Places to visit in Sheffield

Kick off your day in Kelham Island, Sheffield’s coolest district (according to both TimeOut and The Sunday Times), known for its coffee spots, microbreweries, bakeries, and antique shops. Fuel up at The Grind Cafe or Gaard Coffee Hide before browsing the vintage stores and independent makers at Peddler Market (if you’re visiting on the first weekend of the month). Love a good museum? Take a quick diversion to Kelham Island Museum, a fascinating nod to Sheffield’s industrial past.

Time for an adventure, in a kayak, in the middle of the city. Join DC Outdoors who provide you with everything you need to explore the city from the water. The taster experience lasts three hours and covers how to use the equipment and a short safety briefing before heading out onto the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal.

This buzzy food hall, the largest of its kind in Europe, is home to some of Sheffield’s best street food and serves up flavours from Palestine all the way to Penang. Choose from 20 vendors, grab a table and tuck in. This is just one of four food halls in the city. Find them all on the welcome to Sheffield website.

Along with all the big high street brands, you’ll find a great selection of independent traders in Sheffield. Head to Leah’s Yard to browse an indie bookshop, an Italian deli a florist, a chocolate cafe and Atelier which makes its clothes on site and counts Billy Ellish as one of its fans. Like to keep it vintage? Division Street is home to plenty of specialist second hand and shops. More local sellers can be found on the first floor of Orchard Square.

Catch a show at the Crucible Theatre, Playhouse or Lyceum Theatre, all part of the largest theatre complex outside London. The trio of theatres often host up-and-coming hits before they make their way to London’s Theatreland. Or, if you fancy yourself a bit of a quiz whizz, check out Gameshow All-stars, an immersive game show experience that lets you take part in famous TV quizzes and game shows.

Start your morning with a serene stroll through Sheffield Botanical Gardens, a short bus ride from the city centre. This free attraction is home to themed gardens and elegant Victorian glasshouses blooming with exotic plants. In the summer months, grab a coffee and flaky pastry from the much-loved Joni’s, located at the main entrance, and have an impromptu breakfast picnic in the Rose Gardens. You’ll smell the heady aromas before you reach this Italianate-style oasis. If it's chilly outside, head inside to order everything from Wild Mushroom Benedict to indulgent Belgian breakfasts.

Sheffield’s art scene is both thriving and easy to navigate on foot. Wander through the lush Winter Garden to Millennium Gallery for contemporary exhibitions and a top-notch gift shop. From here it’s a five-minute walk to Site Gallery to see art from up-and-coming local and international talent. Round off your art crawl at Graves Gallery just around the corner, hosting temporary shows and a permanent collection including everything from Renaissance classics to Grayson Perry in a grand Art Deco setting.

Calling all gamers both young and young at heart! Sheffield is home to the UK’s only National Videogame Museum. Play your way through decades of gaming history, from retro arcade machines to the latest interactive experiences.

Wind down with aperitivo hour at Pearl at Park Hill, the sister bar to Sheffield’s award-winning Bench. Expect beautifully crafted cocktails, natural wines, and inventive small plates that are perfect for sharing.

You can’t visit Sheffield without seeing a live gig and/or dancing into the wee hours. Check out Sheffield City Hall for big-name acts, head to Leadmill for an intimate indie atmosphere, or visit Yellow Arch Studios in Kelham Island where Arctic Monkeys played their first-ever gig.