Sheffield

A&G Passenger Boats

Take a heritage cruise down the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal on board the LB Hardfleet. The less expensive trips go as far as Don Valley Stadium, while the more expensive ones run out to Tinsley Locks on the outskirts of Rotherham. Turn-up-and-go is possible, though booking is recommended. Santa specials run on select dates in December.

Jul–Aug; during school holidays at other times of the year·Adults £8.95–10.95, children £6.95–8.95, over 60s £7.95–9.95, family (2 adults & 2 children) £25-31

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

The early industrial history of Sheffield, including water-powered grinding wheels and trip hammers, set among a collection of Grade I- and II-listed buildings.

Mon–Thu 10AM–4PM, Sun 11AM–4:45PM; Closed (rather annoyingly) Fri and Sat·Adults £4, Concessions £3, Under 16s free

Abbeydale Picture House

A beautiful domed 1920s cinema, which fell into disrepair in the 1970s. Since early 2017, it has been the focus of a community restoration venture, which is ongoing, and has since begun a programme of events, including screenings of classic films and regular community antiques markets. This real Sheffield gem is far from looking its best due to decades of neglect, but its long-term future is brighter than it has been since 1975!

It is (autumn 2017) only open on an irregular basis, as restoration work is ongoing. The full events programme can be viewed here

Anglican Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul

Sheffield's 13th-century cathedral. Not to be missed are the crypt - dedicated to the York and Lancaster Regiment of the British Army, the 1960s nave and the gargoyles on the intricate gatepost. Free guided tours are available on request and last around 45 minutes.

Mon 8AM–5PM; Tue–Fri 8AM–6:30PM; Sat 9:30AM–4PM; Sun 7:30AM–5PM·Free

Appetito

Authentic Italian café at prices well within the budgets of local students. Great breakfast and lunch menus, daily specials board, quality coffee, home-baked breads and pastries.

Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-6PM. Kitchen closes about 2:30PM

Arts Tower

Topped out in 1965, the University of Sheffield Arts Tower is a superb example of mid-century architecture. The main interest inside is a rare surviving paternoster lift; claimed to be the largest in the world, this is a continuously moving elevator which you can ride up 19 floors. You're not supposed to go over the top, or below ground level into the basement, but you do so 'by accident', there's no safety issue. The tower is grade-II* listed along with the adjacent Western Bank Library, which you can access across the mezzanine bridge, and which you may be able to visit with permission from the front desk. Please remember that these are busy university buildings; respect the students and staff.

Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM·Free

Aslan's

Infamous Halal kebab shop that serves piles of salty meat and the greasiest pizzas in town. See if you can find yourself (or get yourself) on the walls packed with photographs of customers.

Atkinson's

Sheffield's very own independent and idiosyncratic family department store has been on the Moor since 1872, although the original building was destroyed in the Blitz of 1940. It sells home items including furniture and kitchen gear, as well as fashion, cosmetics and fragrances. Atkinson's is also home to its own restaurant, an Italian coffee shop and a tea room.

Mon–Fri 9AM–5:30PM, Sat 9AM–6PM, Sun 10:30AM–4:30PM

Awesome Walls

Over 300 climbing routes, two bouldering areas, and a space-themed kids' zone.

Mon–Fri 10AM–10PM, Sat–Sun 10AM–8PM·Adults £8, concessions £7, bouldering only £6.50. Other prices vary, see website

BB's

A long standing favourite of families and students in Sheffield's city centre. A small family run business that does decent Italian food and is reasonably priced. Bring your own beer and wine.

Balance

A disconcerting mix of clothes, posters and bongs, which sums up Devonshire surprisingly well.

Mon–Thu 11AM–6PM; Fri 11AM–6PM, 8PM–10PM; Sat noon–6PM, 8PM–10PM; Sun noon–5PM

Bar One

The main bar of the University of Sheffield Student Union, which is understandably always full of students, and which is also one of the most profitable union bars anywhere in the country. In the evenings you will need a Sheffield student card (or a friend who has one to sign you in) to gain admission. Cheapest drinks on a Sunday. Large, cheap, pool room. Also serves inexpensive, wholesome food (not everything comes with chips!).

Barker's Pool

Large square that is used for public gatherings and demonstrations. In the middle is the Sheffield Cenotaph, which is a memorial to the city's fallen. At the western end there are two monuments to very different heroines; the Women of Steel sculpture honours local women's contribution to the steel industry during times of war, while the post box on the corner of Division Street was spray-painted gold to commemorate Jessica Ennis' successes at the 2012 Olympics. Barkers Pool is also the location of the City Hall theatre.

