Top attractions and landmarks in Sheffield worth visiting

Collaborative Post | Serving as a gateway to the rocky moors of Peak District National Park, Sheffield is a historic South Yorkshire city with a rich industrial past. It was an important producer of steel during the Industrial Revolution, with several of its former factories now transformed into cultural institutions. Sheffield is a city that has reinvented itself in recent years, with a bustling urban core, picturesque green spaces and one of Europe’s most impressive glasshouses. 

If you’re planning a getaway to South Yorkshire, we have you covered, with 8 of the top attractions and landmarks in Sheffield. When it comes to finding accommodation, consider holiday rental platforms such as Rentola Sheffield, where you can easily find accommodation to suit. Whether you’re after a city centre apartment or a family-friendly house in one of Sheffield’s neighbourhoods, there are options to meet all budgets. Alternatively, you may prefer a country cottage in Peak District National Park, from where you can visit Sheffield’s attractions and landmarks as a day trip. 

SAKhanPhotograpghy, Canva.com

Sheffield Cathedral

Officially known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, this monumental building dates back to the early 13th century. That being said, the site has been used for around 1,000 years for Christian worship, with its fascinating history explored at the Heritage Interpretation Centre. While discovering the changes that have been made to the cathedral over the years, don’t miss the Shrewsbury Chapel, built to house the Earl’s Tudor collection, or the bayonets and swords that are on display in St George's Chapel.

Millenium Gallery

In the heart of Sheffield is the Millennium Gallery, which occupies a striking glass and concrete building that opened to the public in 2001. It functions as both an art gallery and a museum, with two permanent collections on display, alongside temporary exhibitions. Browse the watercolours, minerals and coins collected by the English philosopher John Ruskin before admiring the Sheffield-manufactured cutlery and teapots of the Metalware Collection. The Millennium Gallery regularly hosts travelling exhibitions from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and the Tate. ​

Sheffield Winter Garden

Adjacent to the Millennium Gallery is the Sheffield Winter Garden, which holds the title of Europe’s largest urban glasshouse. This award-winning structure houses more than 2,500 temperate plants from around the globe while providing a green oasis in the heart of the city. Marvel at its arched, eco-friendly design before stepping inside to explore the paved walkways. Within the Winter Garden is a cafe where you can grab drinks and light meals throughout the day.

Kelham Island Museum

Sheffield’s industrial past is showcased at the Kelham Island Museum, which occupies the site of a 19th-century iron foundry in the middle of the River Don. Its interactive exhibits detail its conversion into a power station, which operated until the 1930s. Today, the Kelham Island Museum is home to reconstructed workshops and a heritage-awarded Bessemer converter that was once used for the mass production of steel. Be sure to watch the 1905-built River Don Engine as it is brought to life.

Weston Park Museum

One of Sheffield’s most family-friendly museums lies on the edge of Weston Park, adjacent to the University of Sheffield campus. It tells the story of the city from prehistoric times to the present day through engaging exhibits and multimedia displays. Discover how life in Sheffield has changed over the years and the animals that inhabit the surrounding area, then get up close to works by local artists. Kids will love “Spike the Woolly Rhino” in the What On Earth! exhibit and getting hands-on in the Picturing Sheffield gallery. ​

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Located on the western outskirts of the city, the Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a Grade II-listed green space that’s home to more than 5,000 different plant species. It was originally created in the 1830s by the Sheffield Botanical and Horticultural Society, with several beautiful glass pavilions designed by Benjamin Broomhead Taylor still dotting the gardens today. As you wander through its themed gardens, keep an eye out for the 2.5-metre-tall statue of “Robert the Bear”. Musical concerts and theatrical events are held in the gardens throughout the year.

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

A short drive south of Sheffield will take you to this open-air museum on a site where iron has been forged for around 500 years. Located on the banks of the River Sheaf, it consists of workshops and cottages from a Grade I-listed scythe-making plant that operated until the 1930s. As you wander between its 18th and 19th-century buildings, you can learn about the process of making and refining steel with the help of a water wheel, as well as life for the workers here in times gone by. ​

Moor Market

Clustered with more than 90 independent retailers, the Moor Market is the place to head for fresh produce, artisan goods and handmade crafts. It occupies a modern building in Sheffield’s Moor Quarter, with a focus on organic and locally-sourced products. Browse the vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables and baked goods or pick up healthy meals in the bustling food court. In addition to gourmet fare, you’ll also find vintage homewares, hand-crafted jewellery and beautiful textiles. 


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.