List of Best Things to do in Sheffield 2024 – UniAcco

The city is located on the eastern foothills of the Pennines, and the valleys of the River Don and its four tributaries, the Porter Brook, the Loxley, the Sheaf and the Rivelin and. 61% of the town’s entire area is green space, and a large chunk of the city lies within the boundaries the Peak District national park. It is a green wonderland with more than 250 parks, woodlands and gardens, which is estimated to encompass around 4.5 million trees. Here is an itinerary of fun things to do in Sheffield.

Top Historical Sights

Peveril Castle – These are the ruins of an 11th-century castle overlooking the village of Castleton in the county of Derbyshire. It was the primary settlement of the feudal barony of William Peverel, known as the Honour of Peverel. It was founded sometime between the Norman Conquest of 1066, and its first recorded mention is in the 1086 Domesday Survey by Peverel, who owned lands in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as a tenant-in-chief of the king.

• Address: Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ, United Kingdom

• Timings: Sat & Sun – 10am to 4pm

• Contact: +44 370 333 1181

Sheffield Cathedral – The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Sheffield, usually called simply Sheffield Cathedral, is the cathedral church for the Church of England Diocese of Sheffield, England. Initially a parish church, it was elevated to cathedral status when the diocese was created in 1914. Sheffield Cathedral is one of five Grade I listed buildings in the city.

• Address: Church St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1HA, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon – 8am to 5pm, Tue to Fri – 8am to 6:30pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 8am to 7pm

Cave Dale – Cave Dale is a dry limestone valley in the Derbyshire Peak District, England. It is located at grid reference SK149824. Cave Dale had initially been formed by glacial meltwater which carved a deep narrow valley in the local soluble limestone. After that the river found a route underground leaving a dry valley with caverns underneath. Later on, the caverns below Cave Dale collapsed making the valley even deeper and gorge-like at the northern end. The Castleton entrance to Cave Dale had a narrow natural arch as recently as 200 years ago, a relic of the roof collapse.

• Address: Secret Valley, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 8WS, United Kingdom

• Timings: Open 24 hrs

Top Museums

Kelham Island Museum – The Kelham Island Museum is an industrial museum on Alma Street, alongside the River Don, in the centre of Sheffield, England. It was opened in 1982.

• Address: Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Thur – 10am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 4:45pm

• Price: £5–6

• Contact: +44 114 272 2106

Weston Park Museum – This is a museum in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It is the city’s largest museum and is housed in a Grade II listed building and managed by Museums Sheffield.

• Address: Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, United Kingdom

• Timings: Sun to Fri – 10am to 4pm, Sat – 10am to 5pm

• Price: Free

• Contact: +44 114 278 2600

The National Emergency Services Museum – The National Emergency Services Museum is in Sheffield, England. It is a self-funded organisation dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Emergency Services and their communities. The National Emergency Services Museum is housed in a unique Victorian combined Police, Fire and Ambulance station on West Bar, opposite the Law Courts of Sheffield City Centre. In this Tardis-like building, we house a treasure trove of items, from a 47-foot lifeboat to the Insurance Fire Brigade’s beer tokens! 

• Address: The Old Police/Fire Station, West Bar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8PT

• Timings: Wed to Sun – 10am to 4pm

• Price:

• Telephone: 0114 2491 99

Top Arts & Culture Places

The Millennium Gallery – The Millennium Gallery is an art gallery and museum in the centre of Sheffield, England. In 2011, it was listed as the 15th most-visited free attraction in the country by Visit England. Designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt, the building is made from concrete and glass, with galleries extending from a central avenue, which connects Arundel Gate with Sheffield Winter Garden. 

• Address: 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Wed – 10am to 5pm, Thur – 10am to 8pm, Fri & Sat – 10am to 5pm, Sun – 11am to 4pm

• Prices: Free

• Contact: +44 114 278 2600

The Cathedral Church of St Marie – It is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Sheffield, England. It is in a slightly hidden location, just off Fargate shopping street, but signals its presence with a tall spire. It is a perfect example of an English Roman Catholic Cathedral, with much unique interior decoration. There are several particularly notable side altars, historical statues and painted tiles.

• Address: Cathedral House, Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JB, United Kingdom

Carl Wark – It is a rocky promontory on Hathersage Moor in the Peak District National Park, just inside the boundary of Sheffield, England. The peninsula is surrounded by vertical cliffs on all but one side, which is safeguarded by a prehistoric embankment. The cliffs and embankment form a corral that has been interpreted as an Iron Age hill fort. However, the date of construction and purpose of the fortifications remains unknown. The site is a scheduled monument.

