Sheffield is known by people as “Steel City”. Where did you hear about it, from Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ or 1997’s ‘The Full Monty’ and beyond? But Sheffield does not always exist in stories or history. When you decide to tour this city, do you still have no idea what to do and see in Sheffield? Here are the ultimate listings of things to do in Sheffield, including must-see attractions, special events, study places to visit, and days out. Go with us, and you will find some scenes you truly like, both day and night!
Best Things to Do in Sheffield
Except for “Steel City,” Sheffield is also famous for its green spaces, which are worth visiting. Here are our hand-picked best things to do in Sheffield, from beautiful gardens to museums and galleries with high artistry, as well as hot-pick live music. Look further and start to plan your journey at this moment.
Parks & Gardens - Top National Attractions to See in Sheffield
Sheffield is the greenest city in the UK, with over 60% of the city’s area covered by green space, including parks, woodlands, and gardens. There are over 150 parks and green spaces. The city has more trees per person than any other city in Europe, with a total of around 4.5 million trees.
1. Peak District National Park
- 📍Location: Lied to the east of the city of Sheffield, the Peak District National Park is located in central England, spanning parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, and Staffordshire.
- 💰Fee: Free for 24 hours.
- 💡What is it: The Peak District Park, established in 1951, is the UK’s first national park and the largest national park. With 22 million visitors every year, it is the second most popular national park in the world. It is ranked the top natural area for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring nature.
- 🐕Dogs Allowed.
2. Endcliffe Park
- 📍Location: Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB.
- 💰Fee: Free to enter and open to the public; 24-hour opening.
- 💡What is it: Dating from 1887, you will find statue of Queen Victoria, children’s playground, cafes and a lake. There are many woodlands here, and activities of various sizes are often held here.
- 🐕Dogs Allowed.
3. Graves Park
- 📍Location: Hemsworth Rd, Sheffield S8 8LJ.
- 💰Fee: Free, 24-hour opening.
- 💡What is it: it is the largest park in Sheffield city with playgrounds, woodlands, lakes, sports grounds, a cafe, and an urban farm with animals.
- 🐕Dogs Allowed.
4. Sheffield Botanical Gardens
- 📍Location: Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN.
- 💰Fee: Free.
- 💡What is it: There are plenty of plants and flowers from around the world in themed areas, formal gardens, and a large glasshouse. It is the best destination for families to visit beauty.
- 🐕Dogs Allowed.
5. Whiteley Woods
- 📍Location: Oakbrook Rd, Sheffield S11 7EB.
- 💰Fee: Free.
- 💡What is it: It is within walking distance from Forge Dam, with a large lake where you can splash, paddle, and play in the water. There are cafes around and the prices are reasonable.
- 🐕Dogs Allowed.
Museum and Galleries: Things to See Top Listings in Sheffield
If you are looking for somewhere to spend a rainy day or have a place to listen to the story of the city and its people, museums and galleries are always your best destinations. Besides, Sheffield’s museums are free for everyone. To see and feel the art and the best design with your children, they may set their imagination soaring.
6. Kelham Island Museum
- 📍: Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY.
- ⌛: Opening time: 10 am to 4 pm.
- 🖼️: It is the industry & steelmaking history museum of Sheffield. The special scenes are interactive galleries and on-site craftsmen.
7. National Emergency Services Museum
- 📍: Old Police/Fire Station, West Bar Green, Sheffield S3 8PT.
- ⌛: Opening time: 10 am to 4 pm.
- 💰: £ 9.50
- 🖼️: Fire-fighting exhibits and 40 emergency service vehicles on display in a 1900 former fire station.
8. Weston Park Museum
- 📍: Western Bank, Weston Park Museum, Mushroom Ln, Sheffield S10 2TP.
- ⌛: Opening time: 10 am to 4 pm.
- 🖼️: It is a Victorian museum with archaeology and natural and social history exhibits, plus temporary displays.
9. Millennium Gallery
- 📍: 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP.
- ⌛: Opening time: 10 am to 4 pm.
- 🖼️: it has a metalwork collection and a Ruskin collection with prints, drawings and paintings. Temporary exhibitions and the creative hub act as a cultural hub with activities, workshops, and events for the community and visitors.
10. Graves Gallery
- 📍: Surrey St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1XZ.
- ⌛: Opening time: 11 am to 4 pm.
- 🖼️: There are significant British and European works by 19th and 20th-century artists, including Stanley Spencer.
