorbike racing
The team competes in the Speedway Great Britain Premiership, which is the first tier of the sport in the United Kingdom.
men's rollerblading
Men's amateur flat-track roller derby team that play in the UK premier division. They were also crowned the best-dressed zombie sport team in 2013!
Enjoy a night of racing and, inevitably, gambling. Greyhound welfare is a priority for the venue. Facilities include a restaurant, plus fast food and bar options.
The UK's largest multisport training centre that has a huge number of facilities for all ages and abilities, from the general public up to Olympians and Paralympians. Hosts regional, national and international championships at all times of the year.
A big indoor ice sports centre. Two Olympic-sized ice pads for ice sports and recreational skating, at all times of the day and night. Also on-site is the Altitude High Ropes Adventure, an adventure course across 34 obstacles, including rope bridges, scramble nets, balance beams, swinging logs, and a leap of faith. Visitors are supervised by instructors at all times.
A huge gymnasium and swimming centre with Olympic-sized pool, diving pool and fun pool with waves, flumes and lazy river. Regular age, disability and autism-friendly sessions available.
Rivelin Edge
A gritstone edge favoured for the Needle, a 20 m free-standing pinnacle that stands in front of the main edge. The best time to visit is on fine autumn and winter days, when the rocks get plenty of sunshine.
In the early days of British climbing, this was one of the most popular spots. Nowadays, it is overshadowed by the more famous sites in the Peak District, and is therefore often quiet. Climbs are tough and steep.
Over 300 climbing routes, two bouldering areas, and a space-themed kids' zone.
One of the world's largest bouldering centres, there is something for all ages and skillsets. The ambient music is great too.
One of the UK's oldest indoor climbing centres, still highly regarded by climbers. Variety of routes, different 'rock' surfaces, and a kids' circuit.
known as "The Matrix" on some UK climbing and bouldering websites
Part of the University of Sheffield's sport facilities, this is a large wall for bouldering. The layout is 'reset' regularly, so repeat customers won't get bored.
A varied , par 67 course, with sloping fairways and a stream to contend with. In the grounds of Beauchief Abbey (11th century) with views of the Peak District. Clubhouse equipped with bar on-site.
Large course on the plateau of a hill; there are views over the city. Accessible to beginners and children, while still being quite challenging. Golf buggies available to hire. There is a pub just off-site.
18-hole, par 70 parkland course measuring over lots of hills and slopes. Fairways and greens to challenge all ages and abilities. On-site clubhouse with bar and catering.
5 miles (8 km), can be extended or shortened. A walk between the city centre and Meadowhall along the River Don through many interesting neighbourhoods, including industrial wasteland, the still-living steelworks, Sheffield's Sikh temple, and the unexpected treats of nature reserves and ancient cemeteries. Kingfishers and otters can be seen, even in the heart of the city. Although you can catch the tram or train back into town from Meadowhall, more active travellers may wish to continue along the river into Tinsley and Rotherham, or else complete the "Blue Loop" by making the return journey on foot along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.
3 mi. A signed route linking a range of historical buildings and open spaces with connections to the Dukes of Norfolk. You will walk through City Road Cemetery, enjoy the expanses of Norfolk Park, see brilliant views of the city from the Cholera Monument and descend past Park Hill over the three-way tram junction and railway tracks, following the Supertram to the cathedral.
2 mi. Very easy circular walk around the historic city centre, taking in well-known landmarks and lesser-travelled spots. From the cathedral, make for the Old Town Hall and grim dereliction of the Castlegate Quarter. Console yourself with the pretty barges and former grain stores of the canal basin. You'll then pass the modern law courts, offices and apartments lining the river Don until you reach Kelham Island, a trendy postindustrial residential neighbourhood with many great pubs. The route finishes with a tour of the Cathedral Quarter, through Paradise Square, via barrister firms and an old synagogue as you return to the cathedral.
Native woodland, dells and pretty villages make this an easy 4 mi circular walk around the countryside north of Sheffield. Even better, it starts and finishes at a pub. Reyt good!
4 mi, shorter circular walks at either end possible. Where the city meets the Peak District. Walk alongside the rushing waters of the river Rivelin, passing numerous old water mills, mill ponds and other scenic spots. This popular conservation area is home to a great deal of wildlife. Several well-maintained footpaths and bridleways make this an excellent choice for families, with very easy walking routes. The energetic may muster themselves to climb the very steep path all the way to Lodge Moor bus terminus on Redmires Road - the regular number 51 will take you back into town.
