Peak District National Park

Right at the heart of England… The Peak District’s very special qualities are well known to the people who live in the towns and cities that surround the National Park but for visitors from further away, whether from Britain or abroad, the magic of the Peak District is just waiting to be discovered.

Peaks of Colour

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.

TimeOut names Sheffield the second best city break in Europe

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.

McLaren: £100 million of GVA to the local economy by 2028.

The prestige of McLaren choosing our city is humbling and speaks for itself, but importantly for Sheffield it has also created approximately 200 jobs and will provide an estimated £100 million of GVA (gross value added) benefit to the local economy by 2028. 

Endcliffe Park

Endcliffe Park is a large park and popular family visitor destination in Sheffield. Comprising parkland as well as woodland, is the first in a series of parks and green spaces, known collectively as Porter Valley Parks, which you can follow all the way out to Peak District.

Indie scene in Hillsborough

Hillsborough is experiencing something of a rebirth, with a fast-growing community of new independent businesses, bringing a fresher feel to the area.  

Kelham Island named in the 51 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

Sheffield’s Kelham Island has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by TimeOut magazine, as they featured the popular urban district at No. 35 in their rundown of the most exciting districts of global cities.

Peachzz mural lands Number 1 spot for Best Global Street Art in June

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.

Andreea Huidan - student at the University of Sheffield

"After living in Sheffield for three years, I’ve realised that the best part about it is how diverse and well-connected each neighbourhood is because it makes it so easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas. There are so many things to do and visit, from independent coffee shops and vintage stores to museums, parks, and the Peak District, which is a must-see for everyone who’s got a day off and wants to relax and explore."

Whirlow Brook Park

Whirlow Brook Park is a district park in the south-west of Sheffield. Those who visit it often comment on its special air of tranquillity and scenic setting. A Friends group was set up in 2021 to help restore the park and the group became a Registered Charity in July 2023.

Walking

With scenic viewpoints, lush valleys, weaving waterways and ancient woodland, plus the Peak District on the doorstep, there's so much natural beauty to enjoy in Sheffield: The Outdoor City and often the best way to do this is on foot.

The Buzz for Sheffield's Food Scene

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...

Outdoors and nature

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.

Top walk, run or rides with a great pub

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.

Sheffield comes top in TimeOut's most underrated city breaks

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.

Bradfield

Just 7 miles out from the centre of Sheffield lies the civil parish of Bradfield, a quaint district of villages where the city starts to overlap with the beautiful Peak District National Park.

Mountain biking

Head straight out to the UK’s only inner-city mountain bike trail at Parkwood Springs, take in some big views and berms at Lady Cannings Plantation or venture north to Sheffield's Greno Woods for some technical trails through the trees. Beyond the city boundary, a whole network of trails and bridleways will take you into the heart of the stunning Peak District National Park.

Indie shopping in Kelham Island

As the hospitality scene has gone from strength to strength in Kelham Island, more retail too is now also beginning to pop up across the district.

Hope Valley Train Station Walks

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.

Finn Warman

Sheffield makes me proud to be a northerner. The things I love about Sheffield are the way people just crack on with stuff and collaborate, sharing resources and ideas.

The Sport, Health and Wellbeing sector in Sheffield

Sheffield has a number of distinct assets within the Sport, Health and Wellbeing arena and, thanks to the rich heritage in medical technology development, the city is home to one of the UK’s largest Medical Devices clusters. Our manufacturing expertise means we also have one of the largest concentrations of orthopaedic, medical device and surgical instrumentation companies in the UK.

Road cycling

In a lot of cities you have to chuck your bike on a roof rack or get on a train to get some decent cycling in. The fact that 1/3 of our city is in the Peak District means that you just clip in out the front door - so for those looking for a weekend away where you can make the most of city life and the outdoors, it doesn't come much better than Sheffield.

Corin Mellor

The son of a legendary Sheffield designer, Corin tells us what the city means to him.

A circular walk from Surprise View

This particular walk is a superb short stroll, suitable for families with young children (although bear in mind that it’s not pushchair friendly) or for those who are looking for a leisurely amble with a café stop en-route. It also works well as a trail run and, if you’re looking for something more challenging, it’s easy to add extra miles via exploring the myriad of paths around the Burbage moors.

