Sheffield
Why we love Sheffield
With a heritage forged in metalwork dating back to the 12th century, the city 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 curtural 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’s 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.
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 centrally in the country, it’s easy to get to Sheffield by public transport. Trains run direct from London St Pancras and take approximately two hours, while services from Edinburgh take three and a half hours. By air, Manchester International Airport is the closest, Leeds and East Midlands airport are around an hours drive away. Hourly fast trains run between Manchester and Sheffield, which connect to/from Manchester International Airport.
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. While CityWide tickets can be uses 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?
Head to Welcome to Sheffield for insider tips from those in the know.