Music and Comedy: Fun Activities to Do
Sheffield’s music scene is renowned, it has born diverse genres, from rock and pop to electronic, as well as synth-pop. Globally acclaimed bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Def Leppard, and The Human League have come from Sheffield. If you are enthusiastic about music, you must join the Tramlines Festival, a gold gathering for musicians annually. It typically takes place every July as one of the UK’s most popular city-based music festivals. It features a mix of global stars, UK chart-toppers, and local Sheffield talent, attracting thousands of attendees every year. The main events are held at Hillsborough Park, with additional activities across the city, including fringe events in local bars and venues. In addition, Sheffield has a wide range of clubs to create every charming night for you.
As stand-up shows continue to rise in popularity, Sheffield has become a hotspot for comedy events, offering a variety of shows for every taste. One of the highlights is the Sheffield Comedy Festival, held every April, which stands as one of the biggest comedy festivals in the UK. In addition, Doc/Fest, primarily a documentary film festival, has increasingly incorporated comedy screenings, with stand-up shows adding an extra layer of entertainment to the festival atmosphere. These events are perfect for anyone looking for laughter-filled nights and a chance to experience the best in comedy talent!
What to Do in Sheffield City for Daily
Not like the visitors searching for the must-see attractions and must-do events, do you always feel blank and bored in the city? What can ou do in Sheffield City as a citizen? Here’s a curated list of exciting ideas to spice up your days and nights, from must-try eateries and the perfect study spots to top shopping destinations and buzzing nightlife experiences!
Visit Best Restaurants to Eat in Sheffield
If you’re tired of exploring West Street every day, come with us as we uncover some delicious hidden gems tucked away in the corners of the city. Whether you are seeking something new to taste or enthusiastic about specific dishes, here you will find these popular and unique restaurants, including food in Europe, China, Korea, India, and so on.
11. JORO
- Location: 0.2 – 0.5 Krynkl 294, Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8US.
- What is Special: Elegant, modern spot with an elevated British tasting menu, drink pairings & a gin & tonic list.
12. Cutlery Works
- Location: 73 – 101 Neepsend Ln, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8AT.
- What is Special: This is a converted cutlery factory and the largest food court in northern England. Here, you can sample 14 delicacies from different vendors. Konjo offers a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese dishes, all cooked over an open fire, while China Red offers authentic Sichuan cuisine. Plus, Nashville-style chicken, sushi, pizza, Mexican, Thai and burgers. The Bullion chocolate counter is well stocked, while local coffee roaster Foundry offers some delicious coffees.
13. Ashoka
- Location: 307 Ecclesall Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8NX.
- What is Special: Enduring, traditionally-styled Indian restaurant for wood-smoked tandoor and classic curry dishes.
14. No Name Sheffield
- Location: 253 Crookes, Sheffield S10 1TF.
- What is Special: No Name is a small modern bistro with a simple but not fixed menu. All dishes feature seasonal and local ingredients.
15. Napoli Centro
- Location: 343 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HP.
- What is Special: Best Neapolitan-style pizzas offered, which also serve wine & beer.
16. Piña
- Location: 3 Harvest Ln, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8EF.
- What is Special: Chill hangout specializing in Mexican street food & tequilas served in a former warehouse.
Study Places to See & Stay in Sheffield
Sheffield is the home of the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. The University of Sheffield was founded in 1905; thus, through more than a hundred of history, there are several valuable attractions to see. If you, as parents, are finding somewhere for your kids to visit, they are also the best places to visit with your children.
17. The Diamond
This iconic building is a hub for engineering students, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, study spaces, and a café. It’s a popular spot for both students and visitors.
18. Western Bank Library
Western Bank Library is a Grade II listed building opened in 1959 by Nobel prize-winning poet T. S. Eliot. The library was designed and built as a result of a national competition announced by the university in 1953. It was the university’s main library until the Information Commons was opened in April 2007. Western Bank Library is linked to the Arts Tower via a bridge between their mezzanine floors.
19. The Arts Tower
It is a building at 12 Bolsover Street in Sheffield, England, belonging to the University of Sheffield, opened in 1965. A spokesperson for English Heritage described it as “the most elegant university tower block in Britain of its period”. At 78 m (256 ft) tall, it is the second-tallest building in the city, after the 101 m (331 ft) St Paul’s Tower on Arundel Gate, which was topped out in 2009. Similar to the Western Bank Library, the Art Tower is also listed as a Grade II Building.
Go Shopping in Sheffield
When it comes to shopping, Sheffield’s true and independent soul is found in its retail sector. From locally made to second-hand goods to designer boutiques, Sheffield’s shopping district is packed with things not to be missed. While independent design is booming, there is also a lack of high-street brands here. Fargate and The Moor areas are home to big names. Meadowhall is the largest shopping centre in Sheffield and even Yorkshire, guaranteed to meet all your shopping needs!
