Parks and the outdoors in Sheffield

32 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Sheffield.

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

See
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–3:30PMGardens free; some events are priced
Drink
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
See
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 dayFree
See
Endcliffe Park
A great city park with lots of amenities and a good amount of space; there's woodland, playing fields, a children's playground, café and even a small river, the Porter Brook, running through. Also to be seen is a large statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted in 1887 to mark the monarch's golden jubilee, and a memorial stone for the United States Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress which crashed in the park on 22 February 1944 with the loss of all ten crew. Around the stone is planted a grove of American oaks in remembrance. The Porter Brook can be followed out of the park, through more attractive woodland and past the Shepherd's Wheel to the edge of the Peak District in less than hour's walking.
Free
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.
See
Graves Park and Animal Farm
This 92-hectare park, the largest in Sheffield, has a variety of amenities, from sports fields, to playgrounds, woodland and a café. The main draw to visitors is the rare breeds farm, in the north east corner of the park close to Hemsworth Rd. Donkeys, pigs, deer and alpacas are the stars, but there are plenty of smaller animals to keep your kids happy for hours.
Park open daily dawn until dusk. Farm open daily 9AM-3:30PMPark and farm free
Do
Grenoside to Whitley walk
Native woodland, dells and pretty villages make this an easy 4 mi circular walk around the countryside north of Sheffield. Even better, it starts and finishes at a pub. Reyt good!
Do
Heeley City Farm
Inner city farm and environmental visitor centre with a range of rare breed farm animals, poultry, little critters, gardens and vegetable plots. Go to meet and feed the animals, stay for a bite at the café. The farm is run by volunteers from the community and aims to promote understanding of food production and conserve endangered breeds.
Daily 9AM–5PMFree
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
Do
Merlin Theatre
Small community theatre which specialises in autism- and disability-friendly productions. It is housed in an evocatively grey stone building, and benefits from some beautiful gardens to sit in before and after performances.
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.
See
Park Hill
Grade-II* listed brutalist blocks of flats. Try to spot the graffiti on one of the overhead walkways, where the sprayed words I love you will u marry me have been displayed for over 15 years, and are illuminated in neon by night. Park Hill has also featured prominently in Doctor Who since 2018.
See
Peace Gardens
The rising and falling fountains and grassed areas make this small piece of open space popular in summer, with many people choosing to eat picnics here. The gardens are also often used for festivals and entertainment. Adjacent is, a rather windy place between modern office blocks (including the city's tallest building, St Paul's Tower) and with several large restaurants. The steel balls on the square have been chosen to represent Sheffield's industry.
Do
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
A huge gymnasium and swimming centre with Olympic-sized pool, diving pool and fun pool with waves, flumes and lazy river. Regular age, disability and autism-friendly sessions available.
Mon–Fri: 6:30AM–10:30PM; Sat, Sun: 8AM–8PMLane/leisure swimming: £7.55 for adults, £4.05 for children. Gym: £9.70, adults only
Buy
Q Tattoo
Tattoo parlour that offers all styles, including freestyle. Also does touch-ups. Walk-up service and bookings.
Tue–Sat noon–6PM
Do
Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
4 mi, shorter circular walks at either end possible. Where the city meets the Peak District. Walk alongside the rushing waters of the river Rivelin, passing numerous old water mills, mill ponds and other scenic spots. This popular conservation area is home to a great deal of wildlife. Several well-maintained footpaths and bridleways make this an excellent choice for families, with very easy walking routes. The energetic may muster themselves to climb the very steep path all the way to on Redmires Road - the regular number 51 will take you back into town.
See
SIA Gallery
Sheffield Institute of Arts
Showcases art from Sheffield Hallam University and the wider community, as well as visiting artists, with a focus on graphic design and contemporary fine art. Always challenging, often thought-provoking and moving. A visit to the gallery is complemented by exploring the itself, which is in the beautifully repurposed central post office building 10 minutes' walk north on Fitzalan Square. It has a café and its own small exhibition space.
Daily 10AM–5PM. Open until 8PM on WedFree
See
Sheffield Town Hall
