Things to Do in Sheffield

There's more to Sheffield than lectures!

One of the best things about being a student in Sheffield is having so much to do outside university. Whether you enjoy live music, sport, theatre, shopping, exploring the outdoors or simply finding somewhere new to go with friends, there is always something happening.

Sheffield has a great mix of city life and outdoor adventure. You can spend the afternoon exploring independent shops and cafés, catch a gig or theatre show in the evening, or head out into the countryside at the weekend. With the Peak District right on Sheffield's doorstep, you really can have the best of both worlds.

Parks & green spaces

Sheffield Botanical Gardens – explore a diverse collection of plants and enjoy the Victorian-style bear pit and bear sculpture.
Endcliffe Park – enjoy leisurely walks along the Porter Brook, with a historic water-powered grinding workshop and a charming café.
Rivelin Valley Nature Trail – walk along the river and discover the locations of many historic water wheels.
Holly Hagg Community Farm – experience an adventure at the farm, complete with a hot chocolate and cake after your visit.
Ecclesall Woods – visit the largest ancient woodland in South Yorkshire, complete with a woodland discovery centre and a café.

Peak District – the Peak District is right on Sheffield's doorstep, making it easy to escape the city for walking, cycling and exploring.

Museums & galleries

Weston Park Museum – located close to the University of Sheffield, Weston Park Museum tells the story of Sheffield and its people, from prehistory to the present day. With collections covering everything from archaeology and natural history to art and local history, it's a great place to spend a few hours – and entry is free.
Kelham Island Museum – discover Sheffield's industrial past at Kelham Island Museum, where you can explore the city's famous steel and engineering heritage. Don't miss the impressive River Don Engine, one of the museum's highlights and still demonstrated in steam on selected days.
Millennium Gallery – right in the city centre, the Millennium Gallery brings together art, design and Sheffield's remarkable metalworking heritage, alongside changing exhibitions throughout the year. Entry is free, making it an easy option for a quick visit between lectures or a rainy afternoon.
Graves Gallery – housed on the third floor of Sheffield Central Library, Graves Gallery is home to Sheffield's impressive visual art collection, featuring works by artists including Turner, Cezanne and Damien Hirst. It's a quieter spot to discover some great art right in the heart of the city.

Cinemas

Odeon Luxe – fancy making your cinema trip a little more comfortable? ODEON Luxe at Arundel Gate offers the latest blockbusters with fully reclining seats, right in the city centre.
Showroom Cinema – located in Sheffield's Cultural Industries Quarter, Showroom Cinema is an independent cinema showing a mix of mainstream, independent, international and classic films. It's a great choice when you want to see something a little different from the usual blockbuster.
Cineworld – for the full multiplex experience, head to Cineworld at Valley Centertainment. With a wide selection of films and large-screen experiences, it's a popular choice for a night at the cinema.
TheLight – The Light on The Moor combines cinema with food and drink, making it easy to turn a film into a full evening out. With nine screens showing the latest releases, it's right in the heart of the city centre.

Sport

Sheffield is home to several professional sports teams across multiple disciplines. In football, the city hosts Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, with Hillsborough Stadium and Bramall Lane serving as their historic home grounds, respectively. Bramall Lane is notable as the world's oldest major football ground. Ice hockey enthusiasts can follow the Sheffield Steelers, while basketball fans support the Sheffield Sharks. Rugby league is represented by the Sheffield Eagles, and speedway fans can watch the Sheffield Tigers compete in the Premier League.

Theatre

Crucible – the world-famous Crucible is one of Sheffield's best-known landmarks and is home to a programme of theatre and major events. It is also famous for hosting the World Snooker Championship, making it a must-visit venue whether you're a theatre fan or a snooker fan.
Lyceum – the beautiful Lyceum Theatre sits alongside the Crucible in the heart of Sheffield's city centre. With more than 100 years of history, it hosts touring productions including musicals, comedy, dance, opera and family shows.
Playhouse – the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse is an intimate theatre within the Crucible building, offering a chance to get much closer to the action. Its flexible space hosts everything from Sheffield-made productions and new work to performances from local and visiting theatre-makers.
Montgomery – the Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre is a long-standing Sheffield venue with a particular focus on children, young people and community arts. It offers a varied programme of performances and activities and is now part of the Sheffield Theatres family.

Activities

Owlerton Greyhound Stadium – looking for something different to do with friends? Owlerton Stadium offers greyhound racing alongside bars, food and entertainment, making it a fun option for an evening out. It's located on Penistone Road, just north of the city centre.
Meadowhall – Meadowhall is Sheffield's huge shopping and leisure destination, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafés and entertainment options all under one roof. It's easy to reach from the city centre by tram or train, making it a popular choice when you fancy a serious shopping trip or a day out with friends.
iceSheffield – fancy trying something different? IceSheffield is Sheffield's dedicated ice sports venue, offering public skating sessions as well as opportunities to watch and take part in ice sports. It's a great option for a fun afternoon or evening with friends.
Boom Battle Bar – on The Moor, and it's all about competitive fun with friends, with activities including crazy golf, axe throwing, karaoke, pool, darts and other games, alongside food and drinks. It's a great choice when you're looking for something more active than simply going out for a drink.
Escape Hunt – put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test at Escape Hunt on The Moor. Work together with your friends to solve clues, complete challenges and escape before the time runs out – perfect for a group of housemates or a rainy afternoon in Sheffield.