Sheffield is a city known for its steel and snooker - but there is so much more on offer!
Well known for its heavy industry and an annual world championship, Sheffield - built across seven magnificent hills and on the conflux of five rivers – has just been named the UK’s best-value city by TripAdvisor.
Take advantage now! When you book a double room for a minimum of two nights, you can stay with us for just £35.00 per room per night (subject to availability).
Because we love to celebrate our city we will also greet you with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco! To take advantage of this offer, quote ‘Celebrate’ when making your booking.
Parks & Green Spaces
One of Sheffield’s great charms is the way it captures the green spaces of the Peak District within pockets of its urban space.
Capture the frame of architectural beauty in the Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest temperate glasshouses. Found right in the heart of the city, this indoor garden houses thousands of plant species from around the world.
Pretty much next door is one of the city’s most famed outdoor spaces, the Peace Gardens. A great place to enjoy a take-out spot of lunch, it offers great views of some of Sheffield’s oldest buildings. There’s even a water fountain with 89 individual jets of water to complete the scene.
Venture slightly outside of the city centre and you’ll find the Botanical Gardens. Once there, you can lose yourself amongst the beautifully-kept grounds. A relaxing, therapeutic place to spend an afternoon.
Independent Coffee Houses
Amidst the endless stream of big chain coffee shops, it can be rewarding to discover an independent outlet for your caffeine fix instead. Not only does this bring individuality to your day, it also means that you get to try different blends and snacks. Thankfully, Sheffield is well-stocked with some hidden coffee house gems.
Depot Bakery has earned a superb reputation for its freshly-baked bread, delicious treats (particularly the donuts) and coffee. Located in the historical area around Kelham Island, its chic, warehouse-like interior provides an intriguing backdrop against which you can enjoy your drink of choice.
In the centre of the city, Steam Yard Café presents an equally appealing option. Tucked away off Division Street, it’s regularly packed out with locals, which is always a great sign. With its charming courtyard seating and comfy interior, it’s a great place to visit no matter the weather.
Real Ales
Anyone who likes a good beer will relish the plethora of outstanding options available in Sheffield. Real ale is a thing of local pride – so much so that a recent report written by renowned beer expert Pete Brown recognised the city as the real ale capital of the world.
With 1,000 different beers said to be produced by Sheffield’s brewers each year, there’s no shortage of local options to try. Abbeydale Brewery’s Moonshine and Kelham Island Brewery’s Pale Rider are notorious with locals and visitors.
For somewhere great to try the ales, there’s few better pubs than the Victorian-infused Fat Cat; which really captures the spirt of Sheffield. For those seeking an equally traditional experience, check out the curiously-modelled Three Tuns.
For anyone coming by train, the Sheffield Tap – which can be found on the station’s doorstep – is famous for its superb ale.
Superb Food
As with every city, Sheffield offers a great selection of chain restaurants, with regular big hitters including Wagamama, Zizzi, Nando’s, Reds True Barbeque, Pizza Express and Ed’s Diner just a sample of the usual suspects here.
For many though, visiting a new city is always a great chance to try food from an independent restaurant – and there’s no shortage of these either. Italian restaurant Marco at Milano offers outstanding Italian food in Sheffield leafy suburbs, whilst Thyme Café in Broomhill delivers hearty dishes packed full of flavour. The latter features an ever-changing menu that offers something different with every visit.
If you really want to go all out, then the Teppanyaki on offer at WasabiSabi is a joy to behold. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a real treat then it ticks all the boxes.
Peak District
No visit to Sheffield would ever be complete without a foray out into the Peak District. Within just 15 minutes in the car, you can be right in the depths of the stunning countryside it has to offer. If you haven’t driven, then cheap train and bus tickets are available, so it’s accessible for everyone.
The stunning scenery on offer makes the Peak District the perfect destination for cycling, hiking, walking and running.
Market
If you are an avid foodie, then it’s well worth planning your visit to Sheffield around one of the Peddler market events. Held on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, these present a showcase for a wide range of street food and drink traders, as well as artists and musicians.
Held inside an ex-industrial warehouse that spills onto a cobbled courtyard, the Peddler events are always memorable occasions.
With Christmas approaching, it would be amiss not to also give mention the brilliant markets that come alive in the festive season. Sharrowvale Christmas Market is a real highlight and is a market that’s really grown in recent times. Make sure you visit on an empty belly if you’re going as the food choice is always tantalising!
Art & Culture
A couple of nights away always provides you with a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and culture of a different city. Thankfully, Sheffield has plenty of museums and galleries on offer for you to choose from.
The Millennium Gallery is a must-visit. Opened as part of the city’s Heart of the City investment project, it always features a selection of free exhibitions. You can also browse through an outstanding collection of Sheffield metalwork there, which provides real insight into the city’s industrial past.
To experience the true spirit of Sheffield, Kelham Island Museum is also well worth a visit. Located in one of the city’s oldest industrial districts, the museum stands on a man-made island that’s over 900 years old.
Theatre
Sheffield’s two main theatres – the Crucible and Lyceum – are two of the country’s leading show attractions. If you fancy booking a show ahead of your visit, you can see a rundown of all the upcoming performances here.
Shopping
Much of Sheffield’s retail foot traffic can be found at Meadowhall, which remains one of the UK’s premier shopping centres. If you need your retail fix, it bears similarity to Manchester’s Trafford Centre in terms of both appearance and offering. The city’s tram network provides easy access from central Sheffield.
In the city centre, the Devonshire Quarter offers some unique shops as it winds down to John Lewis’ resident department store. The Moor and Fargate form the two more traditional shopping ‘high streets’ and connect together throughout the heart of the city, either side of the Peace Gardens.
Sport
Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United are the city’s two premier football sides. They play their games at Hillsborough and Bramall Lane respectively. If you fancy experiencing a game at one of these two famous stadiums, it’s always worth checking for ticket availability.
The Sheffield Steelers are the local ice-hockey team. They play their matches at Ice Sheffield and the Sheffield Arena and tickets can often be bought on the night. Check out their upcoming fixtures if you’re interested in watching a game.
Wildlife
If you’re coming by car and are prepared to drive for an hour to neighbouring Doncaster, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is every bit worth the trip. A true hidden gem of the north, a strong case could be made for it being the best zoo in the country.
Slightly closer is The Tropical Butterfly House, which, at the time of writing this article, is named as Sheffield’s top thing to do on TripAdvisor.
Cinema
Sheffield’s largest cinema – Cineworld - can be found at Centertainment, which is just 10 minutes’ drive away from the city centre. It’s also accessible via the tram network.
In the centre, Showroom Cinema is one of Europe’s largest independent cinemas. It offers a wide selection of films, including selected mainstream movies. It’s positioned just around the corner from the train station.
Sold? Book a Stay With Sheffield Metropolitan!
If you decide you’d like to book a stay in Sheffield to experience all the charms it has to offer, Sheffield Metropolitan are ideally placed to assist.
Located right in the heart of the city, we’re within easy reach of many of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, coffee houses and tourism spots.
Book your stay and pop the Prosecco today!
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