Staycation Guide: Visiting Sheffield

Staycation:
Visiting Sheffield

With Staycations becoming the ‘holiday’ of 2021 we wanted to tell you why Sheffield should be the city break you need to take this summer.

It might get the nickname the Steel City because of it’s heritage, but many refer to Sheffield as The Outdoor City because of it’s parks and outdoor activities. Wherever you are in Sheffield you are never far from the Peak District making it the perfect place to spend a few days. But wait, there’s more…

Learn about the city with our amazing museums, get cultured at the galleries, catch live music, explore the parks or wander around the wonderful neighbourhoods (smile at a local, they’ll probably have a chat). We’ve got award-winning chefs and fine dining restaurants that sit side-by-side with eclectic street food inspired by tastes from around the world. 

And one last thing. Beer. Sheffield is famed for it. We’ve got over 20 independent breweries who make exciting pints that can be found in our pubs (you don’t need to walk far without stumbling into one). Try a traditional real ale pint which will set you back £3 – £3.50, then try locally brewed craft beer, an experience that will change your perception of ale. Not a beer drinker? No probs, we’ve got some of the coolest cocktail bars too (including one that used to be a public toilet!).

This is our guide for independent Sheffield.

This Is Sheffield

How Long Are You Staying?

Sheffield is a small but sprawling city that can be enjoyed for a day trip, a weekend, a week or even longer. We’ve created this guide to show how you can enjoy the city whatever your budget is, it’s a city for everybody, you just need to experience it. 

Day trippers, Sheffield is made for you, not because there’s not much to do but because each neighbourhood is packed with places to visit so you can focus on one or two areas and know you have something to come back for.

If it’s your first time we recommend that you explore the easily accessible city centre, packed with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, pubs, museums and galleries, there’s something for everybody. 

Checked out the city centre? Why not visit one or two of our vibrant neighbourhoods or have a day in the Peak’s (weather dependant). 

Whatever you are after you’ll find something to fulfil your needs, our cafe culture is strong, as is the vegan scene, we’ve got award-winning pubs and breweries, there’s places to take the kids and many areas are wheelchair friendly. Got a dog? Bring it, Sheffielder’s love a pup, many places are dog friendly, you won’t be able to go anywhere without stopping for someone to make a fuss. 

Coming to Sheffield for a night out? Well, you’re in luck, the city is open for night owls!

Need somewhere to stay? Our independent hotels are affordable and sit in great locations when it comes to stumbling home. If you are going out away from where you’re staying we recommend downloading the CityTaxi app to ensure that you get home safely.

Check out our bars and pubs, restaurants, theatres, live music venues and nightclubs, there’s always something going on whether you’re looking for a pub crawl, a fancy meal, cocktails, a gig or a late one. Sheffield has two universities so there’s plenty of places if you’re on a budget. 

The city centre has loads to offer, as does Nether Edge, Ecclesall Road and Kelham.

The weekend in Sheffield means BRUNCH. We love brunch, bottomless brunch or something a little less boozy, it’s a great start to Saturday or Sunday before an adventure in the city. Check out our brunch tips, below.

Next, walk off those calories, either head out to the Peak’s, one of the parks or to Victoria Quays if the weather is good. Stroll through the city centre, visit a museum (some are free!), a gallery or live like a local and wander around a neighbourhood, you might discover a hidden gem that you won’t find on a tourist guide.

If you’re around during the first weekend of the month head to Kelham’s popular food market, Peddler. It takes place on Friday and Saturday, you’ll find tasty street food, great drinks, live music and good vibes for all. No worries if Peddler’s not on, there’s 3 food halls, Cutlery WorksKommune and OHM Food Yard that offer great choices too.

Looking for something a bit more formal? Check out our restaurants. On a budget? We’ve got you!

This sounds like thirsty work. Enjoy a locally brewed real ale in one of our traditional pubs or craft beer in a bar. We’ve got cocktails too! 

Survived a hangover? Grab breakfast then check out some of our antique shops, you’ll find some real treasures here! Sunday’s mean one thing, a Sunday roast, there’s plenty of places to get one, vegans, you won’t be left out.

Visiting Sheffield for more than a couple of days? Perfect! You have the time to live like a local and still fit in the tourist go-to’s. 

