Sheffield is the perfect city from which to go canoeing, stand up paddle boarding (SUPing) or kayaking. Rivers, canals and lakes around the city are all easily accessible and offer a whole range of different opportunities to get out on the water.
Explore Sheffield by seeking out The Outdoor City Run Routes. Over 30 routes are signposted and mapped across 15 locations in parks and woodland across the city.
Anne de Buck gives her view on visiting Sheffield for the first time and taking in some of the nature and culture that is on offer here.
Recent times have certainly highlighted just how valuable our outdoor spaces are. That’s why it’s even more important we look after these vital spaces and everyone does their bit to help. Here’s a rundown of the key things we should all remember while enjoying The Outdoor City…
A list of accessible greenspaces in and around the city, so that everyone can feel able to enjoy the natural surroundings.
If you're looking for a great family outing or you're just an absolute animal lover, Sheffield has some fantastic farms in and around the city, where you can visit and meet a host of furry friends.
There are 70 managed ancient woodlands in Sheffield, where you'll walk through trees that have seen the transformation of the city through the industrial years.
It might come as a surprise to know that The Burbage Valley is technically part of the city of Sheffield (this is one of the many reasons we call ourselves The Outdoor City!). Accessible by bus from Sheffield city centre, Burbage offers a diverse range of gritstone climbing – from friendly routes to boulder problems, and powerful challenging climbs to classic routes.
As the sun starts to shine we know that outdoors will once again become to the new indoors for meetings!
Sheffield has loads of great options to help you make the most of cosy season in the city. Whether you're pairing it with a brisk walk in our great outdoors or sipping a cheeky cocktail in a hidden bar, we've rounded up some of the city's cosiest corners for you to enjoy.
The moorland in and around south-western Sheffield acts as a link between the city itself and the wider Peak District National Park. Much of this vast space, that lies within the city boundary, is in public or charitable ownership and as such is accessible and well-maintained and has vast species of flora and fauna, including red deer.
Sheffield is officially the UK's greenest city according to the 'Green Cities' report, commissioned and produced by NatWest and the University of Southampton.
With 154 contemporary and airy guest rooms, a rooftop speakeasy-style Indian restaurant concept and bar, six flexible meeting and event spaces with an outdoor terrace, a fully equipped fitness center, and a convenient location, the hotel is the perfect base for any stay, whether traveling on business or leisure.
Damflask is one of the most picturesque spots within the city's boundaries today, and can be easily reached by bike.
Walk for a few minutes in any direction in Sheffield and you’ll most likely wander through at least one of its 800-plus managed greenspaces, including woodlands, parks and public gardens.
Following the recent extensive archaeological research, including unearthing evidence of former steel works dating back to the 19th century and the remains of Sheffield Castle itself, the project is now moving into Phase 2 which will see redevelopment of the park and events space.
Inner city MTB trails aren't exactly a common occurrence, especially not when they're this good, and so close to amazing food and beer!
Sheffield has the highest number of trees per person than any other city in Europe and so, there are some impressive natural displays in city through the seasons, especially during the autumnal months of the year.
Both of these challenging routes begin at the Woodland Discovery Centre in Ecclesall Woods and head out into the Peak District for lots of climbing along some exposed moorland paths.
Sheffield has been listed at No.1 by TimeOut magazine as the most underrated city break in the UK. The feature which included 12 cities such as Glasgow, Durham, Bristol and Liverpool, sited Sheffield's affordability, travel time from London and best-of-both-worlds offer as major perks.
Sheffield has been listed alongside cities including Marseille, Milan and Oslo to be named as one of Europe’s 18 best city break destinations for 2023, in a ranking compiled by global media platform, TimeOut.
Get ready for an interactive, puzzle-filled tour with this Outdoor Escape Game in Sheffield – Murder on the Don.
ITM Power partnered with The University of Sheffield – world renowned for its expertise in energy innovation – to plan and fund a National Hydrogen Research Innovation and Skills Centre. It’s here they’ll research the safe and efficient manufacturing of hydrogen using low or zero carbon sources of energy.
It’s not just locals who spot the potential our vibrant city has to offer. International companies are now calling Sheffield home too, thanks to the world-class talent, resources, and opportunities available. And that’s exactly what happened with Pendo.
