Sheffield
The aptly named ‘Steel Town’ of the north, Sheffield is where stainless steel was invented and the site of the subsequent manufacturing boom of cutlery. Built alongside the Peak District, this city has lovely views and proximity to the national park.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 999
- Language: English
- Currency: British Pound
- Country Code: GB
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 645,000
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 999 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 101.
Hospitals in Sheffield
Northern General Hospital: 0114 243 4343
Royal Hallamshire Hospital: 0114 2434343
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Sheffield’s closest airport is the Doncaster Sheffield Airport. It also has a train station and a Supertram line. The trams run across Sheffield to Rotherham and the ticketing system is integrated with Stagecoach buses around Sheffield for ease of use. There are several bus companies operating within Sheffield and even more coach services that stop and run through the city on the way to either London or Inverness.
Airports
Doncaster Sheffield Airport: 01302 625050
Train Stations
Sheffield Railway Station: northernrailway.co.uk
Sheffield Safety
What’s the weather like?
Sheffield is a river city in South Yorkshire and therefore will be quite chilly and wet. The surrounding hilly area protects the city from a certain amount of wind. It rains often, especially in October and January.
The average summer temperature is 16°C whilst the average winter temperature is 5 °C.
For the most reasonable weather, visit in late spring and summer.
Dress and plan accordingly.
What’s a safety top tip?
Sheffield is stated to be one of the safest cities in the Yorkshire and The Humber area, with pickpocketing being the least reported crime.
However, the most reported crime in the area is violence and sexual offences so there is still a very good reason to remain vigilant.
Stay in populated and well-lit areas. Remain in a group when you can. Try to know where you’re going and plan ahead of time- pre-booking a taxi to take you home after a night out is always a good idea.
What should I be aware of?
Drug related crime is on the rise in the Sheffield area.
If someone offers you drugs, politely but firmly say no and remove yourself from the situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Sheffield Events
Tramlines is Sheffield’s very own music festival with all the expected features: multiple stages, a range of music, lots of tents, ect. But it isn’t all typical. The Leadmill stage has played host to some big comedy names, like Reginald D Hunter and Phill Jupiter. The Grub Shed is a whole section dedicated to food. There is a very surprising range of food for a normal festival, with vegan options and food like cheesecake and poutine available. In the drinks department, the festival has eight separate bars to choose from and its very own IPA to sample. Tramlines also prides itself on its dedicated family area, Into The Trees. There’s lots of family friendly activities throughout the weekend, including a pop up cinema and workshops for arts and crafts and age appropriate bush crafts. Tramline really knows what the people want as in its VIP section, as well as gaining priority access and VIP seating areas, there are proper flushing toilets. Now that is a festival that knows its audience!
This food festival really has range. With its Theatre Kitchen, where experts talk you through cookery techniques and dishes from different cultures (from BBQ rubs to Taiwanese chow mien), to the Artisan Market, with over 50 stalls where you can peruse authentic treats to take home with you. There are even talks and activities to promote growing your own vegetables, learning how to cook better and how to deal with food waste. And of course, there’s music. Join in with the Leftover Soup Disco (you read that right) or head over to The Festival Village for live music including bands, DJs and local singers.
Every year thousands of runners of all abilities take part, raising lots of money for numerous deserving causes. Starting and finishing at the city centre, a huge crowd of energetic supporters will cheer participants on throughout the race. The event benefits hugely from Sheffield’s proximity to the Peak District providing a stunningly scenic route filled with majestic views. The event even incorporates a ‘triple test’, giving entrants the opportunity to be crowned Peaks Challenge winners in a timed hill climb, triumph in a times 10K downhill sprint section and cross the finish line first to lift the Sheffield Half Marathon title. The route is dotted with refuel stations and first aid tents so if you need a drink or a hand- they’ve got you covered. Even if you don’t place at the top of the leader board there are medals and a goody bags waiting at the end. Its an exciting event for both runners and cheerers!
Sheffield Highlights
What’s close by?
Beginning at the westerly border of the city and stretching out across the Pennines- England’s backbone of hills- you can find the Peak District National Park; Britain’s first and most visited National Park. The Peak District is excellent for many outdoor activities being popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. It is one of Britain’s finest rock climbing locations and has an international reputation, with some of the hardest rock climbs in the UK on its gritstone and limestone edges. There are bookable activities including air and water sports. Go for a stroll or have an adventure: the choice is yours!
Millennium Gallery & Winter Gardens
Opened in 2001, the Millennium Gallery is a modern concrete and glass construction housing the Ruskin Collection; art, plaster casts, minerals, books, manuscripts and coins of the eminent Victorian Scholar John Ruskin. It also contains the Metal Work Collection; a most extensive grouping of Sheffield-made cutlery and hollowware, showcasing examples of excellent design and high quality craftsmanship from the city. There is also the Craft and Design Gallery; a temporary exhibition space that hosts major touring exhibitions with national partners like the V&A and Tate. Adjoining the Millennium Gallery is Sheffield’s Winter Gardens, a magnificent 21m high urban glasshouse providing home to more than 2000 plants from around the world.
What museums are there?
Here you can discover the real story of Sheffield, from its geological roots to the people, politics and music that shaped the modern city. This museum features a huge collection of art and artefacts, including favourites such as Spike the woolly rhino. Also within this Grade II listed building is the Mappin Art Gallery, containing a collection of work bequeathed by the Rotherham businessman John Newton Mappin. Weston Park Museum is reputed as a family friendly museum with engaging interactive displays and in 2008 won the Guardian Family Friendly Museums award.
And now for something completely different: Sheffield is home to the UK’s national cultural centre for videogames. Digital entertainment is the UK’s fastest growing creative industry and there’s so much to learn about it. This museums allows you to explore how games are made, who makes them, and even why they are made. There is also an arcade for you to play a range of games, old and new. Video games can mean so many different things (FPS, MMO, single player, competitive, educational, VR) and this museum is the perfect place to gain that understanding whilst having fun.
Any cool places to eat/drink?
Good general areas to have a wander around include Ecclesall Road (with a strong student presence and many bars and restaurants), London Road (known for its diverse demographic and cuisines), Hillsborough, Firth Park and the Crystal Peaks shopping centre (the main shopping destination on the southeast side of the city).
Couch is a coffee shop that stands against the pretentious and impractical décor of subpar modern cafes and focusses on the things that matter: tasty food and comfy places to relax. With free WiFi and a chill atmosphere, Couch wants to appeal to what normal people actually want out of a coffee shop. Whether you’re a mam out with her kids, who needs a sit down (and some food to distract the little angels), or a student, who wants to work on an essay accompanied by a coffee and a brownie, Couch has you in mind.
For something in the evening, try Kettle Black. Elegant and decadent, this bar is designed to make you feel indulged. The cocktail bar is ran by expert mixologists, helping you choose from the seasonal menu which is changed and vetted regularly to contain only the best drinks. Once you’ve got your cocktail head to the Perrier Jouet terrace, heated to be a pleasant experience all year round. Or, if it’s a special occasion, stay in the VIP Mezzanine with the bar just a few steps away at all times.