City Centre (1 to 3 Days)

Depending on your interests you can easily spend a few days in the city centre, popping into museums and galleries (some with free entry), grabbing coffees and snacks between places, there’s so many great coffee shops in the city centre (we’re talking Steam YardTamperMarmadukes…), you can even start the day at one of these places for an amazing breakfast then fill up for lunch at another (FYI we call ‘lunch’ ‘dinner’ and ‘dinner’ ‘tea’). City centre offshoots, Chapel Walk, Division Street and West Street have a wealth of shops and bars whilst The Moor Market is full of local produce and Sidney Street is growing organically. 

After you’ve spent your day on your feet you’ll want to rest your legs. Finding a cosy pub with decent pub grub isn’t hard and it will keep costs down. City centre nightlife isn’t just for the weekend, or students. There’s something for all from live music (local acts in small venues to bigger artists in places like the legendary Leadmill) and theatre to late bars and nightclubs

The Peaks & The Parks (1 – 2 Days)

The city is great but one of Sheffield’s best assets is its green space, there’s several parks but you could also be in the Peak District in just a short drive, bus ride or train where you’re surrounded by open land, stunning views, fresh air, plus a bit of peace and quiet. In Hope Valley you’ve got Castleton is an historic village and Hathersage’s outdoor swimming pool whilst Padley Gorge won’t disappoint. You can get lost for hours here, if you’ve got a dog let them run free or bring a bike and enjoy the sights. 

BakewellChatsworth House and Matlock Bath are also popular spots, located close to each other. You can easily spend a day here, then grab food and drink at The Plough Inn and the Thornbridge Brewery tap room

If the Peaks haven’t tired you out too much check out one of the many great country pubs on the way back where you can enjoy food and drink with a view or head back to the city and treat yourself to a nice meal at Silversmiths followed by cocktails at the well hidden bar, Public

Kelham Island & Neepsend (1 Day & Evening)

Kelham Island & Neepsend (Shalesmoor tram stop) might have become a food and drink destination but you can easily spend a day and night in the small, compact neighbourhood, just outside of the city centre. First, breakfast at The Grind, this cafe has been part of Kelham’s growth and it’s always busy. After you’ve fuelled up just wander around, spot the street art and the landmarks that have been here since the area played a key part in Sheffield’s industrial age. Head up to SteelYard Kelham, a food hub made from shipping containers for lunch before an afternoon at the Kelham Island Museum to discover why Sheffield is the Steel City.

Kelham plays a part in another Sheffield heritage, beer. Make sure you pop into one or two of their iconic pubs before heading to dinner, there’s plenty of options then end the night with a unique drip-infused cocktail at Factory Floor.

Nether Edge (1 Afternoon & Evening)

Abbeydale Road is another area blessed with coffee shops full of character. There’s a strong Italian scene here so grab an espresso shot and wander down the road to check out the street art and quirky shops. Grab some authentic German street food from Get Wurst at Two Thirds before browsing the antique quarter. As the evening nears there’s plenty of options for food and drink.

Ecclesall Road, Sharrow Vale Road & Botanical Gardens (1 Day & Evening)

Ecclesall Road is an area full of contrast with something for everybody, however we recommend starting the day at Made by Jonty on Sharrow Vale Road, a quaint cafe that cooks up a breakfast for champs or head to Dyson Place (just off Sharrow Vale Road) and grab a vegan friendly treat at Olive & Joy.

Sharrow Vale Road is densely populated with little shops selling everything from handmade gifts to clothing as well as locally sourced produce. Need a sugar fix? Eve’s Kitchen serve up handmade doughnuts and Pom Kitchen always excel. Once you’ve reached the top of Sharrow Vale Road and Hunters Bar head over to Endcliffe Park, paddle in the stream or go up to the Botanical Gardens. Ecclesall Road comes to life in the evening with pubs, bars and restaurants catering for all budgets and needs.

Weston Park to Walkley (1 Afternoon & Evening) 

Weston Park is more than just green space, Weston Park Museum is great for all ages, entry is free and easily walkable from the city centre. Want to grab a coffee or bite to eat? Ambulo is a great shout! After that you can then walk through Crookes, one of Sheffield’s student neighbourhoods with some great shops, cafes and pubs which then merges to Crookesmoor and finally Walkley, an area with a growing scene of independents

Hillsborough & Beyond (1 Afternoon & Evening)

Hillsborough’s Middlewood Road (Hillsborough Park tram stop) is an up-and-coming area for independents. Grab some bits from Molly’s Cafe & Deli or a pork sandwich from the iconic Beres’ for a picnic in nearby Hillsborough Park. Jump on a bus (61) to Our Cow Molly’s farm shop, meet the animals and enjoy ice cream made on site! 

