With the third largest population by district in the UK, Sheffield is fast becoming the city to visit if you’re ever up in South Yorkshire. But don’t stick to boring tourist books and online guides, instead learn from the locals and read up on our top 12 things to do… you’ll never have a boring afternoon again!
Shop for everything in the Nichols Building
The Nichols Building is a three-floor beautiful Victorian building that once played home to coffee roasters and tea blenders. Now full of unique independent shops, you can easily lose a day browsing and shopping the wares within.
Eat a genuine Hungarian Pork Sandwich
Beres Pork Shop is an institution in Sheffield and has been in place for 50 years, since the founders moved from Hungary. You don’t have to stick to a sandwich but it comes highly recommended!
Ride the terrifying Paternoster Lift at the Arts Tower
A paternoster lift never stops moving and has no door – a rarity given health and safety standards now. The Arts Tower, part of the University of Sheffield, still has a working paternoster and it’s said to be the biggest in the world!
Step into the World of Film with Handmade Cinema
Sheffield-based community group Handmade Cinema host films and cinema screenings as part of interactive workshops and events suitable for both children and adults. You’ve never seen a film like it… and you’ll soon be converted!
Take a Water Zorbing Lesson
There’s no coastline around Sheffield but there’s plenty of water about. Rother Valley Country Park, just up the road, offers the opportunity for you to try waterskiing, water zorbing and rowing.
Shop and Dance at the Peddler Market
The Peddler Market isn’t like regular shopping markets – it’s full of DJs, live music and street performers! There’s even a roller disco – so what are you waiting for?
Light Up at the Lantern Carnival
Sharrow Lantern Carnival was set up to celebrate the end of the Iraq War and is now an annual staple in the Sheffield calendar. Make or buy a lantern and take it with you to light up the skies.
Take a Picnic in a Park
With other 650 green spaces and over 80 public parks, there’s loads of places to sit outdoors in Sheffield. Consult Google Maps for your nearest.
Explore the Winter Gardens
If the weather doesn’t quite suit a picnic outdoors, head inside to the city’s Winter Gardens. It’s an award-winning building, is open daily and is free to visit.
Drink your way around a Museum
Kelham Island Museum stands on a man-made island and is surrounded by a Real Ale Trail… so can learn about the industry around Sheffield through history and grab a drink at the same time!
Take an Alpaca for a Walk
Mayfield Alpaca Farm allows visitors to walk with their alpacas but also to meet with llamas, reindeer, wallabies and meerkats. The perfect excuse to make some new (furry) friends!
Spot the This Is England sets
Much of This Is England was filmed in Sheffield, thanks to its brutalist architecture. See what you can spot as you tour the city – you may be surprised by how much you recognise.