Things to Do in Sheffield: A Complete Student Travel Guide

Where have you heard about Sheffield? —in the ‘Threads’ movie? Beyond the deadly nuclear attacks and wars in the film, Sheffield is a beautiful city that holds a charm of youth and greenery. There are many fun things to do in Sheffield for students and places to gain knowledge. If you are a student planning to explore the city near your student accommodation in Sheffield, this blog will provide you with some excellent ideas for your journey. Let’s explore the city!

Savour the Sights and Sounds: Best Things to Do in Sheffield

Top Historical Sights 

Sheffield Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul)

Establishment: 1100

Address: Church St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1HA, United Kingdom

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Timings: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fees: Free for visits, ticket of £10 for events

Cited as a symbol of God’s love for people, the Sheffield Cathedral stands as an architectural centre. It offers solace and spiritual nourishment to those who seek its embrace. The creator of Sheffield, William de Lovetot, built this cathedral in the 12th century along with the first church on this site.

This former Parish church received the honour of a cathedral in 1914 and depicts stories of faith in the Church. It is situated in the heart of Sheffield and is connected to the primary transportation network of buses and trains. Visitors and students can pre-book the guided tours that include refreshments. 

Peveril Castle

Establishment: 1066

Address: Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley, United Kingdom

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Fees: For adults - £9.50, students with a valid ID card - £8.50

Peveril Castle is located on the rocky hilltops of a Derbyshire village. Today, the ruins of the huge castle stand there as a testament to its enormousness and honour. It served as the base for the local area’s government, ‘Forest of the Peak.’ This impressive stronghold took its name from the esteemed Keeper of the Royal Forest William Peveril and is situated 15 miles west of Sheffield.

The nearest train station is the Hope Railway Station, located 2.5 miles from the castle. Visitors must climb an uphill trek to explore this historical landmark, making it one of the best things to do in Sheffield for hiking enthusiasts. Admission for adults is £9.50 and a 15% discount awaits those who book in advance. Moreover, students with valid ID cards can explore the castle for £8.50.

Famous Parks and Gardens 

Sheffield is one of the greatest cities in the UK, with 60% of the city being covered with gardens, parks and woodlands. The city has 150 parks and green spaces, having 4.5 million trees, which is more than its population! Let’s explore Sheffield’s greenery: 

Endcliffe Park

Establishment and Opening: 1887

Address: Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB

Timings: daily from dawn to dusk

Fees: Free 

Take a moment to relax and enjoy one of the free things to do in Sheffield. Endcliffe Park

is a huge park and a family-friendly place to visit. It has a parkland and a woodland, with a series of parks and green spaces which are also known as Porter Valley Parks. You can explore this network of greenery and visit the nearby Peak District National Park. It also connects with the popular Sheffield Round Walk.

The park has numerous duck ponds, a large children's playground, and also features walks near the river. You’ll also find ball games, a parkour facility and Endcliffe Park Cafe, which serves excellent local food. It also features two monuments dedicated to Queen Victoria, including the statue and obelisk in honour of Queen Victoria.

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Establishment and Re-opening: 1836 and 2003

Address: Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN, United Kingdom

Timings: 8 AM to 7.45 PM, except Christmas Day

Fees: Free

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are situated near the University of Sheffield. They cover 19 acres and are registered by English Heritage as a Grade II site. It has a total of 18 gardens spread over the space with 5000 species of plants. A Scottish landscape gardener, curator and nurseryman, Robert Marnock designed these gardens.

It is famous for its Grade II-listed range of glass pavilions. Other highlights include a gatehouse entrance, a Bear Pit and a Victorian Curator’s House. Moreover, there are education sessions at Sheffield Botanical Gardens every Tuesday and Wednesday. It is a great opportunity for students to explore and gain knowledge.

Museums and Galleries

Kelham Island Museum

Establishment: 1982

Address: Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY, United Kingdom

Timings: Tue-Sat 10 AM -4 PM, Sun 11 AM- 4 PM, Monday Closed  

Fees: Free (Donation from £5)

Kelham Island Museum is an industrial museum that was opened in 1982. It is situated in the centre of Sheffield. The main tourist attraction and an unmissable part of the museum is the River Don Engine, the most powerful engine in Europe. Sheffield Simplex Cars and Die-Sinkers Workshop are also worth seeing. The museum also arranges weddings, civil ceremonies, celebrations, business dinners, and other large-scale events.

The National Emergency Services Museum 

Establishment: 1984

Address: The Old Police/Fire Station, West Bar, Sheffield

Timing: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM -4:00 PM

Fees: £9.50 - Adults and £8.50 - Students (With valid ID)

The National Emergency Services Museum showcases the alluring place of heroism and innovation. It is built in a Victorian police, fire, and ambulance station in Sheffield and is a self-funded organisation that spans three floors.

