Sightseeing in Sheffield
Sheffield is one of the largest cities in England, with a population exceeding 650,000 people and an economy worth over £11 billion. The Outdoor City is an attractive place for people looking for a mix of a well-maintained urban environment and quick access to parks, gardens, and various pen-air activities. Besides rural escapes and outdoor adventures, Sheffield provides some of the finest sports opportunities in England. It's home to Crucible Theatre, hosting the World Snooker Championship, and the oldest football team in the world - Sheffield F.C. Therefore, it was not a surprise that Sheffield was the first recognized the National City of Sport in the United Kingdom!
Parks & Gardens
Outdoor activities are what bring many UK residents and tourists to the city. There are many parklands, gardens, and rural sights to visit nearby, but the Sheffield Botanical Gardens are a must! Visitors are warmly welcomed by friendly squirrels and other animals and birds living in these pieces of paradise. Many well-maintained winding paths bring them to 18 garden areas unique in design, scented plants, and features. One of the top spots is the Himalayan Garden bear pit! Sheffield is also home to the Tropical Butterfly House in the Wildlife Conservation Park. The center offers a quick escape from the urban environment and much more: educational and fundraising events, conservation of endangered species, and the Big Butterfly Count. Other great locations worth visiting are:
- Sheffield Winter Garden
- Graves Park
- Holly Hagg Community Farm
- Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
- The Peace Gardens
- Endcliffe Park
- Weston Park Museum
- Mayfield Alpacas Animal Park
- Millhouses Park.
Families must also spare a day to visit the Gulliver's Valley Theme Park Resort and enjoy the numerous attractions. There are different resort activities, free parking, various events, and rooms for those willing to stay and enjoy the facility for a few days.
Museums & Buildings
The city is also proud of its unique historical heritage and plenty of cultural sights to visit. The University of Sheffield is not one of the oldest, but since its establishment in 1828, it has been witness to many changes in England and the UK. On the other hand, the National Emergency Services Museum is one of the most popular and visited buildings by tourists. The hands-on galleries are unique for the area, and visitors are welcomed by friendly staff. Other museums in Sheffield worth checking out are the Kelham Island Museum and the National Videogame Museum - a slightly different type of experience!
Cultural tourists should also spend a few hours making a Millennium Gallery tour, which is another top destination connected to Shefiled's Winter Garden. Other great art places in the city are Graves Gallery, Bank Street Arts, Sheffield's Institute of Arts Gallery, Frontier Gallery, and Heartbeat Gallery.
When we discuss exceptional buildings in an old city such as Sheffield, we must pay attention to real monuments, like the Town Hall! It's on Pinstone Street and was built during the reign of Queen Victoria to become today the City Council's home. Other iconic buildings are the Cathedral Church of St Marie, the St Matthew's Church, and the Old Town Hall.
Sports Facilities
As we already mentioned, Sheffield loves sports, and there are plenty of centers, stadiums, and theaters scattered around the city. Surely, the Crucible Theatre is one of the most emblematic places for fans of snooker. It has been hosting the World Snooker Championship for the last almost 50 years, since 1977. Football fans should book a tour of the Hillsborough Stadium, home of Sheffield Wednesday F.C. It's the biggest stadium in the city and nearby with a capacity of almost 40,000. Other popular football arenas are Bramall Lane and Sandygate Road Stadium.
The Ultra Arena is a multi-purpose place that hosts various events, shows, and concerts. In terms of sports, it's home to the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team and is often used as a boxing, MMA, and professional wrestling arena. Last but not least, the Owlerton Greyhound Stadium is another attraction for all sports and gambling enthusiasts. The Premier Race Track provides daily greyhound races from Monday to Saturday. Various packages and accommodations are available, including betting areas, a VIP lounge, dining facilities, and bars.
Sheffield Nightlife
Like any other large city in the UK, Sheffield provides plenty of nightlife opportunities, like bars, clubs, and premium casino establishments. Beg, Borrow & Steal, Code, The Viper Rooms, and The Roar are among the most crowded and popular venues in the city. However, if gambling is the passion, Sheffield offers four first-class land-based establishments:
- Grosvenor G Casino
- Genting Casino Club
- Napoleons Casino Ecclesall
- Napoleons Casino Owlerton.
Grosvenor G Casino Sheffield operates 24 hours, and it's located at 87 Duchess Road. It offers a great selection of premium slot machines as well as electronic roulette and jackpot slots. The variety of live games includes four Texas Hold 'em tables, single-zero roulettes, and blackjack. The venue is a regular host of poker tournaments and offers excellent accommodation, including drinks and food.
Genting Casino Club is located at St Paul's Place, Arundel Gate, in the Sheffield City Centre. It offers over a hundred slot machines, including Pharaoh's Fortune, Temple Of Fire Cash Eruption, and Lucky Lady's Charm. The variety of table games includes roulette, blackjack, 3-card poker, baccarat, and live e-tables. Visitors can place their wagers at the betting point or enjoy their time at the World Bar.
Last but not least, Sheffield offers a couple of Napoleons Casino establishments at 844 Ecclesall Road and 17 Livesey St. Both venues offer premium casino floors and the best accommodation service, including restaurants, event centers, sports betting, and bars. They offer a huge range of progressive jackpots and popular slots, live tables - roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack, and organize bingo nights. The gambling areas usually operate from 13:00 to 06:00 daily.