Walks with Julia Bradbury

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.

Climbing

Whether you're a beginner looking to get into the sport from scratch or a budding enthusiast looking to move here to get a bit more work/life balance, here's some inspiration to whet your appetite whilst you're in The Outdoor City.

Outdoor Citizens: Looking after our world

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.

Visit

Centrally located in South Yorkshire, Sheffield is the UK's greenest city, where nature and vibrant culture seamlessly intertwine. Search for things to do, places to go and find out what's on, to make the most of your visit.

Khyati Mundrey Srivastav - University of Sheffield student

"The best thing about being a student at University of Sheffield for me truly is the diversity and inclusivity that has been created. There is a place here for everyone no matter where you are from. The student community is strong and full of different and unique voices and I know for a fact that this beautiful environment is a rare find and I am so blessed to study here."

Shopping

Sheffield’s authentic and independent spirit is reflected in its retail and there are several areas of the city where clusters of independent shops have grown to become quirky shopping districts in their own right.

Exciting Developments in Hillsborough’s Burgeoning Indie Scene

Over the last year (and despite the pandemic) Hillsborough has seen an influx of exciting new independent businesses, bringing a fresher feel and attracting new visitors to this reinvigorated part of Sheffield.

Sheffield shortlisted for three international placemaking awards

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. 

Sir Michael Palin

Born in Sheffield in 1943, Sir Michael Palin describes how the city has defined him.

Lucy O'Neill - University of Sheffield student

One of the principal concerns many students have about university is whether university is an affordable option for them. Whilst money worries are an understandable concern, Sheffield can be a great place for low cost student living!

Ride the Eastern Moors

The Eastern Moors circuit has spectacular views with downhill sections that are fast and flowing - but it is suitable for all abilities.

UKREiiF

Sheffield Inspires. Always has, always will. Find out when and where for all the Sheffield led events taking place at UKREiiF 2026.

Green and sustainable meetings

Sheffield has set an ambitious target of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2030. The Sheffield Convention Bureau is here to help your meeting run in a more sustainable way, achieve your green objectives and leave a positive legacy for your delegates and residents of the city.

The craft of beer

The spirit of independent brewing in this nation has been shaped by Sheffield, inspiring a movement that has given us one of the best reputations in the world, for a sector that is also worth £1.8 billion to the UK.

The pioneering city of electronic music

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.

Sheffield’s City Farms

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.

Outdoor activity providers

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.

Businesses and the Cost of Living Crisis

The Tickled Trout

At The Tickled Trout in where Dronfield meets Sheffield, at the edge of the Peak District, they know that great food and drink are vital when having a good time.

Ravencar Farm Bed & Breakfast

Ravencar Farm can be found nestling between the historic town of Chesterfield and the city of Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District. Ideal for visitors to the area who want the very best of town and country amenities from one base.

The advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors in Sheffield

We are known all over the world as a leading centre for engineering research, advanced manufacturing (or 2.0, as some call it), light weight technologies and specialist materials - and, perhaps most importantly, having the knowledge and skills base from our Universities to excel in prototyping and R&D too.

The capital of modern manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) spans the border of Sheffield and neighbouring town of Rotherham, and was the first of it's kind in the UK. This 2,000 acre, already decade-old cluster of inventiveness, alongside the world-leading heavy industry and engineering expertise still present in the city, inspires and powers the future of a £200 billion sector in the UK alone.

Aleena Madathiparambil Saju - student at the University of Sheffield

"I’ve been to many cities around England and at the end of the day I’m always glad that I chose to study at Sheffield."

Cubley Hall

Cubley Hall is a wonderful, old, rescued country house set in 4.5 acres of stunningly beautiful South Yorkshire countryside, located just on the edge of the ancient market town of Penistone and close to the Yorkshire Cities of Sheffield, Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford.

Couples

Whether it's a special romantic occasion or you just simply want to explore somewhere new, there's lots to enjoy with your favourite person in Sheffield, The Outdoor City.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Located in the heart of the vibrant market town of Bakewell, within the picturesque Peak District National Park, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop has been a beloved landmark since 1860.

