Things to do in Sheffield

Sheffield, nestled in the heart of South Yorkshire, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Sheffield Cathedral, steeped in centuries of history, or wander through the ruins of the medieval Sheffield Castle.

Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Millennium Gallery showcasing both contemporary and historic artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the Peak District National Park is just a stone's throw away, providing opportunities for hiking, cycling, and breathtaking scenic views. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional Yorkshire pubs serving hearty meals to trendy cafes offering artisanal treats.

And no visit to Sheffield would be complete without experiencing its renowned music scene; catch a live gig at iconic venues like the Leadmill or the Sheffield Arena. Whether exploring its rich heritage, enjoying the great outdoors, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its vibrant music culture, Sheffield promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Fun Activities

Sheffield Cable Waterski & Cable has a Total Wipeout style Aqua Park! You have to find you way through various inflatable obstacles like trampolines, slides and walls and the infamous ‘blast bag’ which will send you flying through the air!, plus they can also offer Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding. Also at the Rother Valley Country Park you can also go canoeing, paddle boarding or even hire a jet ski, and if you’d rather stay dry you can hire a mountain bike, you can also visit the Matlock Farm Park near to Matlock.

Eating Out

You’ve got to try ‘Sheffield’s favourite sandwich’ at Béres - a meaty delight of succulent pork and perfect crispy crackling that have been made the same way for 50 years. And you’re never far from a Béres shop as there are now 9 dotted across the city. For something a bit more continental, Cubana Tapas Bar serves authentic Cuban-style tapas with a warm latino welcome and lively music. Experience a taste of ‘modern Yorkshire, head to Silversmiths for locally sourced meats and cheeses – and of course a healthy dollop of Henderson’s Relish!

After Dark

Sheffield has been called the home of the craft beer movement, and you can find hundreds of varieties of beer on offer in the many pubs and bars around the city. The Fat Cat Pub has its own brewery on site and is a great example of a cosy traditional pub. The Sheffield Tap is also known for offering a huge selection of both locally brewed ales and international bottled beers. Legendary music venue Leadmill has seen performances by many big names before they became famous, such as local lads Arctic Monkeys, and is authentically dark and dingy!

Culture Vulture

Kelham Island Museum is a unique cultural experience, as it’s located on a man-made island in the old industrial part of the city. You’ll learn about Sheffield’s worldwide reputation for steel-making and see a jaw-dropping 12,000-horsepower steam engine in action. The award winning Winter Gardens is also a must see, the stunning greenhouse is one of the largest in the UK and hone to thousands of beautiful plants. It's also right next to the Millennium Galleries with it's rusting metalwork exhibits and Millennium Square, so you can wander around all there in an afternoon

Something a bit different…

If you like the weird and wonderful, you’ll love the Alfred Denny Museum. For over a hundred years this museum was one of the best-kept secrets in Sheffield, and only open to biology students at the University.

Now it’s open to everyone, and you can see all kinds of rare specimens in the collection, like giant salamanders, a dissected dolphin and the skull of an extinct 10-foot animal called the Terror Bird! You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Sheffield.

We hope that you like our article called Things to do in Sheffield, so why not now plan a trip to Sheffield and see what you can find in this revitalised historical and industrial city.