Once known as Steel City for its metal production, the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield has more to it than knives and forks these days. This post-industrial city marks the gateway to England’s north, offering with it a burgeoning craft beer scene and a reputation for indie bands and grungy gigs. Those who stumble on it will find low-key yet lovely things to do, from sipping local ales to nights out at the historic Leadmill and walking in the Peak District National Park.
While an umbrella is useful year-round in Sheffield, summer is when you can escape the worst of the drizzly weather. If you visit in summer, make space in your travels for the Tramlines Festival that takes place in Hillsborough Park in July. Billed as Sheffield’s biggest party, it’s also one of the wider region’s headline music festivals.
Sheffield can be reached easily by train from other major cities. From London, direct trains take just over two hours; from Manchester, the journey lasts about an hour. In Sheffield itself, the Supertram is a good way to get around. The network covers around 50 stations and links up the center with the big Meadowhall shopping center. Given the city's many narrow streets and one-way layouts, it's best to leave driving to the locals.
It's no surprise—given the Yorkshire love for beer and talking—that the real ale and craft beer scene in Sheffield is the country’s strongest. In recent years, Sheffield has added microbrews and tap houses to its many pubs that serve up local brews. If you’re not staying long enough to sup a pint in places like Kelham Island Brewery or the Sheffield Tap, you can buy bottles at many breweries to take home.