The hub of Sheffield's local government - you can't go inside, but it's worth walking all the way around to admire the Victorian municipal architecture. Of note is the magnificent clock tower upon which the Roman god of metalworking Vulcan poses, and the many stone friezes depicting the city's industries. As you walk, don't miss the Sheffield Legends walk of fame - with plaques for actors Sean Bean and Michael Palin, Olympic athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Seb Coe, astronaut Helen Sharman and musicians Def Leppard and Joe Cocker, among others. You will also spot a green and white police box dating from 1928, which is still in use as a public information point.
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.
Drink
The Harlequin
The latest addition to The Ale Trail, more open plan and possibly less off putting to people who aren't used to real ale pubs than the others might seem.
Drink
The Red Deer
Another civilised dive with good range of beers, warming fireplaces, a small garden and friendly cats.
Drink
The Sheaf View
Is a real ale hotspot. Famous for serving the south side of Sheffield with the local breweries and other guest ales with knowledgeable bar staff. Has a reputation for friendly Sheffield folk to relax there after hiking and climbing in The Peak. So called because of possible view of the Sheaf River although now obstructed by newer buildings.
Drink
The Washington
Great music pub, used to be owned by Nick Banks from the band "Pulp". Relaxed atmosphere, varied DJ nights. Open till 1AM every night except Sunday till midnight. Large beer garden and smoking area at the back of the pub.
Do
Tinsley Park Golf Club
18-hole, par 70 parkland course measuring over lots of hills and slopes. Fairways and greens to challenge all ages and abilities. On-site clubhouse with bar and catering.
Mon–Fri 7AM–5PM; Sat Sun 6:30AM–7PM
See
Weston Park
This grand 5-hectare park, a mixture of mature landscaped trees and flower beds, includes a working bandstand, war memorial to the York and Lancaster Regiment's dead, tennis courts and water features. The park plays host to many events during summer.
Open all dayAll free
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
See
Winter Garden
The largest urban glasshouse in Europe, built spectacularly in glass and timber, and home to exotic ferns, trees, cacti and other plants from around the world. Temperatures are kept relatively cool in summer and warm in winter. Lots of benches and a coffee bar inside makes it a pleasant place to sit and read or watch the world go by, particularly if the weather outside is not so nice. In fact, there are few more satisfying experiences to be had anywhere than listening to rain or hail lash the glass while you're warm and dry! There is a visitor information stall in the gardens, space for a pop-up shop and a tourist information centre on nearby Norfolk Row.
Mon–Sat 8AM–8PM, Sun 8AM–6PMFree
See
Wortley Top Forge
Metal-bashing forge set up in the 1640s on a bend in the River Don, and remaining water-powered until the site closed in 1910. It latterly produced wrought iron railway axles, until these were replaced by steel.
Apr-Oct Sun 11AM-5PMAdult £3, conc, £2, child 50p
Do
Wyming Brook Nature Reserve and Stanage Edge
This gorge is now a protected nature reserve. A rocky footpath leads you from the car park down along the bottom of the gorge, crossing the stream several times, to a reservoir. There are many possible walks of varying lengths you could try, but one suggestion is to walk the 2½ miles (4 km) to Stanage Edge. From Wyming Brook car park, head west along Redmires Road, around the reservoirs and up the medium incline until the Peak District opens up in all its majesty in front of you. The edge is flat and easy to walk, with superb panoramic views all around. Many will turn back at this point, but you could equally walk along Stanage as far as you want, or descend the steep 2½ miles (4 km) down to the handsome Derbyshire village of Hathersage. Cream teas or a pint in the pub await you there, and you can return to Sheffield by train. The entire spectacular Lodge Moor to Hathersage station route is 6⅓ miles (10 km) over varied and undulating terrain.
Do Not mapped
Christmas Market
14 November - 24 December 2018
Held at Fargate and the Peace Gardens from mid-November until Christmas Eve. 50 traditional wooden cabins offering many gifts and treats including hand-made craft and seasonal food and drink. Come after dark and see the lights, have a go on the traditional rides, and bring your kids to meet the actual Father Christmas.
Do Not mapped
Sheffield Food Festival
26 - 28 May 2018
Held for three days over the spring bank holiday, the last weekend in May. Spread across Fargate, the Peace Gardens, Millennium Square and the Winter Garden. A culinary festival showcasing Sheffield's best offerings of food and drink with fresh hot food stalls, pop up bars, cookery master classes, chef demos and of course plenty of local produce sold. On Fargate, there is al fresco dining and drinking with a soundtrack of live music and DJ sets.
Do Not mapped
Theatre in the Gardens
Dates in June, July and August
A summer season of open-air theatre in the atmospheric Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Bring a picnic, deckchairs and (depending on the weather) a cardy and waterproof!
Book tickets through website

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