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Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, England, known for its beautiful landscapes and its bustling industry. The city was built on a combination of those two aspects – the hills and rivers at the location made it the perfect spot to begin a city. Since 1852, Sheffield became a major steel producer, with the local inventions of new techniques but was hit by a recession in the 1980s which changed the economy of the city. Today, Sheffield is famous for its hospitality, universities, music scene, shopping centers, and vast park spaces.
Geography
Sheffield has a wide variety of geographic features, from the lush hills and valleys to the multitude of rivers. The city is situated in the river valley of the River Don and its 4 tributaries, the Rivers Sheaf, Loxley, Porter Brook, and Rivelin.
The geography of Sheffield has had a major influence on the formation of the city – its hills and streams made it a good place for industry, as the flowing waters were used to power water mills. The city is surrounded by hills, built upon and between 7 hills, including the Pennines Range and Peak District National Park.
Sheffield has plenty of parklands – about 61% of the city is green space and there are 250+ parks. The city has the highest ratio of trees to people in Europe at three trees to every one person.
How to get there
The nearest airport to Sheffield is Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield, which is located about 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the city center, connected via a train. The airport offers service to destinations around the UK and Europe. Other nearby airports include Nottingham East Midlands Airport, Manchester Airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport. Trains run frequently to Sheffield from London, Tyne and Wear, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities across the UK. The main train station in Sheffield is called simply Sheffield Station, while an additional station in the northwest is Meadowhall Station. Long-distance buses stop at Sheffield Interchange and offer transport to various locations across the country.
When to visit
Sheffield has cool, wet winters (though not as wet as other cities in the UK thanks to its surrounding hills) and mild summers. However, many of the city’s attractions can be enjoyed during winter and rain, as there is plenty to see indoors. As for events, there are several throughout summer, including the Sheffield Food Festival in late May, the Sheffield DocFest, a documentary film festival, which occurs annually in July, the Tramlines Music Festival in July, and much later, the Grin Up North comedy festival each October.
What to see
Sites in Sheffield include historical sites along the Norfolk Heritage Trail, where Mary Queen of Scots was kept captive, Old Queen’s Head, Sheffield Castle, City Road Cemetery, Clay Wood, and the Cholera Monument. Notable heritage sites include Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Hodsock Priory, Renishaw Hall, and the Chatsworth House, each of which was the family home for many years. Another important aspect of the city of Sheffield’s history can be viewed at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet or Portland Works, where the steel industry is still showcased.
The city’s largest art gallery, the Millennium Galleries, displays crafts, design, local metalwork, and touring exhibitions. Nearby, the Winter Garden features exotic plants, and the Peace Gardens next to the town hall feature fountains and green space.
Tudor Square is a major center in town with several theaters, including the Lyceum Theater and Crucible Theater. A popular place to go shopping in Sheffield is Meadowhall, which is one of the country’s largest centers, with hundreds of stores, including high-end shops and restaurants. Closer to downtown, there are shopping areas, including High Street, Moor Market, Peace Gardens, and Fargate.
Where to stay
Sheffield has a range of overnight accommodations available to visitors. Options include Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn Sheffield (which has multiple locations, near the arena, in the city center, and at Meadowhall), Whitley Hall Hotel, and Halifax Hall. Other chain hotels include the Mercure, Holiday Inn, Ibis, and Novotel. Some long-term accommodation options are the City Crash Pad Serviced Apartments in the city center and the Corner House.