This gorge is now a protected nature reserve. A rocky footpath leads you from the car park down along the bottom of the gorge, crossing the stream several times, to a reservoir. There are many possible walks of varying lengths you could try, but one suggestion is to walk the 2½ miles (4 km) to Stanage Edge. From Wyming Brook car park, head west along Redmires Road, around the reservoirs and up the medium incline until the Peak District opens up in all its majesty in front of you. The edge is flat and easy to walk, with superb panoramic views all around. Many will turn back at this point, but you could equally walk along Stanage as far as you want, or descend the steep 2½ miles (4 km) down to the handsome Derbyshire village of Hathersage. Cream teas or a pint in the pub await you there, and you can return to Sheffield by train. The entire spectacular Lodge Moor to Hathersage station route is 6⅓ miles (10 km) over varied and undulating terrain.
The Pork Sandwich Shop
The city's very own chain of "pork sandwich shops" was founded by Sandor Béres from Budapest and his local wife Eileen in 1956. The shops make and sell the famous Sheffield pork sandwich as described above, along with a selection of tasty pies. Proper northern food! There are also other branches outside the city centre.
Cheap as chips local bakery chain, offering a more characterful and authentically Yorkshire experience than national rival Greggs.
Freshly prepared breakfast menu, sandwiches, soups, stews, salads, cakes, and barista-made coffee.
One of the city's best Sandwich shacks, with queues out the door at weekends. Handmade sandwiches, like the legendary 'Full Monty' breakfast sandwich to hot baguettes with fillings. Also dishes out some yummy freshly baked cookies.
A café-bar with a much more relaxed atmosphere than the main student bar (Bar One) downstairs, the Interval is open to the public all day and serves a good value menu of snacks and meals. Also popular for the meat and vegetarian hangover breakfasts and Sunday lunches at the weekend.
Authentic Italian café at prices well within the budgets of local students. Great breakfast and lunch menus, daily specials board, quality coffee, home-baked breads and pastries.
Infamous Halal kebab shop that serves piles of salty meat and the greasiest pizzas in town. See if you can find yourself (or get yourself) on the walls packed with photographs of customers.
Traditional and modern British dishes.
Excellent pub food, Sunday meals and wide choice of real ale. Kelham Island Brewery is based here.
A good quality restaurant specialising in British produce. Famous for its Tuesday Pie Nights, and having been on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Also serves pre-theatre menus well suited to its position near to the Crucible and Lyceum theatres.
Chain brasserie, high quality British cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Open for breakfast.
Excellent Thai restaurant.
A long standing favourite of families and students in Sheffield's city centre. A small family run business that does decent Italian food and is reasonably priced. Bring your own beer and wine.
Tapas bar formerly on Trippet Lane, moved here in 2014. Live Cuban music most nights, large range of tapas, salsa & tango classes.
Authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The fact that it gets frequented by some of Sheffield's Turkish residents shows the food is the 'real deal'.
Excellent value and tasty sushi restaurant offering an extensive range of sushi, sashimi, Bento boxes and soups. All made fresh to order.
Good Italian cuisine.
Trattoria, gets good reviews for food and service. They also have a branch in Chesterfield.
Grill house with good filling South America style steaks.
Probably the best restaurant in the county, run by Tessa Bramley, in a richly furnished Victorian manse. You can go for the short dinner menu but the full experience is the prestige dinner with wine (£100+ pp), a cavalcade of remarkable flavours and combinations.
Michelin guide listed restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serves modern British food with a nod to Nordic flavours.
A dairy farm where you can meet the cows who produce the milk that goes into nearly 30 flavours of ice cream, many of which can only be sampled in their parlour.
Great music pub, used to be owned by Nick Banks from the band "Pulp". Relaxed atmosphere, varied DJ nights. Open till 1AM every night except Sunday till midnight. Large beer garden and smoking area at the back of the pub.
A popular pub with a long history, in days gone by offering what it claimed as the strongest ale legally served in a British pub. These days it offers food and locally-brewed real ales and often features live music.
previously The Fountain
A modern, quite upmarket pub with a strong focus on its traditional English menu.
Offers a vast selection of beers from cask, tap and bottle that could rival any other Sheffield venue. Surroundings are thankfully lacking in the usually ubiquitous flat screen television. The only background music are the trains arriving and departing the station. The entrance is equally unpretentious so may be hard to find - it's at the north end of the station near the pedestrian crossing to the bus station, with another entrance straight onto platform 1.
Indie jukebox, normal ales but amazing atmosphere. Landlady Mandy will know your life history by the time you leave. Get in early to get a decent table.
Offers what must be the cheapest beer in the city and an incredible mix of both theatre goers and local people.
