A is for Artic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys are one of the most successful bands to come from Sheffield. Formed in 2002, the band often refer back to their steel city routes (see Z for more) and have famously won multiple Brit awards, the Mercury Prize award, and many more…
B is for Botanical Gardens
The Sheffield Botanical Gardens has to be one of the most beautiful green-spaces in the city. Situated just off of Ecclesall Road, the gardens were first opened in 1836 after being publically funded and designed by Robert Marnock.
C is for Crookes Valley Park
Crookes Valley Park is an almost 12 acre park, located in the Crookesmoor area of the city. As seen in the picture below, the Old Great Dam lake is now a popular place for an outdoor plunge, despite the ‘no swimming’ sign!
D is for Diamond building
The Diamond is a university building with the University of Sheffield, housing engineering facilities as well as study spaces and seminar rooms. Complete in 2015, this building was the largest capital investment made by the university, costing £81 million.
E is for Endcliffe Park
Endcliffe Park is one of the nicest parks to take a stroll through with a whole lot of history. The park was first opened in 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The park also holds the Mi Amigo war memorial, kept beautifully by the brilliant, Tony Foulds. Check out his story here.
F is for Football
Sheffield FC was founded in October 1857, and is recognised by FIFA as the oldest existing club still playing football in the world! Sheffield played by their ow ‘Sheffield rules’ until 1878, after officially adopting the new FA rules. Now that’s history!
G is for Graves Park
Located just south-west of the city, sits Sheffield’s biggest park, Graves Park. With two kids playgrounds, an animal farm, nature trails and much more open space, Graves Park is extremely popular. The farm is also the home of some of the rarest breeds of farm animals in the country, from Jacob Sheep to donkeys!
H is for Henderson’s Relish
Putting Sheffield on the map is Henderson’s Relish, a spicy table sauce being produced since 1885. Best splashed on pies, stews or beans and toast. Henderson’s is just like Worcestershire sauce, but it is a relish, not a condiment!
I is for Indoor Gardens
The Indoor Gardens, also known as the Winter Gardens, are located right in the city centre, and they’re stunning. It is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK during the last hundred years, and the largest urban glasshouse anywhere in Europe. These gardens are home to more than 2,000 plants from all around the globe.
J is for John Lewis
Sheffield’s John Lewis is actually one of their original stores, and holds a lot of history with the brand. Unfortunately, in early 2021, it was announced the store was to close for good due to the pandemic, but already petitions are in place to save the store.
K is for Kelham Island
Formerly an industrial area, Kelham Island sits as one of Sheffield’s oldest manufacturing sites. From a rundown area to one of the quirkiest in the city, the buildings and remains are deeply historical, with new renovations to appeal to all. From Cutlery Works to Peddlers, it’s worth a stop!
L is for Leadmill
The Leadmill opened up its doors in 1980, making it the longest-running live music venue and nightclub in Sheffield. From the iconic Leadmill themed nights to the Arctic Monkeys making a return, you have to visit when in Sheffield if you enjoy partying!
M is for Meadowhall
Meadowhall is one of the best places for shopping in Sheffield with almost 300 shops, attracting over 30 million guests per year. From the almighty Primark to the large food hall, Christmas is sorted this year at Meadowhall, but beware, as it does get hectic!
N is for Nightclubs
With two universities in the city, it is nightclub galore for students! With streets dedicated to clubs, it won’t be hard to find a venue that fits your fancy, from cheesy throwbacks to drum and bass, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
O is for Our Cow Molly
Our Cow Molly is Sheffield’s very own ice-cream brand, supported by local businesses all around the city. The ice cream is made fresh from the on-site farm, Cliffe House with locally loved cows. Due to COVID-19, the farm hasn’t been open to guests, but their brand new vending machine means we can still get our ice cream fix!
P is for Peace Gardens
The Peace Gardens are also located right in the heart of the city, looking out onto Sheffield’s gothic town hall. The comparison of the modern gardens with the historical build (1897) make it a perfect location to have lunch or catchup with friends.
Q is for Quarry Gardens
The Whinfell Quarry Gardens in Sheffield is one of the best kept secrets of the city. Free to enter and open as a public park, somehow the Quarry Garden’s are rarely busy, making them the perfect place to unwind.
R is for Robin Hood
The classic English folklore story based in the 13th-century talks a lot about Robin Hoods association with Nottinghamshire, but not many recognise that his birthplace is actually in Loxley, Sheffield.
S is for Steel City
Sheffield has been known as the ‘Steel City’ since the 19th century due to its world-renowned production of steel. Many advancements within the steel industry have been made in the city and the ‘Steel City’ ideologies are held deep within the culture to this day.
T is for The Peak District
61% of the entirety of green space in Sheffield and a third of their city lies within the Peak District national park. Famous for its caves, people still lived in them up until 1910! The Peaks are stunning with so many different places to explore.
U is for Universities
Sheffield is the home of two universities, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. Both universities specialise in different things and have some beautiful architecture such as the Diamond building listed above, as well as Hallam’s Collegiate Campus, not far from the Botanical Gardens.
V is for Valley Centertainment
Valley Centertainment is a leisure and entertainment complex in the Don Valley in Sheffield. With an array of choice, it is the perfect day out for all ages. From Lazer Quest to desserts places, everyone’s a winner at Centertainment.
W is for Walk of Fame
Sheffield’s Walk of Fame, often called the Sheffield Legends is located just outside the Town Hall and aims to honour famous people who are from, or connected to Sheffield. Just like the Hollywood one, plaques are fitted with the names of the honoured on. Below is Tony Foulds’ plaque (as seen on E for Endcliffe).
X is for Xmas Markets
The X-Mas markets in Sheffield are just brilliant. The markets are full of glee, but also help to support small and local busiesses in the lead up to Christmas. Thor’s Tipi Bar is a firm favourite as well as the ferris wheel overseeing the city and the festive treats to fill our bellys.
Y is for Yorkshire Tea
When in Yorkshire… although Yorkshire Tea is made in North Yorkshire, you can’t deny yourself a brew when in the north. Yorkshire Tea is a firm favourite and winner in Sheffield.
Z is for Zero-One-One-Four
0114 is the national dialling code for Sheffield and its surrounding areas. It’s good general knowledge to know and it is often used as a reference to the city. The picture below is a prime example! The picture shows The Arctic Monkeys performing at Glastonbury, with the drum kit reading ‘0114’.