• Address: Sheffield, Hope Valley S32 1BR, United Kingdom

Top Outdoor Places

The Peak District National Park – The Peak District National Park became the first national park in the United Kingdom in 1951. With its propinquity to the cities of Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Sheffield, and easy access by road and rail, it allures millions of visitors every year. Inhabited from the Mesolithic era, evidence exists from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages. Settled by the Romans and Anglo-Saxons, the area remained mostly agricultural, and mining grew in importance in the medieval era.

• Address: Bakewell, United Kingdom

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Contact: +44 1629 816200

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens – The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are botanical gardens situated near the University of Sheffield, England, with 5,000 species of plants in 19 acres of land. The gardens were designed by Robert Marnock and first opened in 1836. The most remarkable feature of the gardens is the Grade II listed glass pavilions, restored and reopened in 2003. Other significant structures are the main gateway, the south entrance lodge and a bear pit.

• Address: Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Fri – 8am to 4pm, Sat & Sun – 10am to 4pm

• Contact: +44 114 268 6001

The Rother Valley Country Park – This is a country park in the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, near the Rotherham’s border with Sheffield and Derbyshire. It covers 3 square kilometres, has 4 man-made lakes, recreational activities and nature reserves. The bulk of the park is on land that was opencast for coal, with the main excavation sites filled by the artificial lakes.

• Address: Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5PQ, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Sun – 8:30am to 5pm

• Contact: +44 114 247 1452

Best Restaurants

Forge Bakehouse – Forge began as a humble bakery and branched out with a café. Now it has monthly supper clubs, cocktails, burgers and shakes. But their best will always be the bread, baked fresh every day, right beside the café. Order the Mexican-style huevos rancheros for brunch, but do not leave without a loaf of sourdough or another treat to take home.

• Address: 152-144 Steade Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1GA, UK

• Timings: Mon to Sat – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Sun – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Contact: Bakery – 0114 258 8987, Table Bookings – 0114 250 7881

• Popular Dish: For fresh bread and a creative brunch menu

Joro – With its hyper-local produce and ample tasting menu, modern British restaurant Joro is one of the swishest eating establishments in Sheffield, even though it’s in the Krynkl shipping container development. At this award-winning joint, seasonal small plates are beautifully presented and fashioned from local ingredients.

• Address: 0.2 – 0.5 Krynkl, 294 Shalesmoor, Sheffield, S3 8US

• Timings: Lunch 12.00pm to 3.00pm (Thursday to Saturday), Dinner 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Wednesday to Saturday)

• Contact: 0114 258 8987

• Price: 5 Course Lunch Menu £35 (Optional Drinks Flight £30)

Nonnas – The first Nonnas opened in Sheffield in 1996. Since then the Italian restaurant has become a favourite throughout the city, serving homey Italian food at reasonable prices.

• Address: 535-541 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PR  

• Timings: 5 pm to 7 pm on most days

• Contact: 0114 268 6166 

• Popular Dish: the eight-hour slow-cooked Italian sausage with tagliatelle

• Price: £8 bowls of pasta

Best Bars

Picture House Social – It is housed in the 1920s building, Abbeydale Picture House. A bar in a former ballroom, this funky establishment flaunts a spacious venue for dancing and comfortable seating. With a monthly changing cocktail menu and a careful selection of craft beers and tasty Italian street food, this has become a popular social space.

• Address: 383 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, UK

• Contact: +44 114 258 1690

The Wig And Pen – This is an elegant establishment far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Spanning over two floors, with a classy interior and a seasonal menu, they serve excellent cocktails, a great beer selection, and wine at friendly prices. It’s perfect to meet friends over a pint, share a mouth-watering platter of food, or enjoy a glass of wine in a famed location.

• Address: 44 Campo Lane, Sheffield, UK

• Contact: +44 114 272 2150

The Showroom – Housed in one of the largest cinemas in Europe, The Showroom Bar & Café is the ideal spot for a relaxing drink before attending a screening of an experimental film or a Hollywood blockbuster. As a nucleus for Sheffield creatives, The Showroom has upped its foodie game with a head chef straight from one of the trendy fine-dining restaurants. It is a regular host for live music and a myriad of other events, The Showroom is a bar and restaurant where there is always something going on in culturally vibrant surroundings.

