Are you new to Sheffield for and looking to broaden your horizons this year?
From street food and shopping, and games to green spaces, Sheffield has so much to offer, especially if you’re a student. Here’s our Top Things to Do in this great city!
Agree with our suggestions? Got any to add? Get in touch on social media – follow @WestOneSpace on Twitter, @WestOne_Sheffield on Instagram or ‘West One Student Accommodation’ on Facebook!
West Street
West Street is one of Sheffield’s liveliest areas. Filled to the brim with bars, clubs, shops and restaurants, West Street is easily accessible and holds a little something for everyone. Along this bustling stretch, you’ll find Nando’s, Players, Bierkeller, Tiger Works, Wick at Both Ends, Firepit Rocks, Walkabout and West Street Live – to name a few. Most of these places offer great value, and usually some sort of student discount, which makes them even more appealing!
West Street is also on the doorstep of our very own West One Plaza, which is home to a wide range of bars and restaurants – all within a few yards of each other. Enjoy great burgers at OHM, a curry at Akbars or Latin American cuisine at Las Iguanas – and finish off at Revolution for a great cocktail.
Each outlet also advertises regular offers and deals, so West One Plaza is definitely one to keep an eye on.
How to get there: West Street is just a few minutes’ walk from Sheffield city centre or, if you’re living outside the centre, then it’s easily accessible using the 51, 52 or 120 bus routes or by tram.
The Peak District
We’re very lucky here in Sheffield to have the Peak District right on our doorstep. Easy to get to in just a 20-minute drive or a short bus or train journey, you can be in the heart of the amazing countryside in no time, with scenic walks and cycle trails, picturesque towns and villages and some great country pubs. You can also climb the spectacular peaks and delve deep into the caves. With lots of places to visit and activities to do, visiting the Peak District will not disappoint.
How to get there: Two of the main routes into the Peak District from Sheffield city centre originate from the A57 (Manchester Road) and Ecclesall Road. Visit http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/home for more info.
The Great Escape
The popularity of Escape rooms has been on the rise for the last few years and The Great Escape was Sheffield’s first real life escape game. The aim of the game is to work in teams to solve the clues and puzzles needed to escape.
This is a great, fun activity for you and your friends, the question is: Are you up for the challenge?
How to get there: The Great Escape has two Sheffield locations – one at St James’ House on Vicar Lane, just off West Street; the other on Sidney Street in the city’s cultural industries quarter, not far from Sheffield rail station.
Graves Park
Graves Park is located just outside of Sheffield city centre, to the south of the city, and is home to Graves Park Animal Farm, where you’ll find some of the rarest farm animals breeds in the country. The park is Sheffield’s largest and is a great day out for all ages, particularly for students wanting to get a breath of fresh air away from the city centre. The park is open seven days a week, with student bus tickets only £1.20, making it a nice, cheap day out for everyone to enjoy.
How to get there: The 24, 25, 75, 76, 44 and X17 bus routes all stop close to Graves Park coming from Sheffield city centre (The Moor).
Meadowhall
Meadowhall is a great place to visit for an afternoon’s entertainment all under one roof.
The centre’s retail offering has got better and better year on year – reasonably-priced (and student-friendly) outlets such as Primark and H&M are joined by more high-end brands such as Hugo Boss, Diesel and Flannels. Meadowhall also tends to host student lock-ins during Freshers Week, with some not-to-be-missed deals available – certainly something to keep an eye out for.
How to get there: Regular buses serve Meadowhall from Sheffield Interchange, and it’s also at the end of the yellow Stagecoach Supertram route. Trains also run every five minutes or so from Sheffield.
Grab a coffee on Ecclesall Road
Whether it’s a study break or a catch-up with friends, Sheffield is not short of places to grab a cup of coffee. Ecclesall Road is a one of the best places to chill out – it might be known for its bars, pubs and restaurants but it’s also a great place to kick-off the day with a superb coffee and great company.
As well as larger chains such as Costa and Starbucks, Couch and Somewhere Else Coffee House are just two of a fantastic line-up of independent outlets and offer a cosy, friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Head on down to see it for yourself!