After some time in the farm jump back on the bus to Hillsborough and Middlewood Road for a meal at The Orange Bird then beers next door at The Pangolin. The tram stop back to the city centre is right outside.

Sheffield

Getting Here

When it comes to public transport Sheffield is easily accessible via train from most places in the UK. The train station is located in the city centre, a tram stop, taxi rank and a pub are all at the station too.

Sheffield’s coach station for National Express is located across from the train station, slightly closer to the city centre.

The Megabus comes into Meadowhall shopping centre, from here you could be in the city centre within 10 minutes via train, Supertram or taxi.

The city is easily accessible from the motorway.

Parking

When it comes to parking in Sheffield, it can be unpredictable. There’s plenty of public car parks in the city centre, some are a bargain, others can be relatively expensive. There is free pavement parking areas in the city centre too but they aren’t always easy to find.

Outside of the city centre there’s limited parking, both paid and free pavement spots which can be frustrating but you will find one.

Sheffield lockdown

The Neighbourhoods

Sheffield is made up of several neighbourhoods that all have their community and characters whilst merging into one-another to create an eclectic city.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay/visit, these are the areas we recommend. 

Abbeydale Road isn’t spotless, it can be rough around the ages but when you find the gems you are in for a treat.

It’s multi-cultural with a strong Italian heritage (check out the cafes) as well as mix of Greek and Latin influences that create a thriving food scene. Over the past couple of years the neighbourhood has become an area for bar crawls as new ones keep cropping up, complimenting one-another.

As well as food and drink, Nether Edge is also known for being Sheffield’s Antique Quarter thanks to pockets of great shops selling rarities.

Broomhill nestles on the edge of the city centre and it’s at the heart of the University of Sheffield, making it a very studenty area which means it has a great nightlife that is easy on the budget. It’s also easily accessible.

Crookes is a little further along and has a mix of students and families making the neighbourhood vibrant without being too lively whilst Walkey is a little more grown up, it has a strong community, a real ‘neighbourhood’ vibe with an emerging scene of independent retail, bars and restaurants.

Sheffield City Centre is like the rest of the city, made up of pockets and ‘quarter’s’ with different tribes and communities that blend together.

The New Era Square development, on the edge of London Road and Ecclesall Road is the emerging ‘China Town’, next up a small pocket of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and cafes which then goes into The Moor. The Moor was Sheffield’s original high street before Fargate took the crown, The Moor is now king again as new projects are being built, this is where you’ll find the majority of chain stores, however The Moor Market is a great place for locally sourced produce.

In between The Moor and Fargate is The Peace Gardens and The Winter Garden, great places to take a break. Fargate, is let’s say, ‘going through changes’. If you continue down Fargate you’ll reach another newly developed area, Fitzalan Square then there’s Castlegate, also ‘going through changes’ which leads on to Victoria Quays.

Other city centre areas to take note of for shopping, eating and drinking are: Orchard Square, Leopold Square, Division Street, West Street and Sidney Street. These are the places to head for city centre night life too.

Ecclesall Road is a mixed bag, the residents are mostly students so there’s plenty of cheap bars however there’s also plenty of classier bars and restaurants if you don’t fancy a round of Jagerbombs.

Sharrow Vale Road runs parallel to Ecclesall Road and it also has student residents but there’s a family community running through out it, the road is packed with quirky shops, great cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Heeley and Meersbrook are areas on the up. They aren’t flooded with places to visit but what they have got are great, particularly for vegans.

The pandemic seems to have done good for Hillsborough, especially Middlewood Road which gained a handful of independents which will no doubt kick-start a scene.

Looking for somewhere near the city centre and the Peaks, Fulwood is the one. It might not be gifted with a string of bars and restaurants but there’s enough to keep you going if you’re looking for somewhere that’s on the doorstep of the Peaks but also just a short bus ride to the city centre.

Looking for bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, art and culture that is walkable from the city centre? Kelham Island and Neepsend tick all the boxes.

From one end to the other there’s a dozen+ pubs/bars and a dozen places to grab a bite, all with their own character without being too different.