The museum aims to show visitors the history of emergency services. Important highlights include vintage police cars, life-saving medical equipment, firefighting archives, and a 47ft Lifeboat. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions and hands-on learning. 

Millennium Gallery

Establishment: 2001

Address: 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP, United Kingdom

Timings: Tue–Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 11 AM – 4 PM

Fees: Free

Millennium Gallery is an art gallery and museum situated in the heart of the city. Visiting the gallery is one of the best things to do in Sheffield for students as it contains the finest cluster of art by various distinguished artists. It has remarkable art and artefacts collected by the artist and writer, John Ruskin.

The gallery also boasts Sheffield’s Metalwork Collection. During your visit, you can enjoy coffee and tasty sandwiches from the in-house café, Ambulo. Moreover, Millennium Gallery is a great place to shop for homeware, hand-crafted jewellery, and books. 

Fun Things to Do in Sheffield 

Being a student hub, Sheffield is home to lots of entertainment and fun activities. Here are some fun things to do in Sheffield for students to check out.

Escape Sheffield

Establishment: 2015

Address: 33 High Street, Sheffield S1 2GA, England

Timings: Sun to Sat – 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Fees: Depends on number of players (Starts with £40) 

Escape Sheffield is an escape room that gives visitors astonishing experiences. It is an exciting place in the heart of the city. If your everyday life lacks excitement, this escape room is filled with twists and turns. The room has four sectors—Espionage, Contagion, Witchcraft and Wizardry and 221b Baker Street.

The games are well-designed for challenging experiences and exciting results. You can enjoy this adrenaline-fuelled escape room with your friends and family. You can also visit Ringinglow Archery for exciting target activities. There is an Awesome Walls Climbing Centre where you can get thrilling experiences.

Laugh & Groove with Music and Comedy

Sheffield has a renowned music and comedy scene in diverse genres. From rock and pop to electronic and synth-pop, Sheffield has world-renowned artists. Be it Arctic Monkeys or Def Leppard, the city punches above its weight in music and comedy. If you are a music enthusiast, you can visit the Tramlines Festival and the Gold Gathering for musicians each year. Moreover, there are music festivals such as Ivo Neame Trio and Local Stars for the musicophiles. You can also visit pubs like the Leadmill and the Dove & Rainbow for energetic nights.

Laughter plays a crucial role in our lives, and so do Sheffield’s comedy and stand-up shows. Enthusiasts can enjoy the Sheffield Comedy Festival held every year in April. It is one of the most famous festivals in the UK. Moreover, the city hosts a documentary film festival wherein visitors can watch comedy screenings and stand-up shows. Dame Ida’s International Cabaret Show, Benji Waterhouse, and Earnest are some famous comedy shows that you should witness. 

Prime Shopping Places in Sheffield 

Sheffield’s shopping scene is filled with many impressive shops. It is usually called the shopping district in Sheffield and has no shortage of alternatives, including small stores and boutiques. Listed are the most famous places for shopping in Sheffield:

Meadowhall 

Opened in: 1990

Address: Meadowhall Centre The Management Suite 1 The Oasis, Sheffield S9 1EP, United Kingdom

Timings: Mon to Fri – 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat – 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sun – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

It is an indoor shopping centre located in the heart of Sheffield. This huge centre houses 50 places to eat and an 11-screen cinema, with more than 290 shops. Opened in 1990, Meadowhall dominates the shopping world in Sheffield and welcomes more than 30 million visitors and shopping enthusiasts. Moreover, it accommodates famous brands such as Marks & Spencer, H&M, House of Fraser, and Next. Big retail brands such as Karen Millen, Ted Baker and French Connection also add value to the city’s beloved shopping centre. 

The Moor Market

Opened in: 2013

Address: 77 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4PF, United Kingdom

Timings: Mon to Sat – 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

The Moor market is a great place for indoor markets and has a range of different stalls, including 90 independent traders and a quality farmer’s market that sells fresh produce. They include organic meat, fruit, vegetables and baked goods. The market also has many handmade food stalls and cafes for food enthusiasts. 

Top Places to Stay in Sheffield

If you are a tourist and have come to Sheffield with your family for a vacation, you can book hotels. However, if you are a student studying and wishing to explore the city, there are a bunch of budget-friendly accommodation options to stay in the city. Sheffield student halls are one of the best choices you can have, where you can find everything you need. You can explore the best places to stay in Sheffield, which include famous areas like Broomhill, Crookes, and Ecclesall Road. Each area offers a welcoming student atmosphere, proximity to universities and easy access to amenities and public transport. 

Conclusion

Sheffield is a centre of quality education, a bustling student population and a thriving cultural environment. The city offers distinguished universities like Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, offering various top-notch academic facilities. The city has historical significance and takes care of its historical attractions, including churches and cathedrals. Apart from that, the museums and galleries attract tourists and art lovers. There are green places and beautiful gardens to relax and have a peaceful time.