How to get there: Ecclesall Road is a 15-minute walk from Sheffield city centre and is also well connected via public transport via the 81, 82, 83, 83a and 88 bus routes, which run regularly.
Parkrun
Parkrun is a great weekly activity which you can either use to keep fit, get out of bed on a Saturday or even as a weekly challenge. You can register online, turn up at the start line and off you go on a free, timed 5km run.
Parkrun is a brilliant way to get out and DO something – not something we always feel inclined to do first thing on a Saturday morning, but you’ll feel energised and ready to take on the day once you cross that finish line… maybe after catching your breath!
Get involved online at www.parkrun.co.uk, where you’ll find details of your nearest Parkruns.
Kelham Island
Kelham Island is an area full of heritage and history – and great pubs. Kelham Island Museum opened in 1982 and stands on a man-made island which is more than 900 years old. The museum is home to countless fascinating pictures and archive material which tells a story of Sheffield’s industrial past. It’s well worth a visit if you want to find out more about the steel city’s history.
However, if all you’re after is a few pints of some of Sheffield’s finest ale, then pubs such as the Fat Cat, Kelham Island Tavern, Shakespeares, The Riverside, The Old Workshop, The Ship and many, many more may be for you. Kelham Island is a must for anyone and everyone.
Another great place to visit in the Kelham area is Piña – one of Sheffield’s finest, most authentic Mexican eateries. If we described it as a casual bar which serves Mexican snacks, street food and tacos, we wouldn’t come close to doing it justice – it’s certainly worth a visit if you’re looking for something a little different. Plus, it’s home to some fantastic wines and cocktails, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Exciting projects & developments – both new and historical
Sheffield in the last few years has undergone a dramatic transformation and is at the forefront of new, innovative projects and developments, complemented nicely with some of its more traditional landmarks and venues.
A prime example is Cutlery Works, on Neepsend Lane near Kelham Island. It’s growing more and more popular by the day and is redefining dining out. Countless bars and eateries can be found all under one roof in a converted warehouse, with a host of independent outlets on offer. Think of it as more permanent version Peddler Night Market which appears once a month. For full info visit https://cutleryworks.co.uk/.
Yellow Arch Studios, also near to 92 Burton Road (home to Peddler Night Market), is another venue rich in Sheffield history. It was established in 1997 following the redevelopment of a former Nuts and Bolts factory for the bridge and shipping industry, and over the years is famously known as the birthplace of Arctic Monkeys, and has also seen artists such as Richard Hawley, Kylie Minogue, Jarvis Cocker and Duane Eddy record albums there. It’s now one of Sheffield’s most popular music venues, hosting regular gigs and concerts, with enough room for a street food van too. It’s a must-visit if you’re new to Sheffield – or indeed if you’ve simply never been! For more, go online at www.yellowarch.com.
Peddler Night Market
The aforementioned Peddler Night Market takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of every month – apart from January when it’s a bit too cold. Based at 92 Burton Road, in an ex-industrial warehouse, the night market is a fun gathering of a whole host of independent food traders, artists, craft stalls, musicians and DJs. Experience some of the best street food Yorkshire has to offer, with the added bonus that you and your pals don’t all have to eat at the same place. Peddler is one of the best night markets in the region and is free to enter – making it a must-visit for students in Sheffield. Plus, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, Peddler have recently started running ‘Veg Out’, which will run four times throughout the year.
How to get there: Kelham Island, Cutlery Works, Yellow Arch Studios and Peddler Night Market are all within walking distance of each other. They are just a 15-minute walk from Sheffield city centre or, if you’re not up for the stroll, then you can hop on a blue or yellow route tram from West Street to Shalesmoor.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens, in between Ecclesall Road, Clarkehouse Road and Brocco Bank, is a beautiful place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to relax. Opened in summer 1836, they boast incredible history and stories of Sheffield’s past. Or, if you’re just looking for a quiet place within the city boundaries to relax, go for a walk or even just sit and read a book, the Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to feel as though you’re away from everything despite being well within the city boundaries.
How to get there: The Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from Sheffield city centre and on the doorstep of Broomgrove Apartments. The 81, 82, 83, 83a and 88 bus routes all also regularly serve Ecclesall Road, at the bottom of the Gardens.