There’s something for every tastes and budget. If you want to escape then Victoria Quays is just a 15 minute walk where you’ll find a canal-side cafe, pub and bar/restaurant.

We love the city-life, the buzz and diversity but sometimes we need a break, thankfully the Peak District is easily accessible by car or public transport. 

Within just 15 minutes you can go from the crowded city centre to green space, fresh air and amazing views. 

Whichever direction you head, you’ll discover natural beauty. 

Bakewell, Chatswoth & Matlock Bath

  • Bakewell is a small market town full of charm with cobbled streets, cute cafes and the home of the famous Bakewell Pudding
  • Chatsworth House is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. Steeped in history, a tour of the house and gardens should be on your to-do list
  • Matlock Bath is like a seaside town, without the sea. During the summer the cafes, pubs and bars spill out onto the pavement and in winter there’s a great light show
  • Stop for a drink at the Thornbridge Brewery Tap Room where beer is available at its freshest  

Hope Valley

Conkers

Visit Conkers, a family friend attraction for all!

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is an iconic stately home, open for tours as well as fine dining. Harry Potter fans might recognise it…

Heage Windmill

Check out Heage Windmill, the only working example of a stone towered windmill in England.

For more info visit Peak District.org

The Psalter Rooms

Where To Stay (Boutique hotels/B & B's)

Thanks to the layout of the city, wherever you’re staying, you’re never far from the action.

Brocco On The Park is a boutique hotel in a leafy part of town, on the doorstep of the buzzing Ecclesall Road.

The Crow Inn sits in between the outskirts of the city centre and Kelham, The Crow Inn might not be the obvious place to stay but the rooms are above a great pub and you can easily stumble back from town or Kelham

The Psalter Hotel, hidden in leafy Nether Edge, between Abbeydale Road and Ecclesall Road, The Psalter ticks all the boxes for a weekend in the city.

Based in the city centre KSpace offer luxury service apartments ideal for all. 

Book here.

Sheffield

Getting Around

If you’re staying in the city centre you’re in walking distance to the majority of our recommendations or just a short ride on bus, tram or taxi which won’t cost a lot.

The most convenient mode of transport, if you’re going where the tram is going (key locations: train station/Meadowhall/Sheffield Arena/city centre/Shalesmoor for Kelham Island/Hillsborough)

Contactless payment is encouraged.

Full details here.

Wherever you want to go in Sheffield a bus can take you there (including the Peak District). Most will go through the city centre.

Contactless payment is encouraged.

Plan your journey here.

Sheffield has Uber but CityTaxi is just as good and cheaper when Uber add a surcharge.

Download the app here.

Like many cities, Sheffield has seen an increase in cyclists over recent years and new bike lanes are popping up all over the city. Not only for commuting to work but also out to the peaks, the downside to seeing the city on two wheels is the hills…

Sheffield is relatively easy to get around if driving, except for the city centre which is being transformed to become pedestrian-friendly.

 

Although it is easy to get around, finding a parking spot unfortunately isn’t always as straightforward.

Parking

When it comes to parking in Sheffield, it can be unpredictable. There’s plenty of public car parks in the city centre, some are a bargain, others can be relatively expensive. There is free pavement parking areas in the city centre too but they aren’t always easy to find.

Outside of the city centre there’s limited parking, both paid and free pavement spots which can be frustrating but you will find one.

Supertram is the most convenient way to travel for wheelchair users however it doesn’t go to all destinations, unlike the bus, which is wheelchair friendly too.

City Taxi have wheelchair friendly vehicles and the majority of the city is largely accessible for cars however parking isn’t always ideal.

IMG C10824 Dusk Sheffield Station

Walking From...

If you arrive in Sheffield by train you’re just a short walk from the city centre, even if it isn’t obvious. You can jump on the Supertram from the station and you’re in the heart of the centre within 2 stops, taxi’s are lined up at the station ready to whip you away but if you don’t have bags to lug around just walk and explore. 

Walk out of the main entrance and up by the water feature, you’ll hit The Showroom cinema, to your left is the iconic music venue The Leadmill (great place to catch a gig) or to your right, walk up past the ‘Hubs’ (Hallam’s students union) and you’ll be at The Winter Garden at the city centre.

Getting the train can be thirsty work. If you need a beer before you explore the city, good news, The Sheffield Tap is a great boozer (with an in-house brewery!) at the station serving great real ales and craft beer.