• Address: 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, UK

• Contact: +44 114 249 5479

Fun Things To Do in Sheffield

Ringinglow Archery – Located in Ringinglow, Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District National Park they provide an ideal location for relaxation and fun while experiencing archery or any of their other varied and exciting target activities. Their staff are fully trained, qualified to coach, and come with a wealth of experience. They will ensure you get the most during your time with them. This is one of the best things to do in Sheffield.

• Address: Ringinglow road Smelting Farm, Sheffield S11 7TD England

• Timings: Wed to Mon – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

• Contact: Tel: +44 114 230 3347

• Mail: ringinglowarchery@gmail.com

• Prices:

Escape Sheffield – An exciting new escape room in the heart of the city centre. Based on the High Street, they proffer four impressive rooms; Espionage, Contagion, Witchcraft and Wizardry and 221b Baker Street. Two rooms are allocated for Witchcraft and Wizardry, which are competitive style and can fit up to 12 players at once!

• Address: 33 High Street, Sheffield S1 2GA England

• Timings: Sun to Sat – 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

• Contact: Tel – +44 7949 806442

• Prices:

Awesome Walls Climbing Centre – England’s largest indoor climbing centre with the title of National Performance Centre for climbing. They cater for all from the very timid first-timer to the world rock stars at the top of their game. Awesome Walls Sheffield is a one-stop-shop for adventure and activity. Individuals, Birthdays, Schools, Co-operative events, any group are catered for by friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff. 

• Address: Garter Green Industrial Centre Garter Street, Sheffield S4 7QX England

• Timings: Mon to Fri – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat to Sun – 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

• Contact: +44 114 244 6622

• Mail: sheffield@awesomewalls.co.uk

• Prices:

Top Shopping Places

Meadowhall – This is an indoor shopping centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It is located 3 miles north-east of Sheffield city centre and 2 miles from Rotherham town centre.

• Address: Meadowhall Centre The Management Suite 1 The Oasis, Sheffield S9 1EP, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Fri – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat – 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sun – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Contact: +44 333 313 2000

Crystal Peaks Shopping Mall and Retail Park – Crystal Peaks is a shopping centre and retail park in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It attracts around 11 million visitors a year, and it was established in 1988.

• Address: Crystal Peaks, Sheffield S20 7PJ, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Wed – 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Thu to Fri – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sat – 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sun – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Contact: +44 114 251 0457

The Moor Market – Modern, indoor farmers’ market selling organic meat, fruit and vegetables, with artisan food stalls.

• Address: 77 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4PF, United Kingdom

• Timings: Mon to Sat – 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Contact: +44 114 273 5281

Top Accommodations

Leopold Hotel in Sheffield’s city centre – This used to be a boys’ school but now is one of Sheffield’s most renowned boutique accommodation in Sheffield. Made in the heart of the city, it is great for exploring. The decor may seem a little dated to the trained eye. Still, sweet touches – such as photos from ex-pupils and memorabilia from the school days – add plenty of personality to the interior.

• Address: 2 Leopold Street, Sheffield City Centre Sheffield, England, S1 2GZ, United Kingdom

• Contact: +441142524000

• Prices: From £50 onwards

Brocco on the Park – Located a little outside the city, this stunning guest house is where Picasso was believed to have stayed in 1950 while attending the Peace Conference. With only eight rooms, the decoration of each is done in a unique, simplistic and stylish way so that it feels cosy and homely. They are named after different birds and have the kind of stunning roll-top bathtubs you will want to climb in and never leave. The café is genial and serves a range of treats to suit all taste buds.

• Address: 92 Brocco Bank, Sheffield, England, S11 8RS, United Kingdom

• Contact: +441142661233

• Price: From £82 onwards

Halifax Hall – This Hotel near Sheffield University is a period mansion-turned-boutique hotel. It is the kind of luxury weekend escape that couples particularly enjoy, thanks to the romantic vibe and close by Sheffield Botanical Gardens. The decor is simple, but it makes up with a variety of satisfying breakfast options. Sheffield city centre is accessible by train or bus, or one can head to the nearby Peak District to enjoy a walk with stunning views.

• Address: Sheffield, England, S10 3ER, United Kingdom

• Contact: +441142228810

• Price: From £57 onwards