Reasons to choose Sheffield

Discover the secrets of one of the UK’s most likeable cities – and why it might just be your ideal destination. You might be excused for thinking that we fly a little under the radar of other northern metropolises. But the city has long been quietly reinventing itself as the northern capital of cool.

Families

Discover family-friendly things to do in Sheffield. From parks and museums to animal adventures and great food, plan your perfect family getaway today!

Ringinglow Archery & Target Sports Centre

Ringinglow Archery & Target Sports Centre overlooks the picturesque Mayfield Valley in South West Sheffield, close to the border of the Peak District National Park.  They offer a range of fun and exciting target sports including archery, crossbow shooting, air rifle shooting, air pistol shooting, axe throwing, knife throwing and catapults.

Nether Edge named one of the best places to live in the UK

National newspaper, The Sunday Times, once again released their annual guide of the best places to live in the UK and Sheffield's Nether Edge was listed as one of only eight Northern residential areas to make their 2024 list.

18 Bikes Ltd

18 Bikes is a bike shop in Hope, in the Derbyshire Peak District.  They are surrounded by hills that are just perfect for mountain bikes - but that’s not all they do. As a proper bike shop with on-site workshop they add lots of little extras that most retailers don’t.  They tape wheels for tubeless use where appropriate, tap/face and ream frames before dispatch and any complete bikes are properly unpacked and checked before dispatch rather than sent out as supplied from the distributor.

Chatsworth House

The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire's Peak District National Park. The 1000 acre park and the farmshop and its restaurant are open all year round. Chatsworth has a long tradition of welcoming local people and holiday makers from around the world.

Boeing: joining forces with the world's largest aerospace company

Sheffield is the only European factory for the world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing, with a multi-million pound investment bringing new jobs and providing the region’s businesses with new supply chain opportunities.

Nature and greenspace

Climbing, mountain biking, road cycling, running, walking - we've got some of the best in the world. Seriously. But it's also about how liveable it is here. Green and blue spaces combine to form 61% greenspace (the highest percentage of any city in the world) in the 4th biggest city in England. Which is why we say this is the place where nature and culture intertwine.

Trail Advantage MTB Skills Coaching and Guiding

Trail Advantage deliver MTB sessions in Sheffield and the Peaks, giving access to a huge variety of coaching environments from the green suburbs and parks, and into the open moors and edges of the Peak District.

Taking Care of our Outdoors

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…

Blacka Moor - deer & moorland in the city

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.

Love to Climb

Love to Climb is run by very experienced climber and coach Katherine Schirrmacher.  She can give you a truly bespoke climbing experience tailoring to your exact needs. She knows the Peak District intimately and can find great spots to climb in most weather, either on the rough, rounded gritstone edges for bouldering and trad climbing or on the grey cliffs in the White Peak for sport climbing.

Sheffield Street listed second in the Top 10 Hotspots for indie shops

American Express and Shop Small commissioned research with GlobalData to reveal the top 10 UK high streets for independent shops, with Sheffield's Division /Devonshire Street placing second.

Rivelin Edge

Rivelin Edge is something of a connoisseur's crag. It is small, but perfectly formed – charming and with a very special quality to it.

Climb - whatever the weather

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.

A weekend visit to The Outdoor 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.

The Outdoor City for all

A list of accessible greenspaces in and around the city, so that everyone can feel able to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Sheffield walking groups

Sheffield is spoilt for choice when it comes to walking groups. Here are a few of them.

Explore the parks of the UK's greenest city

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.

The Climbing Works

The Climbing Works is a bouldering centre spread over three buildings that provides climbing opportunities for young and old, beginner to elite, in a World-class facility.

The energy sector in Sheffield

Sheffield is a leader in low carbon, resilient energy and is well positioned to deliver the Government’s Industrial Strategy ambitions for ‘affordable energy and clean growth’ in a bid for the city region to be recognised as the ‘Green Heart of Great Britain’, of which ‘Green hydrogen’ is a key economic focus in the move towards a net-zero carbon economy.

