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21 of Best Things To Do in Sheffield

21 of Best Things To Do in Sheffield

Looking for the top things to do in Sheffield? Known as Steel City, Sheffield reached its claim to fame when the production of stainless-steel cutlery boomed in the 19th Century. The beautiful post-industrial city is a plethora of independent bars, award-winning eateries and home to two Universities, making it an affluent city for an array of people. Though the Steel City holds an abundance of history, from Sheffield FC football club to the 12th Century ruins of Beaucheif Abbey, factories and architecture are not all you will find. The city provides some of the best family days out with Gardens and Museums; making Sheffield a pretty green place in ‘God’s Own Country’ of Yorkshire.

So, whether you’re a history buff looking for culture or a foodie searching for the best independent dining destinations, this city might just be for you.

Due to the new COVID safety measures, please check each venue’s opening times and pricing before visiting 


Cutlery Works

Inspired by the markets of South East Asia, Cutlery Works is the largest independent food hall in the North of England. Located in Sheffield’s popular Kelham Island, the impressive 14,000sft space is split over two floors and is home to some of the city’s best independent food and drink businesses. From freshly made pizzas and sushi to delicious Indian dishes created using family recipes past down through generations, there’s something for everyone. Watch out for their frequent events such as Dog Life Drawing, Morning Yoga and chef pop up supper clubs.

73 – 101 Neepsend Ln, Sheffield S3 8AT – https://cutleryworks.co.uk/


The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife & Falconry Centre

Located 15 miles from the city centre, exotic, beautifully-coloured insects, rare bats, cheerful birds, and fascinating reptiles all await visitors to the Tropical Butterfly House. The park offers close-ups with the animals and free-flying bird displays alongside views of the best of British wildlife, so be sure to bring your camera.

Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ – https://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/

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Joro Restaurant Sheffield Things to do

Jöro Restaurant

Jöro in Kelham Island is located within the uber-trendy Kyrnkl building, a hive of independent businesses made entirely of upcycled shipping containers.
Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire, Jöro is influenced by nature. This quirky kitchen offers new menus frequently and each dish challenges unusual combinations of flavour with a mix of modern British, New Nordic and Asian cuisine. Their small plates menu enables you to taste a variety of dishes, ordering as little or as much as you can eat. After being awarded a Michelin Bid Gourmand, 3-AA-Rosettes and a 5/5 score from the Good Food Guide, it’s definitely one for the foodie bucket list of Top Things To Do in Sheffield.

0.2-0.5 Krynkl, 294, Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8US – http://www.jororestaurant.co.uk/

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INC Sheffield rooftop bar things to do in Sheffield

INC Rooftop Bar

INC is Sheffield’s first and arguably foremost rooftop bar. Located on the top floor of Krynkl in Kelham Island, INC is a modern innovation overlooking the historic Steel City. This rooftop bar keeps up appearances with its wide variety of gin, fantastic cocktails and spritzer menus as well as a vast selection of craft beers. Their drink philosophy is not founded on liquor alone, but also on their pride in a quality experience and service. Keep an eye out for their live music events and transformation to a Winter Wonderland during the colder months.

3.1-3.5 Krynkl, 294, Shalesmoor, Sheffield S3 8UL – https://incbar.co.uk/


Things to do in Sheffield Winter Gardens

Winter Garden

Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth herself in 2003, the Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glass-houses to be built in the UK in the last 100 years and therefore the flowery soul of Sheffield has pride of place in the heart of the city. Situated next to the Peace Gardens and the Millennium Galleries, the Winter Garden was erected with larch wood, derived from sustainable forests which generate echo-friendly upkeep of the plants to encapsulate Sheffield’s greener side. The Winter Garden provides a home for around 2,500 plants from all over the world and has an abundance of awards in commemoration.

90 Surrey St, Sheffield S1 2LH


Fat Hippo Kommune Sheffield

Kommune

Located in the heart of the city, Kommune is a social all-day dining hive of kitchens, brewers, and retailers. From mouthwatering burgers courtesy of Fat Hippo to Yoki’s Korean soul food. Aside from food, Kommune also has an iconic bar, which wraps around the distinctive staircase of the Grade ll listed building, an art gallery and specialist book, magazine and print store. Look out for their frequent events such as Yoga and Brunch, pop-up cinema nights and kids craft activities. Perfect when searching for a variety of things to do in Sheffield.

