Surrounded by hills formed as part of the Peak District of South Yorkshire, Sheffield is largely known for its role in the Industrial Revolution. Although it is still a major steel producer, there is much more to the city than heavy industry.
Today, Sheffield is awake with green spaces and a quiet environment that denies its living nature.
Live music is the heartbeat of the city, and it has created some popular bands, including Pulp, The Human League, and the Arctic Monkey. You may be familiar with Sheffield as the centerpiece of internationally acclaimed music and literature festival, or where Doctor landed in Series 11.
So pack your walking boots and your happy rugs and get ready to take off your socks.
Here’s why Sheffield should be given your next city break.
Sheffield is an outdoor city
Did you know that Sheffield is the greenest city in the world, with 61% green space? Or is it that there are more trees per capita than any other city in Europe?
Not surprisingly, Sheffield has been nicknamed The Outdoor City. There is so much to see and explore here, and if you come by train, the first place to start is the winter garden. It is the largest urban glasshouse in the UK, where you can discover more than 2,000 plants around the world.
The Winter Garden is located next to the Millennium Gallery, an open art gallery that showcases Sheffield artists and currently exhibits an exhibition called “Earthbound” that explores humanity’s relationship with the environment.
Art fans should also check out the newly opened Tomb Gallery, which currently showcases the work of sculptor Mark Faith and a new exhibition created by leading artist Keith Piper and a series of “Epidemic Diaries”, painted by internationally renowned street artist Phlegm.
Activating in Sheffield
With its mountainous geography and abundance of parks, Sheffield attracts keen mountain bikers, runners, swimmers, and mountaineers to explore the boulder and rocky crags of the Peak District. September 2, Sheffield will host their prestigious half marathon and 10k run, which zigzags through the city streets, with spectators lining up to encourage runners.
If you prefer a slower pace, you can take part in the Sheffield Walking Festival this September, which provides more than 30 walking paths to learn about the city’s heritage history and urban history.
The annual Photomarathon Sheffield, held every July, is always an adventure suitable for all ages, and a great opportunity to explore some of the urban paths. This year’s theme was Sheffield Round Walk, a 15-mile path southwest of the city.
