Discover the fascinating history of the Steel City and see how it has become a leafy haven where trees far outnumber people.
Picturesque gardens and nature trails complement Sheffield’s cultural and historic hubs. It has been at the forefront of industrial progress for many centuries, spreading its cultural wings across the vast undulating hills of Yorkshire. Visit galleries and museums for a sense of local culture. Spot locations from The Full Monty, the 1997 film in which Sheffield’s culture is satirized.
Walk the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail to encounter old dams that sparked the city’s industrial revolution. Wander past old flour mills, lime trees and the trail’s namesake park and playground. Weirs, stones and bridges enable crossings of the scenic river.
Learn about the use of the fast-flowing water in the industrial revolution at the Kelham Island Museum. Visit the Millennium Gallery for writer John Ruskin’s collection of metal works telling the story of the Steel City. Relics from British and European history are on display at the Graves Art Gallery, which uses iPods for tours. Peruse the art spanning four centuries in the galleries.
Appreciate parks and gardens that add a green layer to this city. Pick your favorite specimen from the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, which has a bear pit, rose garden and fountain. Nearby is Endcliffe Park, a leafy oasis with waterfalls, streams and a forest.
Arrive in the central plaza of Peace Gardens and gaze up at the majestic Sheffield Town Hall. Visit the Crucible Theatre for a game of popular British sport snooker. The city has two soccer teams you can watch at the arenas of Bramall Lane and Hillsborough Stadium, where a tragedy involving the death of 96 fans took placed in 1989.
Fly to any of the airports in Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham and drive to Sheffield in around 1 hour. The city is 55 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of the historic settlement of York in the borough of South Yorkshire. Use the tram or bus to get around the vibrant commune, which is in the central region of England. In this region, July is the hottest and driest month, while winters are fairly wet and cold.
Sheffield is a beacon of culture and production with a picturesque countryside.