Castle House, Angel St, Sheffield S3 8LS – http://kommune.co.uk/


Ecclesall Road

The ideal spot for foodies with a passion for both well-known and independent restaurants, such as the highly appraised Indian Ashoka to Nonnas Italian, which is highly regarded for its authentic vision. Further along Ecclesall Road, you will find Endcliffe Park, a large family park that runs along the Porter Brook river. You can walk out to the Peak district from here by following an interesting route along the Porter Brook Valley, seeing sights such as The Forge Dam and Shepherd Wheel.


Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

First opened in 1836, Sheffield Botanical Gardens is situated close to the city centre. Occupying 19 acres of land, there are 18 beautiful garden areas which are all based on geographical and botanical themes to bring a wide-spread national feel to the steel city. The star of the show is most definitely a well-preserved fossil of a tree-like Lepidodendron, which is said to be 312 million years old and you will find it displayed in the evolution garden. There is plenty to see, no matter what time of year it is.

Clarkehouse Rd, Sheffield S10 2LN – www.sbg.org.uk


Kelham Island – voted the UK’s best neighbourhood

Kelham Island is one of Sheffield’s oldest manufacturing sites and one of the city’s best hang-out spots. The manmade island was created in the 1100s when a stream powered the iconic mill that still stands hundreds of years later. Since then, it has undergone a huge transformation and is now one of the city’s favourite hotspots for students and young professionals, so much so, it was voted the UK’s best neighbourhood. The Kelham Island Museum is a proud reminder of the city’s heritage and also a great way to learn about the history if you are visiting or a local yourself. Kelham Island is also home to the huge monthly feast that is Peddler Night Market, one of the best street food events in Yorkshire, plus the award-winning restaurants Jöro and The Milestone.


Public Sheffield Interior things to do in Sheffield

Public – named ‘Best Bar in th UK’

Recently named the Best Bar in the UK, Public is a speakeasy-style bar located underneath Sheffield town hall. Oddly enough, it got its name from being a former public toilet but today it is an atmospheric vision of pastel pink and deep green, almost as if you have stepped right into a Wes Anderson film set. This quirky venue prides itself on utilising unfamiliar cocktail ingredients such as white cacao, fermented rhubarb, fluffed orange and truffle oil to give you an unforgettable evening. Serving up elegant small plates to pair perfectly with their award-winning cocktails. Public is a very intimate hub,  so get there early to avoid disappointment.

23-55 Surrey St, Sheffield S1 2LG – Find out more about Public


London Road, Abbeydale Road & The Antique’s Quarter

Living up to name, there is an abundance of opportunities for a fantastic foodie experience on London Road. It is a multicultural area of Sheffield with the south side being home to several South Asian restaurants while the north side has a substantial amount of Chinese cuisines. London Road meets Abbeydale Road; home to some of Sheffield’s loved cafés, restaurants, bars and antique treasure troves. With six antique centres and a number of independent shops, Abbeydale Road, Queens Road and Broadfield Road have together become known as the Sheffield Antiques Quarter.


Picture House Social Sheffield main room

Picture House Social

Located along the popular Abbeydale Road, Picture House Social is an independent venue with music events, craft beer, cocktails, Italian inspired street food, ping pong tables, and terrace. It opened its doors back in 2014 and breathed new life into the Grade ll listed building formally known as the ‘Picture Palace’ because of its luxurious décor. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the party nights at the Picture House Social. With monthly quiz nights and feature nights on musical icons, it caters to a variety of audiences.

383 Abbeydale Rd, Sheffield S7 1FS – Find out more about Picture House Social

Insider’s tip – if you love great cocktails and delicious bao buns, venture to Barrow Boy which is just next door to Picture House Social, one of the YFG team’s favourite spots. 


Millennium Gallery

The Millennium Gallery is the destination for design, art, and innovation when you are in Sheffield. Here you can see behind the magic of the Steel City’s stretching span of heritage and history. Contemporary exhibitions such as the Ruskin Collection of paintings and everything you need to know about the rise and fall Sheffield’s Steelworks will be found just a stone’s throw away from the train station. You don’t need to travel far if you’re hungry, their in house all-day dining destination Ambulo offers speciality coffee, freshly pressed juices, smoothies, and a diverse food menu to suit everybody so that’s lunch sorted too.

