By Rachel Measures, BA (Hons) Media, 3rd Year

 

Make the most of your time in Sheffield and really get to know the great Steel City! Here are some top spots that you may not have heard about….

1. Winter Gardens

Where: Close to the Peace Gardens on 90 Surrey St

 

Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm

Sunday: 8am to 6pm

Price: Free

The Winter Gardens is home to one of the largest temperate glass houses in the UK, with 2,500 plants. It also houses a café and small independent sellers, right next to the Millennium Galleries. When I first came to Sheffield, I found this was a perfect quiet space to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

2. Eyam- The Plague Village

Where: Not far from Stoney Middle and Hathersage; the small village of Eyam is approximately a 40 minute drive from Sheffield City Centre.

 

Museum Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm

Museum Prices: Concession – £2.00

This quiet, Derbyshire village is known for its history with the plague. Back in the 1660s 260 people lost their lives and the village cut itself off to prevent the spread of the plague to neighbouring areas. I loved spending the day walking around this village, reading all about the families who suffered, who died and who survived, seeing their homes, graveyards and Mompesson’s well.

3. Ice Sheffield

Where: Across from the DSA Arena on Coleridge Rd, Sheffield, S9 5DA

 

Opening times: 8am – 8pm

Ice Skating Prices:

• Student Night £1.00
• Cheap Skate £2.30
• Simply skate £3.65

With sport, leisure, and entertainment available, Ice Sheffield is a place to swim, skate, get fit and have fun.

4. Peak District

Where: Mam Tor: Hope Valley, S33 8WALady Bower: Upper Derwent Valley, S33 0AQ

 

Mam Tor is a 517m tall hill near Castleton and Edale in the Peak District. Known as the ‘Mother Hill’ surrounded by smaller hills, it is the high peak of Derbyshire and a fun walk for those who want a bit of a challenge. The last time I went, I was 11, so I can’t wait to go with my housemates this year, along with a visit to Lady Bower Reservoir.

Lady Bower is a Y-shaped reservoir, the lowest of three in this area of Derbyshire. A day trip here allows you to walk around the reservoir and see some incredible views.

5. Heeley City Farm

Where: 15 minutes from the City Centre on Richards Rd, Sheffield S2 3DT

 

Opening times: 9am – 5pm

Prices: Free

Set in the middle of the city, this farm is home to various animals, a café, and activities all year around. I went for a beer festival at the farm, and it was the cosiest, friendliest place.

6. Kelham Island Museum

Where: 15 minutes from the City Centre on Alma St, Sheffield, S3 8RY

 

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm

Sunday: 11am – 4.45pm

Friday and Saturday – Closed

Prices: Concession – £5.00

Located in one of Sheffield’s oldest industrial districts, Kelham Island Museum resides within a man-made island and stands as a reminder of Sheffield’s industrial history.

7. Chatsworth House 

Where: Near Bakewell

 

Opening times: 10am – 5pm with the gardens open until 6pm.

Prices: For access everywhere – Adult £23

I visited this stately home back when I was a kid. It is the Cavendish family home, passed down through 16 generations, housing a working farm and living landscape surrounded by beautiful gardens. Though I only spent a day in the gardens when I last visited, I’m looking forward to having a proper wander around the house. Its a day out in the Peak District with a difference.

 

8. The Great Escape/Escape Rooms

Where: Not far from Sheffield Hallam’s Student’s Union; Avec Building, 3-7 Sidney Street, Sheffield, S1 4RG

 

Opening times: 9am – 9pm

Prices:

• 2 players (£40 – £20 per person) – 6 players (£90 – £15 per person and pizza)
• With a student card – £10 per person.

Get together with a group of friends and spend an hour or two working together to solve a mystery and escape from the room. A great way to hang out for an hour, I recommend Alcatraz.