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Destinations > Europe > United Kingdom > England > The English Midlands: Sheffield and the Peak District

Sheffield & the Peak District National Park

Sheffield has a lot to offer visitors who are looking for things to do in northeast England. Inhabited since the paleolithic era, and a key spot for the industrial revolution in Britain, the area - now the City of Sheffield - has seen many changes and advancements. Sporting fans will also be interested to learn that the city is home to both the world’s oldest football club and the world’s oldest football ground.

Sheffield also lies just to the east of the UK’s original national park: Peak District National Park. Much of this park is protected for nature conservation, providing benefits such as fresh water, flood prevention, and food and carbon storage. Additionally, it’s an amazing place for millions of people from London and the surrounding area to enjoy active adrenaline sports or simply escape the pressures of everyday life. However, it’s also a fascinating historical park with plenty of opportunities to learn about landscapes, cultural heritage and wildlife.

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Where to Stay in the Peak District Area

Two of the best hotels in this area, based on outstanding North English styles and amazing countryside views right in the Peak District, are the Losehill House Hotel & Spa and the Old Hall Inn. If you plan to be more on the eastern side of the Peak District, near Sheffield, we’d recommend picking Losehill House as the Old Hall is closer to Manchester. Either way, these are top notch hotels with the highest ratings and reviews and the best choices for a Peak District stay. Click on the images below to check for availability.

Sheffield

With its estimated 4.5 million trees, Sheffield is now one of the greenest cities in the UK. Which is fitting for a place surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pennines. A third of the city is even situated in the Peak District national park, making a great jumping off point to explore its natural wonders. For lovers of the great outdoors the city holds much that is not to be missed.

If you plan to base your Peak District adventure out of Sheffield, we recommend staying at either the Bank View Farm, Luxury Bed & Breakfast or The Devonshire Arms. You’ll thank us later!

Wyming Brook Nature Reserve

On the edge of Sheffield, Wyming Brook was once the sporting playground of the nobility, set aside for their hawking and hunting, but now the path along this tumbling waterway is a bit of wilderness that everyone can share. Wander along the falling stream or take the rockier path up to the top for a view of the Rivelin reservoirs and the nearby city.

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail has it all for the family that wants to get out into nature. Free to the public, the trail is about 3 miles total and has a playground, several waterfalls with stepping stones and art installations, and even a café if you don’t want to bring your own picnic. A couple of different paths and parking areas let you choose your difficulty level, though much of the trail is not accessible for those with mobility issues.

OUR STORY: The Rivelin Valley Trail in Sheffield, England is a peaceful and serene nature walk with many charming artifacts from history.

The Three Merry Lads

Sitting just off of the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail and next to Wyming Brook Nature Reserve is this traditional English pub and restaurant which has some incredible views of the valley from the outdoor seating area. It also has play areas for the kids, pub food - like traditional fish and chips, and regular events.

Great selection of food and drinks - definitely recommended on any day trip to the Rivelin Valley area!

Ecclesall Woods

Another bit of wilderness in southwest Sheffield is Ecclesall Woods, where 15 km of public footpaths open up the forested area to visitors. Previously used for timber, these woodlands are a treasure trove of history. The woods have historic and modern sawmills, as well as a charcoal burning site, and even further back in history, a Bronze Age monument.

There’s also the Abbeydale miniature railway, with a ridable garden railway, fun for kids of all ages.

The Vintage Pantry Tea Room at Sheffield Antiques Centre

The Vintage Pantry is a unique tea room and restaurant, operated by one lady from Sheffield whose “passion for home cooked food, cakes and a warm friendly environment” - combined with many antique dishes and serving platters - gives you a wonderland type experience. The scones and tea, that come along with the high-tea offering, were outstanding and worthy of high praise. It is certainly an experience that you’ll remember forever.

To get to it, you’ll need to walk upstairs from the Sheffield Antiques Centre, a quirky 19th century building that sells antique curios, toys, books, furniture, glassware, jewelry, home appliances, dishware, vintage clothing and so much more! It is certainly worth a look around if you’re stopping by the Vintage Pantry!

Meadowhall Mall

Many of the visitors to the area come for the outdoor activities, but for those who love to shop, Meadowhall Mall, the largest shopping center in Yorkshire, has a lot to offer. In addition to the wide range of shops with everything from Boots to Hugo Boss, there is also a cinema, a soft play area for children, and a variety of food and beverage options – fun for the whole family!

Free WiFi is available, and the mall is conveniently located next to a train stop and bus station. If you’re staying in Sheffield, the train is the most affordable option to get there, but Uber is also an alternative.

Peak District National Park

One of the big draws to Sheffield is its proximity and access to the Peak District National Park. With outdoor activities ranging from walking and cycling to caving and paragliding, the over 500 hundred square miles of national park are an adventurer’s wonderland. Easily accessible by several bus routes or by car, the park offers hiking and walking for all fitness and experience levels, including areas called Miles Without Stiles, which are well-surfaced routes without barriers like stiles, steps, or steep areas. Or if you are more advanced, there are more challenging trails as well.

One of the best ways to find all of the hidden gems and little-known secrets of the Peak District is to grab this amazing themed Geohunt - a scavenger hunt across the Peak District that provides you with over 100 destinations and challenges to choose from that are set across the full 1,437km² of the National Parklands! Plus, you’ll have a full 7 days to navigate your way around to find everything that interests you!

