Things to see and do

A large crowd of people looking round an outdoor market on Sharrow Vale Road in Sheffield. A large crowd of people looking round an outdoor market on Sharrow Vale Road in Sheffield.

Festival of the Outdoors 2025

Every March, as the days are getting longer, drier, and warmer in Sheffield, we celebrate what it means to be The Outdoor City, by hosting the Festival of the Outdoors.

You'll find everything from large-scale international sporting events to small community gatherings; from guided walks to some of the worlds hardest bouldering problems; outdoor markets to film festivals.

Check out the festival programme so far, with more to be announced...

Three people are stand up paddle boarding on a canal that runs through a city centre.
Mountain bike riders on a jump at Wharnecliffe and Greno Woods.
A group of four people, sat in Meersbrook Park, enjoying a sunny day. One is sat in a folding chair and the other three are sat on the grass.

'Steel City' to Real City

In the 1900s Sheffield was famed for its industry, and it remains a city of innovation to this day. However, the smoking chimney stacks are no more - instead you'll find a green, modern cityscape set against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park.

With an amazing array of independent eateries and microbreweries, renowned live music, great outdoors, award-winning theatre, colourful street art, fascinating exhibitions and vibrant festivals throughout the year, there’s always something to keep you entertained.

So it's certainly not grim up north and you won't find a dull moment in Sheffield!

Evening view of Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre. The Crucible building has a modern glass façade with large illuminated letters spelling “CRUCIBLE” in pink tones. To the right, the Lyceum Theatre features ornate architecture with columns, decorative details, and warm lighting highlighting its dome and entrance canopy. The sky is a deep blue, and the open plaza in front is quiet and spacious.

Top 10 Things to See

From the largest urban glass house in Europe to the largest theatre complex outside of London, there's lots to experience in Sheffield.

Don't know where to start? Here's 10 of the best, for a whistle-stop tour of Sheffield's must-see attractions.

Top 10

What takes your fancy?

We might be England's 4th largest, but Sheffield is a compact city- so it's easy to get around and gives you more time to see/do more.

Museums & Galleries

We have an incredible selection of free galleries and museums to visit, from contemporary art to prolific industrial heritage.

A row of recreated workshops (or little mesters as they were called) in Kelham Island Museum.

Retail Therapy

Our extensive independent scene is tucked in different pockets all around the city. There's loads to explore, from specialist plant shops to vintage stores.

Inside Glass Onion, a vintage second-hand clothes shop in Sheffield city centre.

A bit of adventure

We are, after all, The Outdoor City. Here you can rock climb, boulder, ride, run and walk to your heart's content - and still find great food and drink to go with it all.

A woman climbing a gritstone rock face.

Heritage & Architecture

Everywhere you go you'll find contrasts between old and new. From neo-classical to Brutalist, we even have the largest Grade II listed building in Europe- Park Hill.

A view of the façade at Park Hill Flats taken from one of the walkways.

Parks & Gardens

Sheffield has array of beautiful outdoor places to enjoy. From the manicured lawns of the Botanical Gardens to ancient woodland and the parkland valleys you can follow out to the peaks.

Two women are sat on the grass, on a bright, sunny day, at The Sheffield Botanical Gardens having a picnic and chatting.

See a show

Aside to the world famous Crucible and stunning Lyceum Theatre, there's also a wealth of smaller theatres dotted around the city and a strong scene of producing companies.

A dramatic stage performance featuring multiple actors in an industrial-style set. The foreground shows scattered tables and chairs with performers in dynamic poses, including one person leaping into the air. The background includes a two-level structure with additional actors visible on the upper floor, illuminated by theatrical lighting in shades of blue and red. The scene conveys high energy and movement.
People at playing shuffleboard at Shuffle Shack at Picture House Social.

Game on with Sheffield's activity bars

If you're looking for a fun night out with friends, Sheffield has a great variety of activity bars to keep you thoroughly entertained. 

From seriously crazy indoor golf, to shuffle board, bowling and board games- you will definitely not be bored! 

See more

Who are you visiting with?

There really is something for everyone - so whether you're with friends, family or loved ones, Sheffield has you covered.

Families

Sheffield is a really family-friendly city, so there's plenty to keep them entertained, no matter what age!

Children are playing in a sandpit that has been set up in the Peace Gardens in Sheffield city centre as part of the Sheffield By The Seaside event.

Couples

Whether it's a special occasion or you just want to explore somewhere new, there's lots to enjoy with your favourite person.

A woman and a man are sat chatting and having a drink in a bar.

Groups

A brilliant city for that long-needed weekend away with your mates, Sheffield's size means there's loads to go at, but it's not so big that getting around becomes a mission.

A small group of people are laughing and chatting at Peddlars Market.
The exterior of the Kelham Island Tavern public house in Sheffield, painted in white green and gold.

Kelham Kool

Check out one of Time Out's coolest neighbourhoods in the world!

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