Running

From urban jogs and park runs to fells and ultras, the opportunities for running in Sheffield are vast, so we’ve choice-picked some of the best routes and sights to share with you. We also have the city’s dedicated network of Run Routes to keep you on track.

Join Sheffield's Orienteering community

Are you the sort of person who enjoys going off the beaten track? Who craves adventure but doesn’t like to follow the crowd? Then read on...

Losehill House Hotel & Spa

Losehill House Hotel has 18 bedrooms and 4 suites - all complimentary tea & coffee making facilities, Flat Screen TVs and free broadband Wi-Fi access, plus robes and flip flops for the Spa.

Loadbrook Cottages B&B

Loadbrook Cottages is a late 18th century farmhouse and farm workers cottages on the Yorkshire / Derbyshire border - close to Sheffield in a beautiful rural setting in the Peak District National Park.

Sheffield's road cycling clubs

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.

Migration Matters Festival 2022

A vibrant arts festival celebrating the ‘richness of Sheffield’ returns this summer - with 50 pay-as-you-feel events.

Top 10 MTB trails

What better way to find the top trails than from inside knowledge from Ride Sheffield. Check them off your list.

Sheffield Walking Festival

Taking place over ten days each September, the festival celebrates all sides of Sheffield with a whole host of enjoyable walks of varying lengths, with plenty to see and discover along the way. This year the festival will take place 6 - 15 September 2024.

Sheffield’s Urban Boulders (including the Tour de Blocs challenge by bike)

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.

James Lock

Opus is a social enterprise with a portfolio of many projects – from print publishing to live events to innovative digital platforms and a whole host of things that fall between.

Liam O'Shea

Liam has been embedded into the musical fabric of Sheffield since he arrived in the city in 1991.

Tour of Britain, Thursday 5 September – Road closures and travel disruption

Details of Road closures and travel disruption on Thursday 5 September due to the Tour of Britain.

Your University City

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…

The Monsal Trail

As a result of the Victorians' hard work and modern investment we now have a lovely, level, traffic free, surfaced trail to be enjoyed while admiring the glorious scenery.

Sport

Herbs and Hands

Renuka is a medical herbalist and forager who runs public workshops, gives presentations to local groups and holds regular walks in the Peak District. The walks include learning about poisonous plants through solving a murder-mystery puzzle, exploring the historical uses of plants complete with references to Shakespeare and his contemporaries, identifying medicinal plants growing in our hedgerows and fields, learning about trees and how they can communicate with each other.

Dolomite Training Ltd

Dolomite Training are an activity provider based in Bakewell in the very heart of the Peak District and have been running for 12 years. They provide exciting and adventurous outdoor activities for a wide range of groups. This includes schools, youth groups, families, corporate team building or stag and hen groups. In this time their positive reputation has spread and the feedback they get from clients is just great. They also provide specialist 1:1 training courses for climbing, caving and…

Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa

The Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa is located in Sheffield City Centre. This luxurious hotel provides an oasis of calm and relaxation, close to the heart of a vibrant and exciting city of Sheffield.

Sheffield Round Walk

The Sheffield Round Walk is a 15-mile loop from the urban to the rural at the southwestern edges of the city – taking in leafy parkland, woodland streams, and pretty suburbs.

Parks with a view in Sheffield

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.

Sheffield spotlighted as UK travel destination on German Breakfast TV

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.

Jon Seaton

Sheffield makes me ask "what next?"

Greener cities

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.

Forest Dogs

For many, the isolation and loneliness created by successive national and local lockdowns was alleviated by the pitter-patter of puppy paws, but as dog owners faced the prospect of returning to the workplace, a canine loving entrepreneur turned his passion for pooches into pounds after calling on help from Launchpad. 

Friendliness

Sheffield is one of the few places in the world where people talk to each other in the streets, on the bus, in shops. It's a truly welcoming and warm city full of open and genuine folk.

Visiting Sheffield with two wheels

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. 

A Greenground Map of Sheffield

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.

A waterside run to North America... in Sheffield

From managed trails to gritstone heathland, there are challenges for both beginners and the more experienced. Whether on tyres or in trainers, the stunning views along this trail will make it all well worth the effort.

Canoeing and SUPing in The Outdoor City

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.