From hidden museums and architectural marvels to a vast underground world, we’ve put together a list of Sheffield’s less vaunted attractions for visitors to check out. Some of them might even be unexplored by locals.
We’d love to hear your suggestions of other unusual and little-known places and things to do in Sheffield which you feel are also among the city’s hidden gems.
9. The Old Queens Head pub
Sheffield's oldest domestic building, dating back to 1475, today stands out as it is surrounded by modern glass-fronted office blocks. The Old Queens Head pub, on Pond Street near Sheffield bus station, first became an inn in the 1600s. It takes its name from Mary Queen of Scots, who was held captive in Sheffield for 14 years before her execution. Legend has it that a secret tunnel once stretched beneath the hill to Manor Lodge and was used by the royal prisoner to sneak out for a drink. The building is reputedly haunted by several ghosts, including a Civil War soldier seen standing in front of the fireplace by drinkers. Photo: Dean Atkins
10. Public
Sheffield has no shortage of great pubs and bars but this one's easy to miss, despite being located in the heart of the city centre. Public opened in 2017 in the old gents' toilets beneath Sheffield Town Hall on Surrey Street and the bijou drinking spot has been hoovering up awards for its inventive cocktails and tasty small plates ever since. Earlier this year, it was named as one of the UK's 50 best cocktail bars. Photo: Public
11. Victoria Quays
Victoria Quays is a haven of tranquility tucked away between the city centre and the thundering traffic of Sheffield Parkway. The start of the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal is a beautiful spot to sit and watch the world go by. It's also home to one of the city's best-loved and quirkiest pubs, the Dorothy Pax, which is located in the old railway arches and famed for its live music. Photo: JPIMedia
12. Abbeydale Miniature Railway
Located in Ecclesall Woods, off Abbeydale Road, Abbeydale Miniature Railway makes for a great family day out, with the pint-sized steam and diesel engines chuntering their way around the pretty surroundings on the regular open days at weekends during the summer and autumn. Rides cost just £1.50 and there's a large picnic area, and a cafe serving light refreshments. Run by the Sheffield & District Society of Model & Experimental Engineers, it also hosts the popular Christmas lights and train rides event in December, which raises money for St Luke's Hospice. Photo: DEAN ATKINS