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.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens is one of the city's most beautiful places. It is home to a huge variety of plants, spread over 19 acres, and its architectural highlights include the stunning glass pavilions, the grand gatehouse entrance and the Victorian Curator's House, which is now a popular café. Its many treasures include a fossil stump which is around 310 million years old and a bear pit which once housed real bears but is now home to a much-loved bear statue. Photo: Dean Atkins
Sheffield has no shortage of great parks but three of Marcus' favourites are Hillsborough Park, Graves Park and Endcliffe Park, pictured. Endcliffe Park has a great playground, a picturesque stream running through it, plenty of open space and an 'outstanding' cafe. It is also home to the Mi Amigo memorial, lovingly tended by Sheffield celebrity Tony Foulds in recognition of the sacrifice made by the crew of the US plane to whom he owes his life. Marcus told how the story behind the memorial always touches the hearts of visitors to the city and said Tony's selflessness embodies the 'spirit' of Sheffield.
Another family favourite, Endcliffe Park has everything you need for a wonderful time, including a cafe, a playground and lots of open spaces to throw a ball around in or enjoy a picnic. If you really wanted to make a day of it you could join the two and complete the two-mile walk between Forge Dam and Endcliffe Park - make the most of the glorious autumn colours in the woodlands, but make sure to wrap up warm! Located at Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AB. Photo: Chris Etchells
One thing most visitors to Sheffield do know about the city, says Marcus, is its industrial heritage and in particular its proud steel-making reputation. A great place to learn more is Kelham Island Museum, where two of the most awe-inspiring exhibits are the Joseph Rodgers Year Knife, pictured, with its astonishing 2,000 blades, and the River Don Engine, which is the most powerful working steam engine in Europe and can be seen thundering into life each day by visitors. Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet and Weston Park Museum are also well worth a visit and entry to all three museums is free. Photo: James Hardisty
If it's more modern history you're interested in, says Marcus, why not check out Sheffield's National Videogame Museum? Visitors can play more than 100 videogames, learn about their history and even have a go at creating their own. Marcus also recommends the National Emergency Services Museum, which is located in an old fire, police and ambulance station and has lots of interactive exhibits. It was last year crowned as the overall winner of the national Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award. Photo: Scott Merrylees