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Historic places in Sheffield

15 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Sheffield.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Historic places in Sheffield

  1. See

    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 SatAdults £4, Concessions £3, Under 16s free

  2. See

    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–5PMFree

  3. See

    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–4PMFree

  4. See

    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 officesFree

  5. Do

    Five Weirs Walk

    5 miles (8 km), can be extended or shortened. A walk between the city centre and Meadowhall along the River Don through many interesting neighbourhoods, including industrial wasteland, the still-living steelworks, Sheffield's Sikh temple, and the unexpected treats of nature reserves and ancient cemeteries. Kingfishers and otters can be seen, even in the heart of the city. Although you can catch the tram or train back into town from Meadowhall, more active travellers may wish to continue along the river into Tinsley and Rotherham, or else complete the "Blue Loop" by making the return journey on foot along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.

  6. See

    General Cemetery

    An historically important Victorian cemetery, which is the final "home" for 87,000 people, including influential Sheffielders such as steel manufacturer Mark Firth and Chartist Samuel Holberry. The 19th century class system is evident in the range of memorials, with great mausoleums, modest stones and unmarked paupers' graves (some with 40 or more burials in one plot) jostling for space. When you pass through the imposing arched gateway from Cemetery Avenue, you very much know you're entering a necropolis. The neo-gothic Anglican chapel and contrastingly neo-classical nonconformist chapel are hauntingly derelict. All in all, this is a beautiful and fascinating spot, where visitors can enjoy some atmospheric wildness near the centre of town.

    Open all dayFree

  7. See

    Kelham Island Museum

    The industrial and social history of Sheffield, within a hipster area that was once the heart of the steel industry. Main attraction is the massive 3-cylinder rolling mill engine (in steam every hour) from the River Don Steelworks.

    Mon–Thu 10AM–4PM, Sun 11AM–4:45PM; inexplicably closed Fri–SatAdults £6, concessions £5, under 16s free

  8. Do

    Norfolk Heritage Trail

    3 mi. A signed route linking a range of historical buildings and open spaces with connections to the Dukes of Norfolk. You will walk through City Road Cemetery, enjoy the expanses of Norfolk Park, see brilliant views of the city from the Cholera Monument and descend past Park Hill over the three-way tram junction and railway tracks, following the Supertram to the cathedral.

  9. Drink

    Porter Cottage

    Indie jukebox, normal ales but amazing atmosphere. Landlady Mandy will know your life history by the time you leave. Get in early to get a decent table.

  10. See

    Sheffield Manor Lodge

    The ruins of a Tudor manor house, which was the home of the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. During the 1570s and 1580s, the house served as Mary Queen of Scots' luxurious prison. The 1940s Manor Cottages offer an immersive and interactive wartime experience. Meet a variety of farmyard animals at Manor Oaks farm. Costumed historical characters associated with the area, the giant sandpit and lavender labyrinth should all appeal to kids, while extensive wildflower meadows and on-site café complete the visit.

    Park open daily dawn–dusk. Manor Farm: Mon–Sat 9:30AM–4PM; Tudor ruins and discovery centre: Fri 10:30AM–2:30PM, and during school holidays Tue–Fri 10:30AM–2:30PM. Weekend opening: Mar–Nov, third weekend of the month (Sat and Sun; verify dates on website) 11AM–4PM, with guided tours and visits to the Turret house throughout the day; Manor Cottages: Mar–Nov third Sun of the month (same dates as above) 11AM–4PMManor Oaks Farm: free; Tudor ruins, Turret house and discovery centre: adult visit £3, guided tour £2, children free; Manor Cottages: adults £1, children free

  11. Do

    Sheffield Town Walk

    2 mi. Very easy circular walk around the historic city centre, taking in well-known landmarks and lesser-travelled spots. From the cathedral, make for the Old Town Hall and grim dereliction of the Castlegate Quarter. Console yourself with the pretty barges and former grain stores of the canal basin. You'll then pass the modern law courts, offices and apartments lining the river Don until you reach Kelham Island, a trendy postindustrial residential neighbourhood with many great pubs. The route finishes with a tour of the Cathedral Quarter, through Paradise Square, via barrister firms and an old synagogue as you return to the cathedral.

  12. Drink

    The Frog & Parrot

    A popular pub with a long history, in days gone by offering what it claimed as the strongest ale legally served in a British pub. These days it offers food and locally-brewed real ales and often features live music.

  13. Buy

    The Moor Market

    Sheffield's snazzy indoor market hall opened in 2013, moving from its historic location in Castlegate. The market has more than 90 stalls, and has become a foodie mecca, mixing traditional local food and drink producers with specialist artisans, delis and other stalls selling international items. Alongside this, there are haberdashery, clothing, furnishing and jewellery sellers.

    Mon–Sat 8AM–5:30PM

  14. See

    Weston Park Museum

    A pleasant and modern museum, particularly suitable for children, in a fittingly grand old building. Galleries on Sheffield's natural and social history as well as the Arctic, art and treasures. The temporary gallery often hosts touring exhibitions from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

    Mon-Fri 4PM, Sat & Bank Holidays 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-4PMFree

  15. Drink

    The New Barrack Tavern

    A pub owned by Castle Rock and full of Character.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Sheffield (CC BY-SA 4.0).