In Praise of Air

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An older couple enjoying an outdoor fish supper.