Sheffield is a hilly city, thankfully its centre isn’t and it’s easily walkable. It’s compact so you can breeze through it relatively quickly, from Fargate to Division Street, The Moor to Castlegate, you’ll see a good chunk of our great shops, cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants here, you might even stumble across a hidden gem if you’re lucky.

City Centre to...

You can walk but it’s not the most thrilling walk, jump on a bus (75, 76, 86, 98) and you’ll be there in 5 minutes or a cab will cost less than £5.

If you’re at The Moor or Division Street Ecclesall Road is just a short walk from the start of Ecclesall Road. The road is pretty long, it’s probably a 20 minute walk to Endcliffe Park, hop on a bus (81, 82, 83, 83a, 88) or jump in a cab to rest your legs but you might find yourself stuck in traffic…

Again, this is just a short walk from the city centre (15/20 mins), a taxi will cost less than a fiver, the bus (81, 82, 86) won’t take long (get off at the stop opposite The Gym) or the Supertram (to Middlewood or Malin Bridge) takes 5 minutes (get off at Shalesmoor, pop into The Wellington or cross the road to be in the heart of Kelham).

Victoria Quays is a 10 minute walk from the city centre, and once there you’ll feel miles away from the bustling centre. If you’re in Sheffield on a sunny day a trip to Victoria Quays is a must. In the afternoon you can feel at peace with a coffee, pint or cocktail from Victoria JunctionThe Dorothy Pax or True Loves by the river. The outdoor setting (when the weather is up to it) brings festival vibes to the evening.

Silversmiths Restaurant

Where To Go...

Right, now you know your way around the city, here’s some places we recommend, depending on your tastes,  wants and needs…

  • Go for a walk…
  • Visit the museums and galleries
  • Check out the street art
  • Have a pint of real ale in a traditional pub
  • Grab some street food
  • Bole Hills
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Sharrow Vale Road
  • Parkwood Springs
  • The Peak District
  • Victoria Quays
  • Bole Hills
  • Parkwood Springs
  • Peak District

 

Check out all the dog friendly places in Sheffield.

Peddler

What's On

Kelham Island Museum Offer

Places To Visit

Luke's Place

Eating In Sheffield

Whether you’re after something fancy or something to keep you going whilst you’re exploring Sheffield has it.

Here’s our picks…

 

Check out our Fine Dining guide.

Check out all the vegan friendly places here or read our vegan guide.

Check out all the places that offer gluten free options here.

Bottomless Brunch

Like Mexican food? Check out our Mexican food guide.

 

Check out our Guide to Indian restaurants.

 

Check out our Best Pizza in Sheffield guide.

Check out our Best Burgers in Sheffield guide.

 

Check out all Sheffield’s independent cafes here and our coffee shop guide.

Beer

Drinking in Sheffield

Sheffield is renowned for its beer. This isn’t a new trend, it dates back decades but the past five years has scene the explode as micro breweries have opened up all over the city. 

There’s over 20 breweries in Sheffield, all independent, all pushing boundaries, there has never been a more exciting time for beer in the Steel City, thankfully there’s plenty of great pubs and bars serving traditional real ale and craft beer.

Check out our full guide to Sheffield’s pubs and bars.

Not a beer fan? We’ve got you covered too!

 

Check out all Sheffield’s independent pubs here.

Check out all Sheffield’d independent bars here.

Want to take a taste of Sheffield home with you? Here’s our guide to our bottle shops.

Check out our tap room guide.

 

Check out all Sheffield’d independent bars here.

Freshmans Vintage

Shopping in Sheffield

Our independent shops offer something you won’t find in other cities. You don’t just get great service with a smile, it’s a service with enthusiasm, love, care, knowledge and passion. The products are pretty great too…

Check out our guide to shopping in Sheffield’s independents.

SMOD

Hidden Gems

Still reading? Congrats! Here’s your gift, some of our favourite spots that only locals know about.

Sheffield

Accessibility

Sheffield is renowned for being a hilly city and it’s heritage, some parts of the city haven’t changed in decades, meaning that it isn’t always wheelchair friendly however that is changing. As new developments are being built, access is being prioritised, particularly in hospitality and when it comes to getting around, the Supertram is really easy.

Find all accessible venues in Sheffield.

Enjoy Your Stay!

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