Whether it's in the city on the canals or on the edges in the reservoirs of the Peak District, there are numerous activity providers who can guide you, instruct you, lead you and hire you everything you'll need to make the most of The Outdoor City.
Taking over the Concourse outside Sheffield University Students’ Union, Under The Bridge will run 12pm - 8pm with a FREE outdoor live music, art and street food.
Sheffield City Council is working with the team from Steel Yard Kelham to create the hub which will be made out of shipping containers and feature food vendors, shops, toilets, living walls, outdoor seating and a big screen.
Kicking off the outdoor season with a bang! Each March, Festival of the Outdoors offers a full month of events and activities celebrating Sheffield's great outdoors and communities. With a really wide variety of events there's something for everyone!
TV presenter and Co-Founder of The Outdoor Guide, Julia Bradbury grew up in Sheffield and learnt to love walking right here in the city. Like many Sheffielders, she used to spend her weekends out in the Peak District with her Dad, just a stone’s throw away from the city limits, so she knows a lot about the beauty that exists right here in The Outdoor City.
When the British weather behaves, there’s nothing better than a cold, crisp pint in the sunshine and Sheffield delivers plenty of brilliant places to enjoy it. From tucked‑away courtyards to sprawling outdoor terraces, the city has no shortage of spots perfect for al fresco drinking.
2023 is set to be a landmark year in the city’s music history, as some of Sheffield’s best-known exports return to play historic headlining shows. Meanwhile a Sheffield-made musical has just won two Oliver awards and Sheffield's DIY music scene is also making waves in national press...
Is Sheffield the UK’s most exciting food city? Quite possibly, as an increasing number of the city’s restaurants and bars have been popping up in national listings and awards. Here we take a look at those attracting the attention...
Measuring 483.69 square metres in total, the artwork will be painted across 6 facades of the brown-brick NCP building on Wellington Street, paying homage to the natural topography which has defined Sheffield since the 12th century, as a city built on hills and rivers.
Few cities can boast a public space like Sheffield’s Winter Garden and its outdoor companion the Peace Gardens.
Sheffield actually has more than 800 managed green spaces across 4,000 hectares within the city boundary. With so much on offer, we wanted to create something to help demonstrate how accessible greenspaces are in The Outdoor City and so we commissioned a ‘Greenground Map’ from designer Helen Ilus.
The city has been shortlisted for three major placemaking accolades at this year's City Nation Place Awards. The transformation of a massive part of Sheffield City Centre is in the running, alongside the city’s recent brand development work, pitting Sheffield against an impressive list of other places from around the world.
The stunning mural, which adorns the side of the Cubo building, overlooking Pound's Park in Sheffield City Centre, was unveiled last month and has been praised by Sheffielders and will now be entered into Street Art Cities' Best Global Street Art of Year, for 2024.
There are two things Sheffield is world famous for: our greenspace, and our beer. We thought it was worth celebrating this by giving you some top places to run, walk or ride AND find a proper pub to start, end, or break up your adventure.
If you climb outdoors you will always have one eye on the weather. A little local knowledge can help you find the right crag in and around Sheffield, and get a good day’s climbing whatever the weather.
The vibrant mural painted by artist Peachzz overlooks Pound's Park in Sheffield City Centre and was unveiled back in June last year to much praise by Sheffielders. It has now been ranked as 2nd Best in the World by online street art community, Street Art Cities.
A Taste of Sheffield and the History and Brunch Tour will take guests on a guided walking tour of the Sheffield City Centre, incorporating food, drink, local history and culture along the way.
Sheffield's DMO, Marketing Sheffield took home the award for Place Brand of the Year for Sheffield Inspires at the 11th City Nation Place Awards (CNP Awards).
Whilst originally made famous for its traditional climbs, the boulders that sit beneath Stanage Edge are packed with a quality and history all of their own.
The newest chapter in Sheffield’s story as a thriving food destination – this venue is way more than just another food hall, complete with dedicated BBQ, sushi and counter-top dining spaces, four vibrant bars, AR Darts, children's play area and outdoor rooftop terraces, while also incorporating a cookery school and community kitchen.
2024 promises another huge line-up of exciting events and festivals happening across Sheffield, from large music festivals and international sporting events to food & drink celebrations, outdoor markets and lots of family fun.
