It was recently named by Time Out as one of the best city break destinations in Europe alongside the likes of Marseille, Milan and Oslo. With its beautiful green spaces, fascinating museums, great theatres and music venues, plus a plethora of top cafes, pubs, restaurants and independent shops, it’s easy to see why Sheffield's tourism industry is thriving.
But with so many sites and attractions to choose from, where do you start if you only have 24 hours or a weekend to spend in Sheffield? We asked Sheffield tour guide Marcus Newton, who has been showing visitors around the city for more than a decade, to name some of his favourite places to visit and here’s what he recommended.
For more about Sheffield City Walking Tours, run by Marcus, visit: http://www.sheffieldtours.com/.
5. The Crucible and Lyceum theatres
Sheffield is famously home to the largest theatre complex outside of London, with the Crucible and Lyceum theatres in Tudor Square at its heart. The Crucible is probably most famous for hosting the World Snooker Championship each year but it has also staged numerous acclaimed plays, including in recent years the premieres of hit musicals Everybody's Talking About Jamie and Standing at the Sky's Edge. Marcus says the two theatres are just part of what he describes as Sheffield's 'incredible cultural vibrancy' along with its celebrated musical venues from The Leadmill to the Utilita Arena Sheffield and Shefield City Hall. Photo: Andrew Roe
6. Mama's and Leonies
Sheffield's thriving culinary scene is undoubtedly one of its greatest assets, with many great independent restaurants and cafes, from gastronomic giants like Rafters and Joro to the bustling Kommune and Cutlery Works food halls. One of Marcus' favourite places to eat is the popular and long-standing Italian restaurant Mama's and Leonies on Norfolk Street in the city centre. Photo: Andrew Roe
7. Sheffield Winter Garden
Sheffield's Winter Garden is a delightful oasis in the heart of the city centre, loved for its striking design and the colourful array of exotic plants it hosts. Measuring 70 metres long and 22 metres high, and home to more than 2,500 plants from around the world, it is described as the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. Marcus hails the gardeners responsible for its upkeep as some of the city's 'unsung heroes'. Photo: Barnaby Aldrick
8. The Rutland Arms
With so many great pubs to choose from in Sheffield, and some fantastic independent breweries, it's hard to know where to begin. But Marcus recommends the Rutland Arms on Brown Street in the city centre, with its top food, good range of beers and quirky decor, as one of his favourites, along with the nearby Red Lion and the Sheffield Tap at the railway station. Photo: Google