48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2PP – https://www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/


hillsborough football sheffield

Hillsborough Stadium

Since its opening in 1899, Hillsborough Stadium has been the home of Sheffield Wednesday FC. At maximum capacity, it can seat up to 39,732 people, causing echoes of roaring atmosphere when there’s a game on. The stadium is located about 2.5 kilometres North-East from the city centre and 3 kilometres from the Sheffield train station so you can get to the stadium by getting the Sheffield Supertram which is accessible by many means in the city. For a lively affair, watch the local derby against rivals Sheffield United, that’s an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

76 Penistone Rd N, Sheffield S6 1SW – www.swfc.co.uk


the crucible theatre sheffield

The Crucible

A must for theatre lovings looking for things to do in Sheffield. Opening in 1971, you may recognise The Crucible being famous for hosting the most prestigious event in professional snooker, the World Snooker Championship in 1977. Though an interesting fact for Dad, the theatre is now renowned for showing a variety of shows and musicals for all the family.

55 Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 1DA – To see what’s on this month, click here

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Meadowhall Shopping Centre

Located 3 miles north-east of the city centre, Meadowhall is Sheffield’s leading shopping and leisure destination. Meadowhall offers a large variety of fashion brands as well as a food court offering a variety of fast food, restaurants and a cinema, meaning that it is the perfect family day out. The shopping mall has one of the best transport services of any other shopping mall in the UK, making it easy to get to.

Meadowhall Way, Sheffield S9 1EP – www.meadowhall.co.uk


School of Artisan Food Review Cookery School Exterior

The School of Artisan Food

The School of Artisan Food prides itself on schooling individuals about food rich in sustainability, taste, and nutrition. Although every day is a school day, Artisan Food promises it to be informal, friendly and informative, with various cooking courses on offer. From bakery, bread, smoking and even cheese-making all taught by world-class and award-winning tutors. The School strives to change lives for the better through their teachings – encouraging confidence, raising aspirations and improving attitudes for delicious, sustainable food. With the artisan movement exploding in Sheffield’s ever-expanding city centre, nestled on the Welbeck Estate over-looking the Sherwood Forest lies a school of archetypal traditional skills; flying their flag for classic culinary teaching.

Lower Motor Yard, Welbeck S80 3LR – www.schoolofartisanfood.org


peak district walks sheffield days out yorkshire

The Peak District National Park

Designated as one of the UK’s 15 national parks, The Peak District offers many fantastic opportunities such as walking, cycling and wildlife watching for both intense and leisurely activity days out. Located just outside of Sheffield, The Peak District has an extensive network of public footpaths and nature trails that cover around 1,800 miles of the rolling countryside hills. The Pennine Way traverses the Dark Peak from Edale to the park’s northern boundary just south Standedge. Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail, which re-uses former railway lines, is well used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists. One of the very best things to do in Sheffield.

Peak District National Park, Baslow Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AE – www.peakdistrict.gov.uk


Sharrow Vale Road

Sharrow Vale Road is a foodie must when looking for things to do in Sheffield. Just behind Ecclesall Road, this striving street host’s a true sense of community. From their very own Sharrow Vale Market which showcases independent talents through local stalls, to artisan bakeries such as Eve’s Kitchen, a minimalistic coffee shop with a menu that is far from basic. After an elegant afternoon wine tasting with Starmore Boss, you may fancy a traditional fish supper in style and J H Mann is Sheffield’s guy for that, supplying the finest of restaurants with the freshest of fish. Some of our other favourite spots on this road are Porter Pizza Company and Pom’s Kitchen.


The Milestone Sheffield Offer Chefs Baking

The Milestone Cookery School

The Milestone is a Victorian gastropub situated in Kelham Island, full of character and atmosphere, on one of the oldest industrial sites in Sheffield. They were semi-finalists in the TV series ‘Ramsey’s Best Restaurant’ in the British category and The Milestone has been recognised in the Michelin and AA Restaurant Guides. If you are visiting, this is the best way to spend the afternoon with or without company, by getting stuck in to ‘Advanced Bread’ classes or brushing up your culinary skills with diverse and challenging classes such as Indian Street Food. This is ultimately two hours of sociable fun and something to write home about from your visit. Insider tip – lookout for The Milestone Wine School coming soon too.

84 Green Lane, Sheffield, S38SE United Kingdom – https://the-milestone.co.uk/events/


Bramall Lane Stadium

Bramall Lane was opened in 1855 and was initially used as a cricket ground. The ground hosted its first football match in 1862. The stadium is now home to Sheffield United FC (also known as The Blades). Situated 1 mile from Sheffield train station, the stadium is easily accessible if there’s a few of you out for the day. Sheffield United, are now flying high in the Premier League. Proudly laying claim to Yorkshire’s highest-ranked football club.

Bramall Ln, Sheffield S2 4SU – www.sufc.co.uk


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Written by

Leah Archibald

11/06/2020

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