Sheffield Theatres will once again hold a weekend of outdoor performance in Tudor Square.
Sheffield street artist Peachzz has completed a new large-scale wildlife mural on the side of the Cubo building, overlooking Pound’s Park in Sheffield City Centre.
A walking tour with a crime theme rediscovering some of Sheffield's forgotten past. Your guide is Kevin, a retired police sergeant.
2025 promises another huge line-up of exciting events and festivals happening across Sheffield, from large music festivals and international sporting events to food & drink celebrations, outdoor markets and lots of family fun. Get planning your adventures in Sheffield with our event guide.
2026 promises another huge line-up of exciting events and festivals happening across Sheffield, from large music festivals and international sporting events to outdoor markets and lots of family fun. Get planning your adventures in Sheffield with our event guide.
Airing on German Breakfast show programme, ZDF’s Volle Kanne, the 13-minute city piece was broadcast in two segments and took German viewers on a whistle-stop tour or Sheffield’s key attractions, vibrant places and green spaces.
Kelham Island has long been at the forefront of Sheffield's brewing reputation and has become a mecca for renowned real ale pubs and microbreweries. This guide gives you a rundown of the best beery places to visit on a day/evening out.
Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ raced into Sheffield, along winding country roads, up infamous Sheffield hills and through the city’s streets. Retrace the route and give it a go!
The UK's greenest city, where nature and culture intertwine. The historic Peak District National Park and spiritual home of the country's climbing scene, with downhill mountain biking, road cycling and a hive of activity for kayakers, walkers and runners of all ability.
Graves Park is Sheffield's biggest park in the South West of the city. The park is a mixture of open and woodland, with several streams flowing through it, and boasts lots of facilties for visitors including a cafe, two children's paygrounds and Graves Park Animal Farm, along with a host of sporting facilities.
In 3 words: culture, nature, friendliness. Find out what makes this city unique.
From outdoor adventures with egg hunts and trails to hands-on activities, see our rundown of family fun events happening across Sheffield this Easter holidays.
From outdoor adventures with egg hunts and trails to hands-on activities, see our rundown of family fun events happening across Sheffield this Easter holidays.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape with the kids, a culture‑packed short stay for two or a food‑fuelled getaway with friends, Sheffield delivers big‑city experiences with plenty of space to breathe.
An unexpected slice of wilderness on the western fringes of Sheffield, Wyming Brook’s babbling streams, mossy crags and sweet smelling pines are protected as a valuable home to wildlife.
Sheffield City Centre is undergoing significant change.With so much regeneration happening, it can be hard to keep up with all of the exciting developments, so here you'll find the latest news of what’s new and what's happening next.
The Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership offers a unique opportunity to manage the heritage of the place of outstanding natural beauty.
Housing an exciting variety of inspiring world food vendors under one roof, Cambridge Street Collective promises a truly unique food hall experience in Sheffield, with 20 independent food partners.
What better way to find the top trails than from inside knowledge from Ride Sheffield. Check them off your list.
Opening in the beautiful Grade II listed Bethel Sunday School building, Güs is set to bring a new luxury wellness hub complete with Scandi saunas, ice baths, vanity station and café, to Sheffield's Heart of the City development on Cambridge Street.
A new major contemporary artwork is set to be installed along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal this September, as international artist Alex Chinneck unveils an impressive looping canal boat structure measuring 13 metres long and six metres high.
Sheffield has a thriving parkrun scene, with six regular weekly events in the city, plus one just over the border at Rother Valley, convenient for Sheffielders based further South East- meaning that wherever you live/stay, you’re not too far away from one of the events
Skateboarding has a long, rich history in Sheffield. The city boasts an impressive roll call of pro and skate industry sponsored skaters, and punches above its weight on the UK scene with a solid skateboarding community.
Twenty minutes' drive from Sheffield city centre, between the trees of Storrs Wood, lies Stoneface Creative - a hidden outdoor art gallery.
In the words of Sheffield’s mountain bike legend Steve Peat, "it’s an awesome ride!"
Sheffield is spoilt for choice when it comes to walking groups. Here are a few of them.
Several purpose-built climbing boulders have popped up all over the city in recent years. Built to closely mimic the natural boulders and slabs found out in the Peak District, these public facilities offer a convenient and fun opportunity for novices and experts alike to work on their technique – all for free.