Another civilised dive with good range of beers, warming fireplaces, a small garden and friendly cats.
Occupies the oldest domestic building in the city, dating from 1475 (according to some records).
Is a cosy chintz-free Irish pub with regular live music.
May offer impromptu Irish or Folk music in the back room.
Is tiny, free of piped music and friendly.
Is reputedly the only pub in Sheffield still housing a full-sized snooker table.
Is friendly with good range of beer and good food.
Has a good atmosphere and mix of students and locals.
"The Notty"
As it is better known has been extensively refurbished. Catering for locals, visitors and students, it really is a pub worth a visit. Home-made pies are a speciality and real ales are aplenty. Occasional live music on Thursday nights with acts from near and far. Pool table is very good value at 50p.
This small and charming independent pub serves great local ales until approx. 1AM most nights, and is always bursting with atmosphere and friendly locals.
Has won best Pub in Britain from Camra twice.
Also a great stop for Sunday lunch (see "Eat" listing).
Used to be known as Cask and Cutler.
A pub owned by Castle Rock and full of Character.
The latest addition to The Ale Trail, more open plan and possibly less off putting to people who aren't used to real ale pubs than the others might seem.
A total refurb in December 2011 has finally seen this pub reach its full potential. The pub is now a decent size and serves a huge range of local (and further afield) cask ales, home-made pies and sausages, and stocks a whisky from every distillery in Scotland. Forget the City centre and head out to the suburbs!
Is a real ale hotspot. Famous for serving the south side of Sheffield with the local breweries and other guest ales with knowledgeable bar staff. Has a reputation for friendly Sheffield folk to relax there after hiking and climbing in The Peak. So called because of possible view of the Sheaf River although now obstructed by newer buildings.
Large pool/sports bar. 12 American pool tables. Cheap drinks weekdays between 5 and 8 and a good cocktail menu.
Unique trendy café/bar (and shops) open late every night. Amazing outdoor patio on the Devonshire Green.
formerly the Central fire station
Retro-chic bar with fantastic atmosphere, amazing music and great veggie food menu. 2nd hand "retro" clothing market on a Sunday. Free board games (e.g., Tequila Jenga). Frequented by the Arctic Monkeys, trendies and students alike.
Compact bar, great range of bottled beers, great live indie music on a Wednesday.
Relaxed bar with comfy seating, and a fantastic drinks selection including cocktails served in watering cans. Popular with those avoiding the student pub crawls.
Standard entry in the popular vodka bar chain. Popular with "orange" good-looking people but don't let that put you off, good range of drinks and affordable food menu by day. Decent DJ sets and adjoining pool room.
Poor-performer (even for a chain bar). Avoid.
Expensive bar, amazing décor. Anti-student (except Wednesdays).
Student-friendly during week, tacky by weekend.
The main bar of the University of Sheffield Student Union, which is understandably always full of students, and which is also one of the most profitable union bars anywhere in the country. In the evenings you will need a Sheffield student card (or a friend who has one to sign you in) to gain admission. Cheapest drinks on a Sunday. Large, cheap, pool room. Also serves inexpensive, wholesome food (not everything comes with chips!).
The second bar of the University of Sheffield Student Union, offering a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with local real ales, wine and food.
It looks like a big, silver, flying spaceship, close to the train station. Not as big or impressive on the inside as it is on the outside, a relatively small union bar.
locally referred to as 'The Chavendish'
A scream/yellowcard bar (you get discounted drinks if you buy or have a friend with a yellowcard, which costs £1 to NUS card holders). Serves decent food; a cheap student pub/bar with pool tables.
Totally re-invented in September 2010, now an amazing pub serving great food and a decent range of local real ales.
An off-campus pub owned by the University of Sheffield Student Union but frequented by a more mixed crowd.
Plays host to cutting edge live music and varied club nights.
Australia themed bar. Very popular, fairly cheap, but can get a bit claustrophobic. Better as calling point on a pub crawl than a place for staying in.
It's in the centre of the city, and offers live music from popular artists and occasional club nights.
A dirty rock club with dirty cheap vodka, just the way the locals like it. There's 'Skool Disco' every Wednesday night (free admission in school uniform) and metal/goth on Saturdays. Fridays is skate and metal downstairs and something of a mix of dance, indie and classics upstairs. Mondays are popular with the student crowd, playing music everyone seems to know.
A popular 'underground' house music venue. Open on Fridays and Saturdays until 5AM, with a student night held on Mondays.
Four-room nightclub with the feel of a cocktail bar. Dress code applies at weekends, but is relaxed during the week to cater for the student crowd.
