Welcome back to part 2. Still not sure what you should be doing with your free time during the conference? Well hopefully we’ll have some more things that take your fancy.
6. Rivelin Valley nature trail.
Rivelin Valley nature trail is one of the most beautiful walks in Sheffield and is easily accessible especially if you are staying in our university owned accommodation. The walk offers beautiful nature trails and is frequented by walkers, families and visitors alike. You don’t need to be an avid walker either as much of the trail can be done at a leisurely pace and isn’t too taxing. The lower part of the walk takes you through the family area which also houses one of the cafes making it a perfect spot to refresh and relax before resuming your walk in the woods.
7. Western Park and the Museum
A delight for all visitors, Western Park is a short 10 minute walk from the conference venue and a beautiful and calm spot in itself and an excellent place for a short walk or light lunch. The park even has its own weather station and all freely available via a computer database. Western Park Museum houses artefacts from the prehistoric era all the way to the present day and depicts the history of Sheffield and how the City was made. Entry is free and a cafe inside the Museum will cater to any refreshment needs.
8. See a film at Sheffield’s independent cinema; The Showroom
Described as a spacious art house cinema with a creative British menu for the arty crowd, the art-deco building houses 4 cinemas and a cafe/bar area that serves some of the best food in Sheffield. Lovingly crafted by their team of amazing chefs, their innovative menu has something for everyone especially if you tend to prefer vegetables over meat. Its a great place to catch one of the indie films that are becoming increasing popular or one of the big blockbusters to hit the big screen.
9. Visit Sheffied Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral is a 5 minute walk from the conference venue and the city centre hotels so is well worth a visit if you are in the area. It is a magnificent and imposing building but yet extremely welcoming and friendly and has a calming presence for its visitors. You are welcome to browse at your leisure and there are usually several volunteers on hand to answer any questions that you may have. Unfortunately the beauty of the Cathedral cannot be put into words, so you’ll have to just pop down and see it for yourself.
10. Take a boat tour along the canals
We can’t think of anything more peaceful than crusing the canals and spending time on the water taking in the beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife. That’s why our final activity to do it take a canal cruise through Sheffield’s industrial heritage. We recommend that you reserve a table on one of their evening sails in order to guarantee your place on the cruise and this can be done my walking down to the Victoria Quays and booking at the canal boat shop. If you don’t have time to catch a cruise but still want to experience the tranquility of the canal ways, you can walk some of the 5 Weirs Walk. The walk is an 8km trail from the City centre to Meadowhall along the River Don and offers walkers and cyclist some stunning encounters with British nature.
We know its not quite Sheffield but…
11. Chatsworth House
Although the house is based in Derbyshire, we wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we didn’t tell you about this little gem. Chatsworth House has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. Spread across 105 acres and a 40 minute drive from Sheffield, the house and gardens are open to visitors for most of the year, including your time in Sheffield, and tours of both the house and gardens are conducted daily. If you would like more information on Chatsworth including how to get there, please visit their website at http://www.chatsworth.org/
Whilst we’ve come to the end of the top things to see and do whilst in Sheffield during your stay, there are many more activities and sights that the City of Steel has to offer. Speak to one of us and we’ll be happy to help out.
Until next time,
Katy and the admin team.