An Insider's Mini Guide to Living in Sheffield

Sheffield’s Best Bits - An Insider's Mini Guide to Living in Sheffield

Bursting with creativity and character, Sheffield is one of the UK’s largest cities. Known for its green spaces, thriving cultural scene and world class universities, it’s truly a city like no other. But despite being one of our country's largest cities, you’ll also find a real sense of community here too. So if a move is on the cards, why not take a look at our beautiful collection of homes available in this exceptional city today?

Sheffield’s history and heritage

Sheffield, or alternatively ‘The City of Steel’, is a place with an incredibly rich and diverse history. Major changes came with the Industrial Revolution, which saw the population of this city boom as workers flocked to work in the city’s factories and mills. And if it’s Sheffield’s Industrial history that you’re interested in, then Kelham Island Museum is the perfect spot to explore the history of making in the city. 

Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens, situated close to the city centre, is another destination within the city well worth a visit. Opened in 1836, the gardens are now free to visit. Listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site of special historic and architectural interest, there are over 18 areas of different planting and buildings to explore. The Rock and Water Garden, Mediterranean Climate Garden, Rose Garden and Himalayan Garden are just a few examples of the stunning and diverse gardens which visitors can enjoy exploring.

Part of the everyday cityscape, but not to be overlooked, is one of the city’s oldest and one of just five Grade I listed buildings in the city - Sheffield Cathedral. With captivating architecture, spectacular stained glass and magnificent furnishings, several visits are in order to truly take it all in. This remarkable building not only tells the stories of the city’s Christian faith throughout the years, it also tells the story of the city itself, going right back to the early 12th century when the township of Sheffield was first established. It’s a highlight of the city not to be missed! 

Arts and Culture in Sheffield

It would be impossible to talk about the city of Sheffield without reference to The Crucible. Opened in 1971, it’s an iconic landmark of the city. This world renowned theatre is home to quality, world class productions, and there’s a whole host of performances to enjoy throughout the year. And it is of course home to the annual World Snooker Championship, an event made all the more special because of the venue.  

There’s also a whole host of galleries to experience within the city too. At the Millenium Gallery, you’ll find a changing exhibition programme, which brings the best of national and international art and design. You’ll also be able to explore the displays which celebrate Sheffield’s metalworking prowess, with the collection being amongst the finest in the world. And just across from the Millenium Gallery, you’ll happen across Grave Gallery, which is home to the city’s visual art collection. 

Sheffield’s Winter Garden is another gem in the very heart of the city. Home to 2500 plants from all around the world, this award winning space is the largest urban glasshouse anywhere in Europe. And it’s not just a stunning collection of plants either, there’s also the chance to grab some light refreshments here too!

Food and drink in Sheffield

National press are touting Sheffield as one of the most exciting food cites thanks to innovative chefs with a passion for local produce. A great number of the city’s bars and restaurants have steadily been turning heads for all the right reasons, and the support and enthusiasm shown by locals continues to drive the thriving independent food scene forward. From fine dining to street food, food halls to cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice! 

And it’s not just the food scene Sheffield is known for. It’s also one of the brewing capitals of the world, and there’s plenty of people in Sheffield who are experts when it comes to making, selecting and drinking some of the finest brews. And they can be enjoyed in a range of tap rooms and traditional pubs across the city, each with their own unique character and atmosphere. 

A special mention…

Not strictly falling into any of the above categories, but impossible not to mention, is Sheffield’s green spaces. In fact, over half of the city is green space (61% to be precise!) There’s more than 800 managed green spaces, and to demonstrate how accessible all of these spaces are within the city, a Greenground Map has been developed to show how the spaces can be used to get around the city. The many parks, woodlands and gardens of the city are all visitor destinations within their own right, and illustrate perfectly why you'll no doubt overhear Sheffield being referred to as ‘The Outdoor City’. 

So if you’re looking for a new home in a green, vibrant and down to earth city, then look no further than Sheffield. It’s got everything you could want and more, so waste no time in exploring our collection of spacious and contemporary homes.