Friday, 10 February 2023
As the fourth largest city in England, Sheffield is bursting with character and is a must-see for anyone wishing to explore the wonders of the north.
Of course, at East Midlands Railway we’ve got you covered when it comes to trains to Sheffield , but organising a trip away will look completely different depending on who you’re going with.
Whether it’s whisking your partner away for the weekend, taking your family on a much-needed day out, exploring a new city with friends or planning a solo trip, we’ve got your back!
Take a look at our handy guide below for ideas for the best places to visit, explore and eat and drink whilst visiting Sheffield.
Things to Do
There’s plenty of things to see and do in Sheffield, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with your family or with a group of friends. From exporing the famous Street Art Walk at a lesuirely pace to taking on one of the many obstacles at the Ninja Warrior Adventure Park, Sheffield has something for everyone!
Days out for solo travellers
Weston Park Museum
Sheffield has a rich history for you to discover, and whether you are a history buff or just a curious traveller, Weston Park Museum is a great place to explore when visiting Sheffield. Located in Weston Park, the museum houses the largest collection of artefacts relating to Sheffield. The museum welcomes an average of 250,000 visitors a year making it an extremely popular attraction in the city!
Moor Market
Moor Market is one of the UK’s best indoor markets, housing over 90 independent traders in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre. Moor Market offers guests a blend of traditional and unique market stalls making it the ideal place to explore whilst visiting.
While you’re there, remember to grab a bite to eat from one of the many street food vendors at the market – we recommend trying some of Sheffield’s top-rated fish and chips at The Market Chippy!
Image ©Street Art Sheffield
Street Art Walk
Sheffield is a city that is bursting with culture, with numerous galleries and art installations located throughout the city. For any art lover visiting Sheffield, you need to visit the Cultural Industries Quarter. Follow the Street Art Walk and experience first-hand the street art scene of the city. The walk begins at the Showroom, an independent cinema conveniently located opposite the train station. When you arrive at the Showroom, turn right and head towards Paternoster Row, where you will begin to see the bright and beautiful murals that line the streets.
Days out for couples
Locksley Distilling co
Take date night to the next level by experiencing gin like never before. Whether it’s gin tasting, a cocktail class or the chance to make your own gin, Locksley Distilling co offers it all! Book your ticket to Locksley Distilling co.
Image © Mick Knapton
Kelham Island
Kelham Island is a man-made island that dates back to the 1100’s and was once the beating heart of the steel industry. Now, Kelham Island houses one of Sheffield’s most popular and coolest neighbourhoods and one you need to check out when visiting the city. Wander around the island and explore Sheffield’s rich history of manufacturing and breweries.
A perfect blend of old and new, Kelham Island has some of Sheffield’s coolest cafes, bars and restaurants awaiting to be discovered. We recommend that you grab a pint from The Fat Cat, one of Kelham Island’s best-known pubs.
Treehouse board game café
With over 800 board games housed inside the café, Treehouse board game café is the ideal place to take your partner on a date. Unsure of what game to play? Don’t worry, Treehouse has a friendly team of board gamer lovers on hand to help you pick out the perfect games! Book a table at Treehouse board game café.
Lane 7
Offering everything from bowling to beer pong to ping pong and even an arcade, Lane 7 is the perfect location for a date whilst visiting Sheffield. Book tickets at Lane 7.
Days out for groups of friends
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park
Have you ever wondered who the stealthiest friend in the group is? Put your theories to the test at Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park! Inspired by the hit TV show, you can test your balance and agility by completing our famous indoor obstacle courses. Book Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park.
The Great Escape Game
Test your friendship and see if you can crack the codes of some of the best escape rooms Sheffield has to offer! Located in the city centre, The Great Escape offers a range of themed escape rooms, from horror to adventure to magic – there is an experience for everyone! The only question is, can you beat the clock and escape? Book The Great Escape Game.
Image © Golf Fang Sheffield
Golf Fang
If you think you know crazy golf, think again. Golf Fang put the crazy in crazy golf – this is not your average crazy golf course. Golf Fang offers its guests 18 unique courses that combine street art, music, cocktails and street food all in one location. Book your slot at Golf Fang.
Days our for families
National Videogame Museum
Sheffield is home to a unique, interactive museum that is dedicated to exploring the playfulness and culture of videogames. Whether it’s classic arcade games or games consoles that you love, this museum offers it all! This interactive museum gives insight into how video games are made, who makes them, and you can even create a game for yourself. Book tickets to the National Videogame Museum.
Winter Garden
Don’t be put off by the name – the Winter Garden is an attraction that’s open year-round! A multi-award-winning attraction that houses one of the largest urban greenhouses in Europe with over 2,500 plants from all around the world, the Winter Garden is the perfect place for little ones to connect with nature. As well as housing plants, the Winter Garden has numerous shops to visit and is a perfect place to grab a coffee and refreshments whilst visiting the city.
National Emergency Services Museum
Located in one of Yorkshire’s first purpose-built combined police, fire and ambulance station you’ll find the Emergency Services Museum. This is the largest combined emergency services museum in the world and is home to over 60,000 objects from historical uniforms and badges to medical equipment, horse drawn fire engines and ambulances and the original Victorian police cells.
