Things to do in Sheffield

62 activities, venues and outings in Sheffield, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 62.

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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 yearAdults £8.95–10.95, children £6.95–8.95, over 60s £7.95–9.95, family (2 adults & 2 children) £25-31
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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
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Awesome Walls
Over 300 climbing routes, two bouldering areas, and a space-themed kids' zone.
Mon–Fri 10AM–10PM, Sat–Sun 10AM–8PMAdults £8, concessions £7, bouldering only £6.50. Other prices vary, see website
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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
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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
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Cineworld IMAX Cinema
Multiplex cinema with 20 large screens - one of the busiest cinemas in the country and the largest Cineworld branch. Also includes an IMAX screen, showing films on a massive screen in 3D, and a 4DX screen, showing 3D films complete with motion and tactile effects.
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Crucible Theatre
An eclectic programme, with everything from musicals and panto, to contemporary plays and Shakespeare. As well as being Sheffield's largest and best-known theatre, the Crucible is also home to the widely televised annual World Snooker Championships.
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Curzon Cinema
A three-screen "boutique cinema" in a tastefully-restored Grade II-listed former bank, with several lounge areas and a popular rooftop bar.
Open every day noon to midnight
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Drama Studio
An atmospheric 200-seat theatre owned by the University of Sheffield in a converted Victorian church. Regular productions by both students and local drama groups, including a couple of foreign-language (mainly French and Spanish) productions throughout the year.
Box office: Mon–Fri 9:30AM–5PM
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English Institute of Sport
The UK's largest multisport training centre that has a huge number of facilities for all ages and abilities, from the general public up to Olympians and Paralympians. Hosts regional, national and international championships at all times of the year.
Mon–Fri: 7AM–10PM; Sat, Sun: 9AM–5PM
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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.
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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!
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Greyhound racing
Enjoy a night of racing and, inevitably, gambling. Greyhound welfare is a priority for the venue. Facilities include a restaurant, plus fast food and bar options.
Race nights every Tue Fri Sat, sometimes on other nightsGeneral admission: £6
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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
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Lantern Theatre
Sheffield's oldest and smallest theatre, in a quiet Victorian residential neighbourhood.
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Library Theatre
Shows productions by local amateur dramatics groups. Not accessible to wheelchair users.
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Lyceum Theatre
This beautiful Grade-II* listed theatre dates from 1897, and was designed by famous Victorian theatre architect W.G.R. Sprague. The Lyceum offers Sheffield's best selection of productions alongside the Crucible, specialising in touring West End and Opera North productions, as well as locally-produced plays.
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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.
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Montgomery Theatre
Methodist-run theatre which shows productions aimed at families and younger audiences. Not everything has a religious angle, but some shows obviously do.
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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.
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Odeon Cinema
Slightly shabby multiplex showing all the latest cinema releases. You could certainly do better than go here, but it's cheap.
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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
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Rivelin Rocks
Rivelin Edge
A gritstone edge favoured for the Needle, a 20 m free-standing pinnacle that stands in front of the main edge. The best time to visit is on fine autumn and winter days, when the rocks get plenty of sunshine.
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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.
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Sheffield City Hall
A large and grand old concert hall mixing neoclassical and art-deco styles, which hosts theatre, music, opera, dance and comedy gigs. Arrive early to take in the building, including its portico, semi-circular rear and two stone lions and impressive decorated ceilings in the foyer and corridors. Not to be confused with the Town Hall, which is the seat of Sheffield City Council.
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Sheffield Eagles Rugby Football Club
rugby league
The team plays in the Championship, which is the second tier in English rugby league. The 2017 season marked their return to a permanent home venue for the first time in several years.
£18 for adults, £14 for concessions, £5 for under 16s
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Sheffield Football Club
A minor team playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South. Yes, we really are recommending you attend a non-league game of a team whose last major win was in 1904. So what makes Sheffield F.C. special and internationally-important? Only that it is the oldest association football club in the world, having been founded in 1857! FIFA marked the club's 150th anniversary in 2007, when SFC played special matches against Ajax and Inter Milan, which Pelé attended, at Bramall Lane.
First team: £8 for adults, £4 for concessions
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Sheffield Giants American Football Club
The Giants play in the top division of the UK's fledgling American football league, and receive backing and players from the two universities' NFL teams.
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Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club
field hockey
One of the top hockey clubs in the UK, playing both men and women's teams at all levels both indoors and outdoors. The men's first team play in the English Hockey League (national/top tier), while the ladies' first team play in the Northern Hockey League (regional/second tier).
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Sheffield Sharks
basketball
Mens' team that plays in the British Basketball League (national/top tier). They are the second most successful UK basketball team of all time.
Adults £14, concessions £11, family (2 adults + 2 children) £10 p.p
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Sheffield Steel Rollergirls
women's rollerblading
Women's amateur flat-track roller derby team that welcomes spectators and visiting skaters.
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Sheffield Steelers
ice hockey
An ice hockey team that play in the Elite Ice Hockey League, which is the top tier for the sport in the UK. There is a strong family ethos within the club, and the match atmosphere is rather Americanised, in great contrast to what you would find at local football.
£6-17
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Sheffield Tigers
speedway motorbike racing
The team competes in the Speedway Great Britain Premiership, which is the first tier of the sport in the United Kingdom.
Meetings normally take place on Thu eveningsAdults £15; over 65s £12 with ID; teens aged 12-17 £5; children aged 5-12 £1; under 3s free
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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.
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Sheffield United FC
"The Blades" were relegated in 2024 and now play football in the Championship, the second tier. The stadium, capacity 32,700, is one mile south of the main railway station. Their women's team play in their own Championship, with home games at Technique Stadium in Chesterfield.
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Showroom Cinema
Sheffield's largest indie cinema, showing a range of independent and foreign films, as well new and classic blockbusters. The art-deco building is a former car factory, built in the 1930s. Pleasant onsite bar and café serving meals and alcoholic and soft drinks.
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Spa 1877
Restored Turkish baths (hamam) that were the first of their kind in Britain when first opened in 1877. The baths offer a wide range of treatments and spa days to suit almost any budget.
Unisex M Tu Th 10AM–8:30PM, Su 9AM–6:30PM. Women only F 10AM–8:30PM, Sa 9AM–6:30PMSpa days: £20–195, prices for individual treatments vary. All prices include complimentary drinks
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Sport Sheffield Bouldering
known as "The Matrix" on some UK climbing and bouldering websites
Part of the University of Sheffield's sport facilities, this is a large wall for bouldering. The layout is 'reset' regularly, so repeat customers won't get bored.
Open to the general public Mon–Fri 5–10PM; open to concessions, NUS card holders, and University of Sheffield students, staff and alumni only Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, Sat Sun 11AM–5PMStandard price (after 5PM): £4.50, concessions £3.50
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Studio Theatre
Intimate auditorium for smaller-scale and experimental productions.
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The Climbing Works
One of the world's largest bouldering centres, there is something for all ages and skillsets. The ambient music is great too.
Mon–Fri noon–10PM, Sat–Sun 10AM–8PMExperienced climbers can turn up and climb. Peak (weekday evenings and all weekend): adults £7.50, concessions £6.50. Off peak (weekdays before 4PM): adults £6.50, concessions £5.50. Compulsory registration fee: £3. Beginner climbers should book an induction session. Adults: £20. Junior (14-17 years): £15. See website for other rates, including for under 14s and membership

Browse all 236 places in Sheffield

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