If you’re looking for fun things to do in Sheffield you’ll have plenty to choose from in England’s greenest city.
Sheffields deep rooted heritage in steel production that this South Yorkshire city on the world map in the 19th century. But yet, there is far more to Sheffield than an urban sprawl and a history of cutlery making. With one third of the city located within the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is a gloriously green city, boasting over two million trees and 150 miles of clean rivers flowing through it. Its compact size makes Sheffield an easy city to explore, and there are lots of shops and cafes that will entice you in as you wander. When it comes to days out, there’s a great choice of fun and unique things to do. Take a look at our top picks of what to do for your stay in Sheffield - the difficult part will be deciding!
Green and Peaceful
The Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to experience Sheffield at its greenest and most peaceful. Expect stunning glasshouses, an abundance of well-tended plants and a great café. Alternatively, Sheffield Winter Garden is perfect to get lost. Boasting over 2000 species of plants that thrive in the temperate climes of the biggest urban glasshouse in Europe, and the aptly named Peace Gardens are a city centre oasis. The gardens are where visitors mingle with office workers on their lunch breaks and kids play in the fountains during the summer. Further out of the city centre is Endcliffe Park, Sheffield’s first municipal park. The park is still a firm favourite for an inexpensive family day out. Take a picnic, feed the ducks, admire the waterfalls and watch the children enjoy the playground.
Animal Magic
Wildlife fans are spoilt for choice in Sheffield with plenty of places to see our furry and feathered friends. The Tropical Butterfly House and the Wildlife & Falconry Centre just outside the city is well worth the trip. There you can see a variety of animals and experience encounters with meerkats, butterflies, mini beasts, birds and more. Graves Park Animal Farm is home to some of the UK’s rarest farm breeds including Tamworth pigs and Jacob sheep. The farm provides a great day out in the fresh air for young and old alike. Finally, ice cream fans should make a beeline for Our Cow Molly Dairy Farm & Ice Cream Shop where you can meet the cows who produce the milk. Apparently the ice cream is so good, it’s a local legend.
Marvellous Museums
Located on a 900 year old man-made island, Kelham Island Museum is home to fascinating exhibits that tell the story of Sheffield’s emergence as the city of steel during the industrial revolution and through Victorian times and two world wars. The nearby National Emergency Services Museum is housed in an old fire and police station. The largest of its kind in the world, it tells the often heroic story of the men and women who have dedicated their working lives to keeping the public safe. The attention to detail is so vivid that the Victorian police cells come complete with authentic smells! Situated in the lovely Weston Park, Weston Park Museum is also well worth a visit to discover more about Sheffield’s rich and interesting heritage.
Art and Culture
Sheffield is home to the Crucible Theatre, which is as famous for its amphitheatre design as it is for the prestigious names who come to perform in its plays. The Crucible Studios and the Edwardian Lyceum Theatre are also part of the Sheffield Theatres family and host a wide variety of shows between them. Top of the list for art lovers should be the Millennium Gallery. This modern gallery plays host to a huge range of visiting exhibitions and is also home to lots of permanent exhibits, with the Metalwork Collection being amongst the most popular. To see works by famous names from both the past and the present like Cezanne, Turner, Bridget Riley and Damien Hurst, visit the Graves Gallery, located above the Sheffield Central Library.