New club mostly hosting student nights and touring DJs.
Live venue (leans towards unsigned artists) that doubles as a bar-club, with expansive dancefloor and a late licence. Known to locals and students alike for its cheap drinks offers, and the flyers covering the walls of the venue advertising said offers.
Somewhat more difficult of a find for the visitor due to its location outside of the city centre, this trendy club occupying an old cutlery factory was named as one of the ten best in the country by The Guardian in 2015.
This unusually shaped steel building is a bar downstairs and a club upstairs with four rooms playing different music genres.
A fiercely active union night club that packs in students from Tu-Sa. The Tuesday Club is a surprisingly pricey hip-hop and drum & bass night that pulls in many big names. Roar on Wednesday night is big on cheap alcopops and inebriated sports teams. Friday is Space in the Octagon, a "chart" night, while visiting club nights and Climax, South Yorkshire's biggest gay club rotate monthly in the Fusion/Foundry. Saturdays is Pop Tarts, hosting 2 rooms (one is 1960s, 70s and "rock and roll", the other 1980s, 90s and 2000s).
The impressive 1930s City Hall was refurbished and is home to many concerts, performances and travelling shows and is in the elegant Barkers Pool in the city centre which is home to Sheffield's cenotaph.
A coffee shop by day and an intimate live music venue by night, Cafe #9 is a distinctive space whose eclectic décor reflects the character and creativity of its Sheffield surroundings. Gigs take place most nights and tend to lean towards folk music. Easily reached by the No.56 bus from the city centre or a 30 minute walk
Offer tours and tastings.
Free WiFi.
Homely Serviced Apartments Sheffield
Homely Serviced Apartments provide short-term and long-term self-catered accommodation for leisure and business travellers .
formerly Jurys Inn
Valet parking. WiFi available.
WiFi available.
Sheffield Met
Available for periods of between 1 week to 6 months. Wi-Fi, fully equipped shared kitchen, tv, towels, shampoo, breakfast included.
A former country hall now situated in the pretty Edwardian suburb of Nether Edge.
Eight luxury bedrooms, each with original Edwardian features, Scandinavian-inspired décor and green views.
Sheffield's very own independent and idiosyncratic family department store has been on the Moor since 1872, although the original building was destroyed in the Blitz of 1940. It sells home items including furniture and kitchen gear, as well as fashion, cosmetics and fragrances. Atkinson's is also home to its own restaurant, an Italian coffee shop and a tea room.
Independent women's fashion and clothing store.
Large and varied selection of new and second-hand vinyl records. At the same address, Music Junkee sells a vast array of new and second-hand musical instruments, and audio, lighting, mixing and software equipment for DJs. The stock is faultless, but be prepared for dodgy customer service.
Sheffield's snazzy indoor market hall opened in 2013, moving from its historic location in Castlegate. The market has more than 90 stalls, and has become a foodie mecca, mixing traditional local food and drink producers with specialist artisans, delis and other stalls selling international items. Alongside this, there are haberdashery, clothing, furnishing and jewellery sellers.
Outdoor equipment store. Good for Vibram Fivefingers shoes, outdoor clothing and backpacks.
Independent shop that stocks books and periodicals relating to travel, architecture, fashion, food, art and literature. Also hosts literary events.
A rarity in this day and age - a shop dedicated to specialist pens of all kinds. Naturally, they also stock ink, fancy writing paper and blank diaries.
Family-run jewellers, specialists in diamonds, though they also work with other precious stones, silver and watches.
A long-established florist and bouquet delivery service. All flowers are fresh, and sold on day of delivery.
A fabulous little aladdin's cave of arts and craft, all made in Sheffield. Together with Sheffield Scene (see below), this is one of the best places in town to buy unique and interesting souvenirs and presents.
An attractive herbal medicine and health food shop, with the vibe and appearance of an old-fashioned apothecary.
An offshoot of the Blackest Rainbow record label, this is an independent record shop, specialising in vinyl. They stock new releases, reissues and a small number of second-hand records that are checked for quality.
Long-running jewellers that manufactures its own products with all kinds of precious stones, as well as selling and repairing others. They also repair watches.
Tattoo parlour that offers all styles, including freestyle. Also does touch-ups. Walk-up service and bookings.
Most wargames and modelling products you can think of, including paints, scenery, dice and miniatures. Also stocks an eclectic range of board games, card games (e.g. Magic: The Gathering) and accessories relating to RPGs (e.g. Dungeons and Dragons).
Monday sees an antiques and bric-a-brac market, while Wednesday is second-hand clothes day. The rest of the week is a more general street market.
