Sheffield
Sheffield has a rich industrial history dating back to the 18th century, when it became known as a global hub for steel production and was nicknamed “Steel City.” Following the decline of heavy industry in the late 20th century, it faced economic challenges but began transforming into a centre for education, culture, and technology. Today, it is home to two major universities, a thriving arts scene, and beautiful green spaces including the Peak District National Park right on its doorstep. The city has regenerated many of its industrial spaces to house flourishing new businesses and environmental research projects. It has a burgeoning culinary scene, a nationwide reputation for brewing, and is home to Europe’s largest food hall. Slightly under the radar for many, Sheffield is a vibrant, forward-looking city, prospering on the foundations of its industrial heritage.
Highlights
Millenium Gallery
One of the most-visited free attractions in England, the Millennium Gallery on Arundel Gate is Sheffields’ top destination for art, craft and design. The Gallery is the permanent home of Sheffield’s unique Metalwork Collection and the Ruskin Collection of manuscripts, watercolours and drawings, donated by the Victorian artist and writer himself, to the city of Sheffield. The Gallery also plays host to major touring exhibitions.
Sheffield Winter Garden
The largest urban glasshouse in Europe, Sheffield’s Winter Garden is 70 metres long and 22 metres high. It is home to more than 2,500 plants from all around the world. It is directly accessible from the Millenium Gallery and there are also shops and light refreshments available.
Kelham Island
Once the beating heart of industry, Kelham Island is one of Sheffield’s oldest manufacturing sites. The remains of the numerous cutlery and steel works, factories and workshops give the area atmosphere, but today the buildings house everything from shops to microbreweries and galleries. We will visit Kelham Island on the first day of our Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Dales tour.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Not far from the city centre, Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836 and cover around 19 acres. Listed by English Heritage as a site of special historical and architectural interest, the Gardens are divided into many different global geographic and botanical areas, cultivating over 5,000 different tree and plant species.
Sheffield’s Theatres
Sheffield has a thriving theatre scene at you could check here to see what’s on. The Crucible, the Playhouse and the beautiful Lyceum all stage a vibrant selection of plays, musicals, drama and comedy.
Sheffield Cathedral
Situtated on Church Street, this is the oldest building in the city, still in daily use. Formerly a Parish church, it was granted Cathedral status in 1914, but the history of Christianity on this site goes back over 1000 years. There are many layers to uncover, including original Norman stones, Tudor Monuments and a modern-day Lantern Tower.
Where to stay
Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria
The Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria in Sheffield comprises 105 bedrooms all refurbished in 2019 and it has complimentary Wifi access. This is the pick-up hotel for our Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Dales tour.
Homely Apartments – Figtree House
If you are looking for a City Centre stay then Figtree House couldn’t be better positioned, situated off the main streets on a cobbled lane, yet only a short stroll from the Cathedral, and the shopping precinct of Fargate.
House of Joro
A boutique hotel of 4 beautifully designed rooms, affiliated with the JÖRO restaurant. A beautiful space to enjoy a foodie staycation or spend time in the heart of the city. A short walk from Kelham Island.
The Quays Hotel Sheffield
The Quays Hotel is located on the beautiful Victoria Quayside. It is within close proximity to all popular shopping and tourist attractions.
Where to eat
Cambridge Street Collective
This is Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall and it opened in 2024. It houses an exciting variety of inspiring world food vendors under one roof, and you can expect a truly unique food hall experience, with 20 independent food partners to choose from, all different and offering their own unique twists on both new and traditional cuisine from around the globe. 11 Backfields, S1 4HP
Cutlery Works
Sheffield’s original food hall and one of the of the largest food halls in the North of England! Winner of ‘Best Food Hall in the UK’ at the British Street Food awards in both 2022 & 2023, Cutlery is a hive of foodie businesses under one roof offering an eclectic mix of flavours from across the globe. 73-101 Neepsend Lane, S3 8AT
Jöro
Since opening in 2016, this urban restaurant influenced by nature, has been busy wowing food critics and customers alike, garnering awards and is consistently ranked amongst the best restaurants in the country via the likes of the The Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide. 0.2 – 0.5 Krynkl 294. S3 8US Tel 0114 299 1539
Bench
A neighbourhood hangout with an outside terrace offering communal bistro-style dining. A seasonal menu alongside cocktails, natural wine and beer. 7B Nether Edge Road, S7 1RU. They have no phone number – please book online!
Native
Native is a fresh fish and seafood restaurant located on Gibraltar Street in Sheffield. Provenance and quality in a great atmosphere are key ingredients, and Native certainly doesn’t disappoint. 167-169 Gibralter Street, S3 8UA. Tel 0114 272 5719
Rafters Restaurant
A relaxed 26-seater restaurant tucked away in the leafy suburb of Nethergreen, Rafters has been a mainstay of Sheffield’s fine dining scene for nearly 30 years. 220 Oakrook Road, S11 7ED Tel 0114 230 4819
Caffe Tucci
For coffee lovers try this friendly, family-run café bringing a true taste of Naples to the city centre, serving sumptuous pastries, panini, bruschetta, cake and coffee. 49 Surrey Street, S1 2LG
What to order
Sheffield is a brewing capital of the world. The city, and the wider South Yorkshire region, is now home nearly 60 breweries, more per head of population than anywhere else in the country, producing around 1,800 different beers every year. The quality of the craft beers and real ale here is second to none. If you are in the city centre look out for the Sheffield Tap, Hop Hideout, St Mars of the Desert and Shakespeares. Triple Point Brewery is worth a visit, not least because Jackie’s nephew Will works there! If you are more of a gin drinker, try the tour at Locksley Distilling Co in a Grade II listed building at Portland Works in the heart of the city.
Transport
Manchester Airport is the closest, with the most worldwide connections (over 200 destinations flying into Manchester from over 70 airlines). There are hourly fast trains from Manchester City Centre to Sheffield which connect to/from Manchester International airport. East Midlands Airport is another option, although it has a smaller selection of destinations.
The mainline station in Sheffield offers an impressive entry to the city, with fast direct links from London St Pancras International departing every 30 minutes or so. Sheffield is served by East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express trains and Northern Rail.
The compact city centre makes walking the natural option. To access sites further out, the state-of-the-art Supertram is easy to use.
For unlimited travel across Sheffield on all public transport, the simple Travel Master CityWide ticket can be purchased on board buses and trams or in advance. Visit www.sytravelmaster.com or www.staegecoachbus.com for trams.
If you are making plans for wider Europe then www.raileurope.com is a useful site. Another highly recommended train travel website is Seat 61.
Another useful car transfer website which has been recommended by HH guests is mydaytrip which can arrange private cars to and from most European cities.