Sheffield sights – what to see in 1 day

Sheffield is a British city with over a thousand years of history, first mentioned in writing in 1086. It is also home to some of Britain’s most historic events. In 1571-1583 Mary Stuart was imprisoned in Sheffield.

Sheffield is also a landmark city for football history. It was the city where the world’s first football team was founded. By the way, the local football club, which traces its history back to 1860, still exists to this day, being the oldest in the world. It was Sheffield where the world’s first inter-club football match was played.

Winter Garden and Cathedral

Sheffield is also famous for its greenhouses and conservatories with thousands of species of rare and exotic plants. People from all over the world come to see the Winter Gardens in particular, with their unique and rich collection. The most striking of Sheffield’s architectural landmarks is the cathedral. The first church on the site dates back to the 12th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1266, but rebuilt in 1280. Since then, the cathedral has been reconstructed several times and only the part near the eastern wall has preserved its original look. Another attraction of the church is the unique 15th century altar.

Of medieval buildings in the town, there are also the remains of the Bowsheaf monastery, built in 1183. One of the towers and the chapel are extant.

Historic Sheffield architecture

The Sheffield Town Hall, built in 1932, is a unique example of neoclassical architecture. Not only for this, but in its concert hall you’ll find a unique organ with a system of over 4,000 pipes.

For centuries Sheffield was one of England’s great craft and industrial centres. To mark this history, the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a unique open-air ethnographic museum. It’s an artisan village where visitors can see what houses, workshops and forges looked like 500 years ago.

Mystic Sheffield

Also a very popular attraction is Sheffield Central Cemetery which is a unique complex that contains not only historical tombs but also places of worship and a beautiful, old-fashioned garden.

Modern attractions

Sheffield is also great for tourists who are not just antiquities buffs, but seek out modern attractions as well. Golfers are in for a treat – Beauchief and Moor View are among Britain’s top courses. Gambling fans will love the Mecca Bingo Casino.

For the family traveller, Sheffield has the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre and the huge Hillsborough Leisure Centre water park. The latter not only has an impressive range of water rides, but also a great cafe.