Get to know the Steel City this lockdown with our guide to Sheffield’s best outdoor areas. Sheffield has 250 parks and is 60 percent green space. But that’s not all, whilst Sheffield is stuffed full of beautiful nature it also has picturesque industrial areas and squares in the city centre, so there’s something for every taste.
1. The Peak District
Sheffield students are lucky to have this national park on their doorstep. England’s first ever national park, it was established in 1951 and spans over 5 counties. From Sheffield, you can reach the Peaks by train, bus, taxi, bike or on foot. There are plenty of great walks for experienced hikers or day ramblers. Our favourites include LadyBower Reservoir or Stanage Edge.
2. Endcliffe Park
Nestled between both Uni of and Hallam hubs, Endcliffe park is a great place to enjoy a lockdown walk. It’s near Ecclesall road where you can buy a coffee and cake from one of the many cute local cafes to enjoy in the park. Explore the woodland area, playing field, cafe and duck pond. This is our top spot for dog spotting so great for students who miss their furry friends.
3. The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens lie just down the road from Endcliffe Park and are great if you have an interest in plants or just enjoy a pretty flower arrangement. It’s a great park for exploring as you can go through different sections with plants from all over the world.
4. Weston Park
Weston Park is part of the University of Sheffield campus as Weston Bank library looks out over the duck pond where you often find families feeding the ducks and pigeons. A very picturesque park with a small duck pond, blue bandstand and museum. Apart from strolls, you can also enjoy tennis in the park’s courts.
5. Crookes Valley Park
Crookes Valley Park is right next to Weston Park and is a favourite with families, runners, fishermen and walkers. The hills make it great for sledging if there’s snow whilst the flat areas are often used by footballers and volleyball players. This is a popular park with locals and students alike.
6. Bole Hill
In the Crookes area popular with Uni of students is another student favourite, Bole Hill. The beautiful panoramic views of Sheffield and the Peaks make for a great spot to chill with your mates or go on a date. Catch the sunset here for a lovely lockdown outing. There’s also big playing fields, a basketball court and a BMX track if you’re into sports.
7. Kelham Island
Usually a bustling area with great up and coming restaurants and bars, you may not consider Kelham Island during this lockdown. However, it’s a great place to explore some street art and take in Sheffield’s industrial history.
8. Peace Gardens
The Peace Gardens are a great location to grab a coffee in the city centre on your daily walk. Enjoy the beauty of the town hall and walk through the Winter Gardens.
9. Cholera Monument Grounds
The Cholera Monument Grounds offer great views over the city from behind the train station and are the perfect place to catch the sunset.
10. The Street Art Trail
If you want to explore the city, the Street Art Trail takes you all over Sheffield to see work by artists such as Phlegm, Pete McKee and more. It’s a great way to get to know a new area as although the official trail is 1.6 miles you can find the full street art map which covers all of Sheffield: https://streetartsheffield.com/map
11. Rivelin Valley
The Rivelin Valley trail is located at the entrance to the Peaks and is a great place to run or walk. It is popular with locals due to its peaceful setting and easy access to the city. It also has a nature trail and a team dedicated to its conservation so it is great to take a break from stressful uni work.
12. Five Weirs Walk
This walk takes you from the city centre to Meadowhall through Sheffield’s reclaimed industrial areas. Explore Sheffield’s history on this stroll by the River Don, ending it by hopping on the train or tram back into town.
You can see why Sheffield is called the ‘outdoor city’. There are so many options for everyone’s tastes from industrial areas to beautiful woods and breathtaking views, so there’s no excuse to stay inside and watch Netflix this lockdown.
