Discover Sheffield and the filming locations of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: a three-day itinerary

Forged by a rich industrial past, with vibrant pockets of culture and local flavours, Sheffield has its own distinct identity. The city has recently added to its cultural pull as the setting and filming location for the highly anticipated film, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Starring Richard E. Grant, Sarah Lancashire and newcomer Max Hardwood in the lead role, the film was inspired by the true story of British schoolboy Jamie Campbell. Based on the smash-hit musical of the same name which premiered at the city’s Crucible Theatre in 2017, it follows the journey of a Sheffield lad as he triumphs against all odds to achieve his dream of becoming a drag queen.

Whether visitors are fans of the musical, eagerly awaiting the film’s release in 2021, or just keen to explore one of Britain’s lesser-known cultural hotspots, our three-day Steel City itinerary is sure to inspire a future adventure in South Yorkshire.

Day One

Visitors can get a taste of the area’s industrial heritage at the Kelham Island Museum. Located just a short walk from the city centre, the Museum features interactive galleries, fascinating machinery and a conservation workshop, not to mention a rare Bessemer Converter, used to convert iron into steel.

Alternatively, future travellers could take a trip to Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet to discover what life was like in an 18th century agricultural tool works. Visitors will feel transported back in time as they marvel at the restored worker's cottage, waterwheels, impressive steam engine and see the UK’s only surviving crucible steel furnace – all painting a picture of Sheffield’s local history.

Once visitors have unwrapped Sheffield’s industrial heritage, they can plan to refuel in the independent food hall, Kommune. Serving a range of delicious eats, from juicy burgers and exotic street food to local artisan bakes, it’s a favourite local hotspot that’s well worth a try.

Another must-see sight is Sheffield Winter Garden. The largest urban temperate glasshouse in Europe, it is home to more than 2,500 exotic plants, creating a tranquil paradise in the middle of the buzzing city centre. Attached to the Gardens is the Millennium Gallery, which hosts a variety of sleekly-curated art, craft and design exhibitions throughout the year.  

First opened in 1920, Abbeydale Picture House was hailed as the city’s most luxurious cinema – and it makes for an evening of top entertainment to this day! Although it closed in 1975, the space is being reinvented by the area’s vibrant creative community as a home for unmissable events, such as cult film screenings, LGBTQI+ cabaret and intimate musical performances. The venue was also the setting of a fantasy night club scene in the upcoming Everybody’s Talking About Jamie movie, making it a top spot for visitors and future fans of the film.

Amongst the bustle of independent shops, cafés and tea rooms, Abbeydale Road is also known for its beer brewing, with local favourite Abbeydale Brewery celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021. Visitors can dream of tasting these local tipples in the many traditional pubs around Sheffield, but for real ale aficionados, Two Thirds is a top spot for sampling craft beers. Visitors can look forward to finding a new favourite while watching the comings and goings of the area’s quirky Antiques Quarter. There is even a bottle shop for tempting takeaways!

Day Two

One third of Sheffield lies within the Peak District National Park, which celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Visitors looking to get back to nature can plan to explore the National Trust’s Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, which is known for its bright heather moors, craggy rocks and babbling brooks. Lying less than 10 miles from the centre of Sheffield, it is easily accessible via car or public transport.

For a taste of nature closer to the city, visitors can dream of wandering through the 19th century Sheffield Botanical Gardens, complete with Grade II-listed glass pavilions and themed gardens full of beautiful blooms, trees and period features – all for free!

Sheffield is home to Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield F.C., the oldest football club in the world, to name but a few.  And although the thrill of live football is not currently available, fans of the beautiful game can still plan a self-guided tour via the free Sheffield: Home of Football app, taking them on a five-mile journey through the city’s historic football spots.

Culture vultures thinking of a future trip to the city can look forward to an evening enjoying Sheffield’s thriving theatre and film scene. One of the city’s highlights is the award-winning Crucible Theatre, known for putting on outstanding shows and theatrical events, including the original production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in 2017.

Those who prefer the silver screen can add an evening in the Grade II-listed Curzon Sheffield to their itinerary – another location to spot in the upcoming Everybody’s Talking About Jamie film. This former bank dates back to the 1930s, but is now known for showing the best in film, hosting exclusive Q&As, as well as transmissions from the National Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Opera House – and there’s a rooftop terrace to boot!

Day Three

Future visitors can look forward to connecting with nature at Ecclesall Woods, the largest ancient woodland in South Yorkshire located just two miles from the heart of the city. As well as admiring the serene surroundings, visitors can book a place on an Ecclesall Woods Craft day course, which introduces small groups to the world of traditional crafts, including spoon carving, stool making and basket weaving, all in the heart of the woodland.

Back in the centre, those wanting to see Sheffield is all its glory can visit Woodfield Road, for stunning views of the city and countryside beyond. The charming two-mile route passes through Crookes, Sheffield’s quirky student area, the iconic University buildings and Crookes Valley Park. The vista also features in the upcoming Everybody’s Talking About Jamie film, giving viewers the chance to admire the cityscape of Sheffield on the silver screen.

Sheffield has a world-famous connection to music, with Human League, Pulp and Arctic Monkeys all hailing from the cultural hub. Visitors can add a slice of local sound to their Steel City itinerary with an evening trip to Crookes Social Club, situated a stone’s throw from Woodfield Road. Having won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2020, the club is known for putting on great local bands and jazz nights and was another filming location featured in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s. Renamed as Moorhill Social Club in the film, it was the setting of one of the story’s pivotal scenes, making it a fitting final stop to this three-day itinerary.

Restrictions on travel to and around Britain are in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.