Bear Tree Records

An offshoot of the Blackest Rainbow record label, this is an independent record shop, specialising in vinyl. They stock new releases, reissues and a small number of second-hand records that are checked for quality.

Wed 10AM–5:30PM; Thu Fri 10AM–6PM; Sat 10AM–5PM; Sun 12:30PM–3:30PM

Beauchief Golf Club

A varied, par 67 course, with sloping fairways and a stream to contend with. In the grounds of Beauchief Abbey (11th century) with views of the Peak District. Clubhouse equipped with bar on-site.

Daily 9:30AM–10:30PM

Biomembrane

by Florence Blanchard

Colourful interpretation of a cell membrane, as seen under a microscope.

Birley Wood Golf Club

Large course on the plateau of a hill; there are views over the city. Accessible to beginners and children, while still being quite challenging. Golf buggies available to hire. There is a pub just off-site.

Daily 7AM–3:30PM

Bishops' House

16th-century Grade-II* listed timber frame house, managed as a museum and events venue by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. There are exhibitions on life during the Stuart era, and period-decorated rooms. The historical investigations are ongoing and in 2017, ring-dating of the house's timber framing dropped the bombshell that this was never the residence of bishops, as had long been thought.

Sat Sun 10AM–4PM·Free

Botanical Gardens

The restored Victorian gardens are a tranquil green oasis to which to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Highlights include the formal borders, the rose garden and the Mediterranean zone, as well as some rather grand glass houses designed by Joseph Paxton. Look out for the semi-hidden bear pit, which was indeed home to a bear in the 19th century, until (according to local legend at least) a young boy fell in and was mauled to death. A rather full events programme includes regular horticultural talks, plants sales, and a summer series of outdoor theatre and concerts.

Daily 8AM–dusk. Glass pavilion open daily 11AM–3:30PM·Gardens free; some events are priced

Brocco Kitchen

Michelin guide listed restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serves modern British food with a nod to Nordic flavours.

Browns

Chain brasserie, high quality British cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Open for breakfast.

Mon-Thu 9AM-11PM, Fri Sat 9AM-midnight, Sun 9AM-10PM

Bungalows & Bears

formerly the Central fire station

Retro-chic bar with fantastic atmosphere, amazing music and great veggie food menu. 2nd hand "retro" clothing market on a Sunday. Free board games (e.g., Tequila Jenga). Frequented by the Arctic Monkeys, trendies and students alike.

Béres

The Pork Sandwich Shop

The city's very own chain of "pork sandwich shops" was founded by Sandor Béres from Budapest and his local wife Eileen in 1956. The shops make and sell the famous Sheffield pork sandwich as described above, along with a selection of tasty pies. Proper northern food! There are also other branches outside the city centre.

Cafe#9

A coffee shop by day and an intimate live music venue by night, Cafe #9 is a distinctive space whose eclectic décor reflects the character and creativity of its Sheffield surroundings. Gigs take place most nights and tend to lean towards folk music. Easily reached by the No.56 bus from the city centre or a 30 minute walk

Cakes R Us

A garish Union Jack façade welcomes you to a brilliant Chinese dessert and cake shop. You can order for collection or delivery, or try to squeeze into one of very few tables.

Mon–Sat 9:30AM–7PM

Catholic Cathedral

Cathedral Church of St Marie

Opened in 1850, this is the Mother Church of the local Catholic community. There are several interesting architectural elements inside, including stained-glass windows and a 19th-century Lewis organ.

Open daily 8:30AM–5PM. Closed to tourists during mass and offices·Free

Cavendish

locally referred to as 'The Chavendish'

A scream/yellowcard bar (you get discounted drinks if you buy or have a friend with a yellowcard, which costs £1 to NUS card holders). Serves decent food; a cheap student pub/bar with pool tables.

Central Library

A grand 1930s library in Art Deco style with an impressive volume of books.

Mon Tue Thu Fri 9:30AM–5:30PM, Wed 1PM–8PM, Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun closed·Free. You must be a resident of Sheffield to borrow books, but anyone can read library books inside

Chinese Fireworks Company Limited

Massive selection of fireworks, sparklers and display packs. "Firework season" in the UK is from just before Bonfire Night (5 November) to just after Chinese New Year

In season, it is open daily 10AM–4PM, other times by appointment

Cholera Monument

A monument to and burial ground for 402 victims of the 1832 cholera outbreak in a lovely park and woodland setting and with commanding views over the city centre. Worth slogging up the hill for.

Open all day·Free