The Truth About Sheffield:
Maybe you saw The Full Monty and you think Sheffield is depressed, derelict and full of unemployment. Actually, even when that film was made, in 1997, the producers had to search long and hard to find convincing derelict buildings and rundown areas. The fact, since 2004, this South Yorkshire city has experienced a revival - in terms of population, economy and, housing. Here are some other surprising facts about Sheffield:
- It is one of Europe's greenest cities.
- It produces more steel today than ever before
- It's a hot house for metalworking craftspeople and artists
- It has two important universities
So How Green Is It?:
There are more than 2 million trees, more per person than any European city. Within the city limits, Sheffield can count more than 170 woodlands, 78 public parks and 10 public gardens. It's also the only UK city with a part of a National Park within its boundaries. About 52 square miles of The Peak District National Park, England's oldest and largest national park, lies within Sheffield. Add to that several square miles of rivers - from the confluence of the Don, Sheaf, Rivelin, Loxley and Porter rivers - and in all, 61% of Sheffield is considered green space.
Sheffield, Silver and Steel:
Bessemer pioneered mass production of steel here and stainless steel was developed in Sheffield. Sheffield plate, the bonding of copper and silver, was also invented here. Chances are some of the knives in your kitchen drawers, or with your fishing and hunting gear, have blades stamped with the Sheffield mark. Perhaps your Granny's best candlesticks are Old Sheffield Plate.
Fewer people work in steel manufacture today and real Sheffield plate is no longer made. But the city remains a center for specialist steel products, cutlery and art silver. And, thanks to automation, more steel is made than ever in its history.
Why Visit Sheffield:
Just two hours from London by train, Sheffield sits on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park. It makes a perfect jumping off point for outdoor adventures in the Peaks, visits to Chatsworth and the historic market town of Bakewell. Here are some other good reasons for visiting:
- Make Sheffield the southern anchor for a Yorkshire itinerary
- Explore the city's industrial landmarks and history
- Commission something fabulous in silver from an artist at Persistence Works
- Tune in to the Sheffield music scene
Five Cool Things to Do:
- Visit the Millennium Gallery, making time for the Ruskin Collection and the Metalwork Gallery
- See the history of steelmaking, Sheffield's Little Mesters and other industrial landmarks on Kelham Island.
- See a football game (and don't call it soccer while you're in the UK).Sheffield has two professional teams - Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday and a season that runs from late August to April or early May.
- Glimpse 16th century Sheffield at Bishop's House
- See the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, an 18th century water-powered works, site of the world's only intact crucible steel furnace.
Get Galvanized:
Curious about what it might be like to commission an original work in silver or interested in what modern silversmiths are creating lately? Find out at Galvanize, an annual festival of contemporary metal design. Sites all over the city exhibit outstanding works and major public commissions are unveiled. Some of the Sheffield silversmiths and artists working at Persistence Works, a purpose built studio complex, hold open studios. During the rest of the year, you can check out what's happening at Persistence Works through the program of temporary exhibitions at Yorkshire Artspace, the associated exhibition gallery.
How to Get to Sheffield:
Sheffield is 167 miles, or two hours by train, from London. Find out how to get from London to Sheffield by car, train and bus
Check out other Sheffield hotels and compare prices.
Check out other recommended restaurants in or near Sheffield.
Find a Place to Stay in Sheffield
Read a review of the Hotel Mercure in the city center.Check out other Sheffield hotels and compare prices.
Where to Dine in Sheffield
Read a review of The Wig and Pen.Check out other recommended restaurants in or near Sheffield.
Good Sheffield Pubs:
- The Fat Cat at 23 Alma Street is a micro-brewery, featuring 11 different real ales. Handy for the Kelham Island Museum, stop off for their own Kelham Island Bitter and a good selection of cheap food.
- The Old Queens Head on Pond Street is a must just for the atmosphere. This is the oldest domestic building in Sheffield, a gorgeous little half-timbered house, dating, according to some sources, from 1472.
Books About Sheffield
- Sheffield: Pevsner Architectural Guides
- Sheffield Steel and America: A Century of Commercial and Technological Interdependence 1830-1930
- Mesters to Masters: A History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire
- Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks 1544-2001: Old Sheffield Plate Makers' Marks
- Chats on Old Sheffield Plate
- The Silver and Sheffield Plate Collector