Geek central. A home of comic books, anime, manga, sci-fi and fantasy books, figurines and other collectables. Also stocks a range of tabletop role-playing games.
A disconcerting mix of clothes, posters and bongs, which sums up Devonshire surprisingly well.
A garish Union Jack façade welcomes you to a brilliant Chinese dessert and cake shop. You can order for collection or delivery, or try to squeeze into one of very few tables.
Designer of bags and wallets that also stocks clothing, shoes, leather goods and jewellery.
Designer and vintage clothes at reasonable prices.
Colourful clothing, accessories and incense shop.
Interesting blend of gifts; plants, prints, cards, clothes and an assortment of other appealing items.
Good selection of Chinese food products; a bit on the expensive side.
Party and costume shop with another branch in Broomhill. 24 hour returns policy. Upstairs is Rocky Horrors, which is a well-known gothic and punk clothing store.
Friendly little florist that sells bouquets themed after Sheffield parks, plus a cool cactus and houseplant selection.
A butcher and fishmonger that is very popular with local students due to its impressive range of meat, seafood, deli items, prepared hot and cold snacks and bottled beers, at affordable prices.
Long-established family-run luxury clothing, fashion accessories and leather goods shop.
Handmade and hand-printed grunge / psychedelic clothing label with its own shop.
A small indoor collection of stylish boutiques, including vintage clothing stores, a skateboard shop, and tattoo and piercings parlours.
Futuristically décored Chinese supermarket selling a wide range of fresh and dry goods from East Asia. It also has a canteen serving cheap and authentic food.
Super-friendly gift shop. The kind of place you always come away from with that one item you're sure you "need in your life", but probably don't.
One of the largest indoor shopping centres in the country, with 280 high-end and chain stores receiving over 30 million visitors every year. Given its size and pre-eminent status in the region, the centre is always busy and often crowded, and it gets positively manic before Christmas. Indeed, many Sheffielders refer to it as "Meadowhell". It is certainly a less pleasant environment than the city centre, but has a more complete retail experience. Anchor stores are Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Primark and USC. Meadowhall has the only Sheffield presence of several brands including Apple, Disney Store, French Connection, Hollister, Lacoste, Superdry and Victoria's Secret. A zone called The Lanes is dedicated to independent and unique shops. The Oasis Dining Quarter is a very large food court offering a range of cuisines with mainly chain restaurants and fast food outlets. Also inside is a ten-screen cinema (see above) plus indoor and outdoor play areas for young children.
A smaller shopping centre than Meadowhall with around 100 shops, and more of a locals' place. Despite the cool name, there is not really anything here that you couldn't find elsewhere in Sheffield, and if you aren't in the area, it's probably not worth the surprisingly long ride on the tram or bus. That said, visitors to the south-east of the city will certainly find it useful.
Established in 1840, this is the oldest auctioneer in the region. Antiques and collectable auctions are every fortnight, while general auctions take place once a month, and there are other specialist auctions every week.
Massive selection of fireworks, sparklers and display packs. "Firework season" in the UK is from just before Bonfire Night (5 November) to just after Chinese New Year
Halal meat, poultry and fish, plus fruit and vegetables.
Turkish-owned international supermarket. Great for world foods in general, but turcophiles will be in heaven.
A specialist in Thai and pan-Asian produce.
Polish delicatessen.
Specialists in diecast, airfix and other modelling products.
By plane
Thanks to its flat-space limiting hilly topography, Sheffield is one of Europe's largest cities without its own airport, however, this can easily be reached from a number of other airports.
By train
Sheffield lies at the crossroads of three major railways.
By car
Sheffield sits beside the M1 motorway, one of the UK's primary north–south routes linking the city with London, Leicester, Nottingham and Leeds.
By bus or coach
The discount coach operator Megabus does not serve the city centre, but offers direct services each day to Meadowhall Interchange from London (Victoria), Birmingham, Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow,…
By boat
There are visitor moorings for boats travelling on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal at the Victoria Quays canal basin, found to the north-east of the city centre.
On foot
Sheffield City Centre is compact and within it, few attractions are much further apart than 1 mi.
By bicycle
Cycling in Sheffield can be an interesting experience.
Public transport
Public transport - buses, trams and trains - is an excellent way to get around Sheffield. All services are deregulated and operated by private enterprises.
By taxi and black cab
There are no regular night bus routes in the city, and all tram services terminate around midnight. Sheffield's two main taxi companies operate 24 hours a day.
By car
The use of a private vehicle is generally discouraged for able-bodied travellers, as Sheffield's roads are congested and not always easy to navigate, and parking is not particularly easy.
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