Sheffield’s visitor economy reached new heights in 2024, generating a record-breaking £1.85 billion – a 10% increase on the previous year and a full recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
With its scenic hills to climb – and free-wheel back down again – and its roads leading straight out to the Peak District, Sheffield is heaven-sent to the road cyclist.
We offer the best of all worlds. We’re home to forward-thinking innovators, independent creatives and pioneering world-changers. We’re an ambitious, modern city that doesn’t lose sight of the important stuff, with close-knit communities alongside global opportunities. Unforgettable nights out followed by gentle walks in breathtaking green spaces. Sprawling shopping centres and proud independents. Most importantly, you’ll find yourself amongst friends in a busy university city that sets you up…
Sheffield's City Centre is undergoing significant change, but while you may see a few more cranes and building work going on in places, this shouldn't detract from all the amazing places there still are to discover. From attractions such as the Winter Garden, Millennium Gallery and Sheffield Theatres to independent shopping and an array of great places to eat and drink.
Peaks of Colour is a walking club created by Sheffield journalist and activist Evie Muir, providing a safe space for people of colour to access Sheffield’s green spaces.
We have 61% greenspace within our borders, we have more trees per person than any other city in Europe, we have over 800 managed greenspaces across 4,000 hectares of land, and it’s recently coming to light that we have more peatland bog than any other city too (which tops the charts for carbon capture). These facts are a source of great pride, but come with a duty to look after what we have.
Sheffield City Centre’s flagship Radisson Blu hotel, which boasts 154 rooms and a rooftop bar and restaurant, is due to open this Summer and a date has finally now announced.
Connecting the Heart of the City to Castlegate, Fargate is one of the most important areas of the city. It’s time to revitalise it and make it the destination Sheffield deserves.
Us Sheffielders are known for being friendly and welcoming, making Sheffield a fantastic city to live in whilst you get to grips with student life - plus we are the UK's most affordable student city!
The train line that links Sheffield with Manchester was completed in 1894 and is still going strong 125 years later. Part of its route runs through the beautiful Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park, offering not just stunning views from the train windows but also ease of access to a host of pretty peak villages and breath-taking scenery.
The Rivelin Valley Trail stretches two and a half miles, linking Sheffield to the Peak District, and is punctuated with fascinating reminders of the city’s industrial past
JÖRO’s huge success marks the end of a decade‑long wait for Michelin recognition to return to the city and helps fill a long‑acknowledged gap in starred restaurants between London and Scotland.
There are few cities in the world as synonymous with electronic music as Sheffield. For half a century the city has been producing a steady stream of game-changing music that has gone on to impact and shape the way electronic music sounds all across the world.
Lithosphere Expeditions is a UK-based outdoor adventure company specialising in professionally guided experiences across the Peak District.
While Sheffield is home to a plethora of amazing cafes and coffee shops right across the city, there are some that are particularity unique in their offer.
Given all the hills in Sheffield it’s no surprise that many of our favourite parks find themselves incorporating a steep gradient or two. In these cases, there are some stunning views to enjoy across Sheffield and beyond.
The Ponderosa is a recreation area within the City of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
2025 marked the start of an exciting new era for Sheffield's acclaimed restaurant JÖRO, as they opened a new destination where world-class dining, hospitality and innovation unite.
A walk through centuries of Sheffield history – from the middle ages to the modern, via the Tudors, Victorians and two world wars.
Yes, we do have some hills (sorry!), but a rise in e-bikes is helping more people be more sustainable and healthy. With everything so close and accessible in Sheffield bikes are an ideal way to move around, and here are some handy things to know if you're visiting us on two wheels.
Our outdoor city is inspiring other major cities across the world, in the inclusion and development of outdoors as part of their identities, while also striving to solve climate, sustainability and nature challenges faced by the world.
A beautiful nature reserve totaling 34 hectares, located just 5km north east of Sheffield City Centre in Shiregreen and Wincobank.
Although an individual pursuit it is best enjoyed with others, sharing the delights of two wheels over any terrain. In Sheffield, there is a strong mountain biking community, brought together through a love of bikes with a handful of groups making things happen in The Outdoor City.
Manor Fields Park is increasingly known as a real ‘hidden gem’. A naturalistic district park tucked away just ten minutes from the City Centre.