The Megatron is the brilliant name given to the huge Victorian tunnel running beneath Sheffield city centre, between Ponds Forge and the River Don. It is part of a series of Victorian culverts created to carry water from the rivers Sheaf and Porter Brook. Only by exploring it can you get a true sense of the scale of this remarkable engineering achievement, while learning about the history of the city and its development. The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust organises occasional guided tours.The Megatron is the brilliant name given to the huge Victorian tunnel running beneath Sheffield city centre, between Ponds Forge and the River Don. It is part of a series of Victorian culverts created to carry water from the rivers Sheaf and Porter Brook. Only by exploring it can you get a true sense of the scale of this remarkable engineering achievement, while learning about the history of the city and its development. The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust organises occasional guided tours.
The Megatron is the brilliant name given to the huge Victorian tunnel running beneath Sheffield city centre, between Ponds Forge and the River Don. It is part of a series of Victorian culverts created to carry water from the rivers Sheaf and Porter Brook. Only by exploring it can you get a true sense of the scale of this remarkable engineering achievement, while learning about the history of the city and its development. The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust organises occasional guided tours.

11 things to do in Sheffield that you can't do anywhere else, including the Megatron and terror bird

By Robert Cumber
Published 13th Mar 2023, 14:14 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2023, 14:15 BST
There's no shortage of fun to be had in Sheffield, and there are some things you can do here that you can’t do anywhere else.

The city’s rich history, astonishing engineering achievements and sporting prowess mean there are plenty of unique things to see and do in the city that can only be experienced here. They include an unusual historical feature at Sheffield Botanical Gardens, a footballing first and a terrifying prehistoric creature found in one of the city’s hidden gems. There’s even a special treat for fans of Doctor Who on our list.

How many of these places have you visited and what unique experiences in Sheffield have we missed off our list that you think should be added?

Doctor Who is famous for the blue Tardis in which the timelord and his companions travel through time and space. The green police box outside Sheffield Town Hall may be a different colour but it got a mention when the hit sci-fi drama was filmed in the city. When the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) recovers her Tardis, having lost it, her companion Graham, played by Bradley Walsh, exclaims: "It's an old police box!" Yaz (Mandip Gill) replies: "Yeah, like that one on Surrey Street, only the one in town's green."

9. Get your photo taken beside the green police box mentioned on Doctor Who

Doctor Who is famous for the blue Tardis in which the timelord and his companions travel through time and space. The green police box outside Sheffield Town Hall may be a different colour but it got a mention when the hit sci-fi drama was filmed in the city. When the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) recovers her Tardis, having lost it, her companion Graham, played by Bradley Walsh, exclaims: "It's an old police box!" Yaz (Mandip Gill) replies: "Yeah, like that one on Surrey Street, only the one in town's green." Photo: Marisa Cashill

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Another reason to visit Sheffield's Kelham Island Museum, as if the River Don Engine, wasn't enough, is this masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Joseph Rodgers Year Knife, which is a wonderful example of the city's proud steelmaking heritage, was made in 1821/22 by Sheffield cutlers Joseph Rodgers & Sons to display at their new showrooms on Norfolk Street. It had 1,821 blades at the time and more were added over the years, until, in the year 2000, a final silver blade was added bearing the Sheffield hallmark from the Sheffield Assay Office. No other knife in the world is believed to have as many blades.

10. See the penknife with an amazing 2,000 blades

Another reason to visit Sheffield's Kelham Island Museum, as if the River Don Engine, wasn't enough, is this masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Joseph Rodgers Year Knife, which is a wonderful example of the city's proud steelmaking heritage, was made in 1821/22 by Sheffield cutlers Joseph Rodgers & Sons to display at their new showrooms on Norfolk Street. It had 1,821 blades at the time and more were added over the years, until, in the year 2000, a final silver blade was added bearing the Sheffield hallmark from the Sheffield Assay Office. No other knife in the world is believed to have as many blades. Photo: James Hardisty

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Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in Sheffield for 14 years after arriving at Sheffield Castle on November 28, 1570, aged 27. Sheffield Castle is long gone, though some of its remains could go on display if plans for a new riverside park in Castlegate get the go-ahead. But you can still visit the ruins of Manor Lodge, where she spent much of her time as a prisoner in the city, and step inside the well-preserved Turret House there. Mary, who was imprisoned due to the threat she was believed to pose to Queen Elizabeth, sometimes even makes an appearance herself during the historical reenactments staged at Manor House.

11. See where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive

Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in Sheffield for 14 years after arriving at Sheffield Castle on November 28, 1570, aged 27. Sheffield Castle is long gone, though some of its remains could go on display if plans for a new riverside park in Castlegate get the go-ahead. But you can still visit the ruins of Manor Lodge, where she spent much of her time as a prisoner in the city, and step inside the well-preserved Turret House there. Mary, who was imprisoned due to the threat she was believed to pose to Queen Elizabeth, sometimes even makes an appearance herself during the historical reenactments staged at Manor House. Photo: Marie Caley

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