20. West Street
If you guys want to buy major high-end brands, then please go to Fargate. This is a gathering place for high-end brands. It is located in the core area of the city centre, next to Town Hall. Various old department stores like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis allow you to buy all the products in one stop!
21. Meadowhall
Junction 34 of the M1 motorway is where Meadowhall is located. It has more than 270 shops, 37 restaurants and cafes, and a large cinema. It is one of the most popular shopping and leisure destinations in the UK, welcoming more than 30 million people and tourists every year. You will find plenty of large chain shopping malls and stores such as House of Fraser, Debenhams, Next, BHS, WHSmith, Boots, and H&M, and specialty retail brands such as French Connection, Karen Millen, Jaeger, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, and Gap, etc.
22. The Moor Market
There is a new cinema here, restaurants with different flavors, and a modern indoor market with more than 196 stalls. From fresh and organic meat, fruits, and vegetables to jewelry, clothing, and newsstands, you can get anything you want. It is worth mentioning that there are also some rare handmade food stalls and speciality cafes in the market, including Russian and Jamaican delicacies, handmade ales and beers, Thai-style ice cream, handmade cakes, handicrafts and fabrics, etc. If you want to try something new, You can’t miss it here. If you explore here, please remember to try the Chuan Food, which is so authentic and delicious!
Top Things to Do in Sheffield at Night
Sheffield offers a great night out for adults with its fabulous nightlife. You will find back your soul from brilliant bars and pubs to live music and cinemas or the theatre. When you feel bored about your life, save yourself now with our listings. Get to explore some of Sheffield’s best independent venues, clubs, and bars.
23. Bal Fashions
Located at 16 Exchange St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S2 5TR, it is the Live Music Bar. The average cost ranges from £10 to £20 per person.
24. Bamboo Door
located at Unit 3 Leopold St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JG, Bamboo is popular for its cocktails, including tropical cocktails, punches, beer, cider & wine in a hip.
25. Bungalows & Bears
Stands at Old Fire Station, 50 Division St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4GF. It is an airy, modern pub in the former fire station that serves cask ales and cocktails, plus a brunch and burger menu.
26. Church – Temple of Fun
Warehouse-style eatery offering pub grub, cocktails & spirits, plus a terrace with river views. It is located at 4a Rutland Way, Sheffield S3 8DG.
Things to Do near Sheffield, England: Days Out
While there are lots of things to do in Sheffield, there’s plenty more to discover just beyond the city. Adventure seekers can explore the stunning trails of nearby national parks or hop on a train from Sheffield to visit charming towns and soak in breathtaking landscapes. The cities suitable for day trips from Sheffield that are 1 hour or under are Leeds, York, and Manchester.
Where to Short Stay in Sheffield
If you are touring with your families, you can book the hotels. But if you are single and would like to have a budget-friendly place to stay in the city, you can find shared housing. If you are a student, then the best choice for you to consider is the student accommodation in Sheffield. Whether which needs you have, finding a reliable online portal will help you the most. uhomes.com offers a wide range of accommodation options in Sheffield, including student accommodation with rooms in types such as studios, ensuites, non-ensuites, 1-bed, 2-bed, 3-bed apartments, shared flats, and shared housing.
Conclusion on Things to Do in Sheffield
Our ultimate listings of things to do in Sheffield offer you 26 best attractions and events, covering the must-sees and dos, where to eat, music and art, what to do in your daily life, and how to spend the nightlife. Besides, if you are still wandering days out near Sheffield, we have also provided the best places to visit. Sheffield is a brilliant and visitor-friendly city for everyone to explore. It is also one of the most affordable cities in the UK. You will definitely find your fun from our lists here! Falling in love with Sheffield is as effortless as breathing.
FAQ about What to DO and See in Sheffield
What are things to do in Sheffield for couples?
Definitely fantastic for couples to explore Sheffield, you can join some events on weekends, exploring museums, going to the living house to feel a music carnival or going to the park to have a “green” hiking.
Tips for travel Mayfield Alpacas Animal Park.
Alpaca Farm Sheffield, located north of the village of Ringinglow on the outskirts of Sheffield, not only raises alpacas, but also ponies and other animals. Open from 10:00 to 16:00, with the price of £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 3 to 13 and for free under 3 years old.
Are all student accommodation in Sheffield dual occupancy?
That depends on the accommodations living policy. Generally speaking, if you choose the en-suite flat to rent, then that is not allowed, but if you rent the studios, then you can consult with your apartment.