DC Outdoors
Sheffield is known as the outdoor city, so why not explore the city like never before by having a family adventure. Feeling brave? Why not try rock climbing in the Peak District, or if that doesn’t take your fancy, how about paddleboarding and canoeing on the River Derwent? Whatever takes your fancy, DC Outdoors can plan a bespoke family adventure in the beautiful scenery of the Peak District. Explore the great outdoors and make family memories you will never forget. Book tickets to DC Outdoors.
Places to eat in Sheffield
Sheffield is well known for having a wide array of cuisines on offer around the city, so when visiting, you should be sure to try as many of their eateries as possible! Here are a few of our favourites.
Cutlery Works
If you love street food, you will love Cutlery Works. What was once a cutlery factory has been converted to the largest food hall in the north of England! Housing cuisines from all around the globe, Cutlery Works is a must for any foodies visiting Sheffield. Book a table at Cutlery Works.
Grind Café
Grind Café is an independent boutique café and bar that offers exceptional dishes – but don’t just take our word for it. Located in the heart of Kelham Island, Grind Café is one of our favourite places to eat whilst on the Island. We recommend trying “The Grind Full” – which is the Grind’s take on the traditional full English breakfast – and even better, it can be made vegetarian and vegan! Find out more about Grind Café.
V |OR| V
V |OR| V is a fully vegan, vegetarian and organic restaurant located in the heart of Kelham Island. V |OR| V offers an innovative plant-based menu for people who are fed up with ordering chips and salads when eating out. Basing their menu off restaurant classics, V |OR| V are revolutionising the plant-based world in Sheffield. Whether you follow a plant-based diet yourself or are just wanting to try something new, V |OR| V needs to be on your agenda. Book a table at V |OR| V.
Places to drink in Sheffield
During your trip to Sheffield, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking for a tipple or two to enjoy after taking in the sights, and we have a few of our favourites for you below.
Kelham Island
Kelham Island has a brewing reputation and here you’ll find some renowned real ale pubs and microbreweries. A couple of the best-known pubs in the area are The Fat Cat, a traditional pub with lots of character and the Kelham Island Tavern who is well reputed with real ale connoisseurs or visit Kelham Island Brewery and take a tour and brewing experience yourself.
Steel Cauldron
Steel Cauldron is the world’s greatest magical themed tearoom and tavern. Have you ever wondered what wizards drink? Try the Wizard’s Tea and be transported to a world filled with magic as you experience an enchanted selection of ‘sand-witches’, cakes and cauldrons of sweet and savoury treats.
Test out your magic at the Steel Cauldron’s Wizard School, which is perfect for young wizards to learn some of the Steel Cauldron’s favourite tricks and spells! The magic doesn’t stop when the sun goes down as the Steel Cauldron is transformed into a magical bar with an extensive choice of enchanted potions and cocktails for you taste. Book the Steel Cauldron here.
Bungalows and Bears
If you are looking for good food, good drinks and good music, look no further than Bungalow and Bears. Housed in an old fire station, Bungalow and Bears is one of Sheffield’s most electric venues. Book Bungalows and Bears here.
Music and nightlife in Sheffield
The Lyceum Theatre has over a hundred years of history and is only minutes from Sheffield station. The theatre is a magnificent backdrop for the best shows, with a variety of musicals, drama and comedy, providing something for everyone.
The Leadmill is the city’s longest running live music event and nightclub with many great bands gracing their stage. The award-winning venue also hosts theatre, comedy, film screenings and club events. If rock music is more your thing visit Corporation which host gigs for touring acts and club nights.
Places to Stay in Sheffield
Finding a nice hotel to relax in after a long day of exploring Sheffield is a must, and you’ll be glad to know there’s an abundance of great hotels in and around the city centre that are perfect for all types of travellers.
The House of Jöro
The House of Jöro is a boutique hotel with 4 beautifully designed rooms as well as a 10-seater chef’s table which plays host to private dining events and high-profile chef series. It’s a great place for a foodie stay in the heart of the city.
The Jurys Inn Sheffield
The Jurys Inn Sheffield is a 5-minute walk from Sheffield Station and is in the trendy Devonshire Quarter near the cathedral. Or at a short 10-minute walk from the station, is the Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s Hotel & Spa, which features a relaxing spa and impressive city views.
Jonas Hotel
Jonas Hotel is a haven for modern travellers. Attracting a diverse group of guests, Jonas Hotel welcomes students, travellers, professionals and everyone in between. Jonas Hotel has dedicated the ground floor to become a social space for its guests, making it the perfect accommodation for solo travellers visiting the city. Book a stay at Jonas Hotel.
St. Paul’s Hotel and Spa
Located in the heart of the city centre, St. Paul’s Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a busy day exploring Sheffield. Offering twin, double and king rooms, St. Paul’s Hotel and Spa is perfect for any occasion, from a romantic getaway with your partner to a family holiday. Book a stay at St. Paul's Hotel and Spa.
Don’t just take our word for it – visit Sheffield for yourself and explore some of the hidden gems of the city.