Heritage

Discover Sheffield's glorious history.  Internationally renowned stately homes such as Chatsworth (a must see for all!) and Hardwick Hall, sit on our doorstep, while Industrial Heritage sites of world importance offer fascinating reminders of our famous past.

 

Sheffield's history dates back to pre-Roman times.  Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in Sheffield for almost 14 years in the Middle Ages spending her time between the castle, Manor Lodge and Chatsworth.

 

Cutlery manufacturing began in Sheffield in the Middle Ages.  Benjamin Huntsman invented Crucible Steel here in the 1740s and in 1913 Stainless Steel was pioneered in our city.  21st century Sheffield remains a centre of creativity and leader in the science of metallography.

 

Off Abbey Lane, Sheffield 7

Telephone enquiries to: 01773 590622

 

Remains of a beautiful 12th century praemonstratensian Abbey set in charming, secluded surroundings within the city boundary. Built into the tower is a lovely 17th century chapel.

 

Open: times vary - please call for details

Admission: Free 

Location: 4 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial

 

Birley Spa Lane, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield 12

Telephone: 0114 265 5355

 

Hidden historic and architectural gem in a tiny secluded ravine. One of the only Victorian Spas in the north of England.

 

Open: Bathhouse: guided tours first Saturday of every month 10.00 am - 12.00 noon. No appointment necessary.  Tours for schools or other groups: Tuesday morning. 

Admission: Free 

Location: 4 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial 

 

Norton Lees Lane, Sheffield, S8 9BE

Telephone: 0114 278 2600

 

The oldest surviving half-timbered house in Sheffield. Built in about 1500 it gives visitors a tantalising flavour of Tudor and Stuart England. A true hidden gem, tucked away at the top of Meersbrook Park it offers a stunning view of the city.

 

Open: See Visiting Information

Admission: Free 

Location: 3 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Poor

 

Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XT

Telephone: 01302 722 598

 

An outstanding example of a Victorian country home.  The gardens are a fine example of formal Victorian planting, with over 15 acres to explore.

 

See Brodsworth Hall and Gardens for opening times and admission costs

Location: 25 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

  

Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT

Telephone: 01226 790270

Website: Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens

 

70 acres of historic park and historic walled gardens surround this elegant 18th century country house museum. Unique pear tree collection dating from the 1760's.

 

Open: call for details

Admission: Free  

Location: 19 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial

 

Norfolk Row, Sheffield

Telephone: 0114 272 2522

Website: Cathedral Church of St Marie

 

Worshipping on this city centre site dates back 200 years. Today’s Cathedral dates from 1847 and is a lovely example of Gothic architecture.

 

Open: Varies, call for details (access may be restricted during services). Official guides by appointment.

Admission: Free 

Location: City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA

Telephone: 0114 275 3434

Website: Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul

 

The City Centre's only medieval building. Visited by the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century. Listed Grade 1, this working cathedral contains architecture from the 15th to the 20th century, houses magnificent Tudor memorials and striking stained glass.  Also host to regular concerts and exhibitions.

 

Open: Varies, call for details (access may be restricted during services)

Admission: Free  

Location: City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire

Telephone: 01246 565300

Website: Chatsworth House

 

One of the Treasure Houses of England, right on Sheffield’s doorstep. Nestling in the heart of the Peak District National Park, this should absolutely not be missed. Enjoy the farmyard and the spectacular woodland adventure playground or the 105 acre garden with its cascades, fountains, and maze. Walk or picnic anywhere in the garden or the surrounding 1000 acre park. The award winning farm shop is a real gem!

 

See Opening Times and Prices

Location: 15 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HG

Telephone: 0114 272 8456

 

This spectacular building dates from 1832 and is steeped in Sheffield history. Home to the Cutlers’ company (guardians of the famous Made in Sheffield name) and host to the annual celebration of Sheffield's manufacturing industry, the Cutlers’ Feast, it houses a superb collection of silver and cutlery plus artefacts from the sister ship of the Titanic –architecturally breathtaking.

 

Open: By appointment only. Monday - Thursday 10.00 am - 3.00 pm.
Admission: Adult £3.50, Child £3.50 minimum charge applies

Location: City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial

 

Eyam, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 5QW

Telephone: 01433 631976

 

Charming 17th century manor house in the centre of this famous "plague village". Tapestries, costumes, fine furniture and family portraits are amongst its interior treasures.

 

See Eyam Hall for opening times and admission

Location: 14 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

The Gatehouse, Cemetery Avenue, Sheffield, S11 8NT

Telephone: 0114 268 3486

Website: General Cemetery

 

A real hidden treasure. This Victorian cemetery and historic site has many listed buildings and is the perfect place for a stroll.   Accessible from Cemetery Avenue, Off Ecclesall Road

 

Open: Daily, call for a guided tour programme.

Admission: Free 

Location: 2 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Telephone: 01629 812855

Website: Haddon Hall

 

Medieval and Tudor manor house with outstanding terraced rose gardens, restaurant and gift shop. Close to the market town of Bakewell.

 

See Opening Times and Admission

Location: 19 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial

 

Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Telephone: 01246 850430

 

A spectacular Elizabethan house – with ‘more glass than wall’ - built by Bess of Hardwick. Discover one of Europe's best collections of embroideries and tapestries. The walled herb garden and superb parkland walks are delightful.

 

See Hardwick Hall for opening times and admission

Location: 20 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

115 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UH

Telephone: 0114 264 8327

Website: Manor Lodge

 

Star of BBC Restoration programme 2004, Manor Lodge was once one of the finest Tudor Houses in England.  Between 1570 and 1584 Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here on the orders of Queen Elizabeth the First.  Today it stands proudly amidst the ruins of this great home.

 

Open: See website for details

Admission:  Free.

Location: 1.5 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: poor

 

Renishaw Park, Sheffield

Telephone: 01246 432310

Website: Renishaw Hall Gardens and Museum

 

Superb seven-acre Italianate gardens standing in 300 acres of mature parkland with sculpture park and nature trails

 

See Visitor Information for opening times and admission

Location: 11 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Blyth Road, Rotherham

Telephone: 01709 812739

 

The Abbey was founded in 1147 set in a pretty meadow setting.

 

See Roche Abbey for opening times and admission

Location: 16 miles from City Centre

Disabled Access: Partial

 

Pinstone Street, Sheffield

Webpage: Town Hall

 

Opened by Queen Victoria in 1897, the Grade I listed building is made of Derbyshire stone with an ornate interior of wonderful stonework, striking Italian marble, elegant mosaic floors and incredible ornate plaster ceilings. It provides a stunning backdrop for the magnificent Peace Gardens.

 

Open: Pre-booked tours can be arranged by calling Lorraine Lindley on 0114 273 4107 or email Lorraine.Lindley@sheffield.gov.uk.

Location: City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

 

Norfolk Street, Sheffield

Telephone: 0114 276 7114

Website: Upper Chapel

 

Tranquil garden, home to bronze statues by George Fullard.

 

Open: Gardens open till dusk. Limited Chapel opening, call for details.

Admission: Free  

Location: City Centre

Disabled Access: Good

To obtain a FREE copy of the Visit Sheffield Guide please call the Visitor Information Line on +44 (0) 114 221 1900 or complete our on-line request form.