**The Peak District (Slow Travel)**

Slow down and let expert local author Helen Moat guide you to not just all the well-known places, but away from the crowds to uncover the hidden corners of the Peak District.

Look Inside!

AndyScott, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Padley Gorge

One of the many magical spots found throughout the Peak District, Padley Gorge is central to several walks in the area. The lovely woodland environment with its streams and waterfalls is a favorite of hikers and birdwatchers alike, as it’s home of several unique species. Visitors can enjoy the woodland beauty, then take in the starker beauty of the moorlands at the nearby Longshaw Estate, or explore the older remnants of stone circles on the moors east of the gorge.

Froggatt Edge

In that same Dark Peak area near the gorge, visitors should take the time to check out the view from Froggatt Edge, a gritstone escarpment that looks out over the valley of the River Derwent. Historically a source for millstones, the various slabs offer challenges to rock climbers and hillwalkers alike. Easily accessible from Sheffield, the Edge is topped by easy to moderate trails and the views are worth the walk.

Monsal Dale & the Headstone Viaduct

Not far from Froggatt Edge is one of the most breathtaking areas in the Peak District, Monsal Dale, with its winding River Wye, the famous Headstone viaduct, Hob’s House cave, and Fin Cop hill. The Monsal Trail, which crosses the old railway viaduct, is a perfect way to explore the Dale and the riverside meadows. For a great photograph of Monsal Dale, especially during sunset, head to the Monsal Head Hotel and grab a cold one at the pub while enjoying the evening colors!

The Hunt: Team Adventure in the Peak District is a mission oriented game held in Monsal Dale where you get to choose from 3 different narratives: Rogue Agent, Save The Future, or Ancient Secrets of the Peaks. Perfect for a couple or even teams of up to 40 people! The beautiful and relaxing ambiance of Monsal Dale makes it the perfect place for a day of fun!

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Abarrajon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bamford Edge

Another gritstone masterpiece of nature, Bamford Edge overlooks Hope Valley near the village of Bamford. The numerous trails along the edge give hikers truly panoramic views of the valley and surrounding countryside.

Bamford Edge is also one of the more popular places to go rock climbing in the Peak District! If you’ve never tried rock climbing, then this is a great way to prove to yourself that you still have an adventurous side! Spend a few hours learning the basics, or - as it is the top adventure activity in the Peak District and a true cultural experience for the Midlands - you might even consider gifting yourself a full day taster! We recommend wearing some appropriate clothes that you don’t mind getting scuffed up as well as shoes or boots with flexible soles and a bit of grip for the best results. Enjoy!

After a long day of hiking and/or climbing, a pint at the Yorkshire Bridge local pub is a satisfying end to the trail.

Kinder Scout

At 636 metres above sea level, the Kinder Scout nature reserve is the highest point in the Peak District and also in the Midlands. On a really clear day, not something that’s common in Britain, you can see all the way to the Snowdonia mountains in Wales. The trails to this unique moorland plateau are challenging, but the fascinating rock formations and the Kinder Downfall, the tallest waterfall in the national park, really make the effort pay off.

OUR STORY: If you're headed to Northern England, then we recommend hiking up to Kinder Scout. The trail itself is picturesque - with a number of unique historical structures along the way - but the views from the top are breathtaking!

Mam Tor

Mam Tor, or “mother hill,” is also sometimes known as Shivering Mountain due to its frequent landslips and shale underpinnings. The 517 metre hill is topped by a circular walk that takes visitors past Bronze and Iron Age forts and barrows, as well as some of the nearby caves. Another moderate to challenging trip that is rewarded by the fascinating landscape.

Chatsworth House and Gardens

Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, located on the banks of the River Derwent, offers beauty of a different sort. Home to the family since the mid-1500s, the house has seen a great deal of history and that’s reflected throughout the 30 plus rooms that are open to the public.

In addition to the house with its incredible architectural details and family art collection, the estate also offers beautiful gardens, a farm, the farm store, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Tickets must be booked online (official site).

OUR STORY: The Chatsworth House and Gardens are stunning! We would not have thought the grounds would qualify as a hike, but you'd be surprised! There is plenty to see in the gardens and the house - so we recommend giving yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore this estate.

Stanage Edge

For history dating back to medieval times, a visit to Stanage Edge is in order. Along the top you can see remnants of the Long Causeway between Sheffield and Heathersage. The current trail is not easy with its steep inclines, but has at least been worn smooth by centuries of travelers. The gritstone cliffs and outcroppings along the edge are a big draw for rock climbers. Keep a careful eye out for Robin Hood’s Cave, and imagine yourself one of his merry band hiding out.

OUR STORY: Stanadge Edge, one of the rock climbing cliffs we visited in the Peak District. Easy trail to the top, beautiful views, perfect for sunset!

Poole’s Cavern

If you like caves, then a visit to Poole's Cavern is not to be missed. Part of the Wye system, the cave is named for a 15th century outlaw, but explorations have revealed human occupation as far back as the Bronze Age. The cavern has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 1853, but it has been listed in travel guides since the late 1600s and its famous visitors are rumored to have even included Mary, Queen of Scots.

OUR STORY: Poole's Cavern is a chilly dark place filled with eerie history and natural beauty. The tour is filled with delightful stories and is worth the affordable entry fee.

There’s no better way to really experience the quintessential charm of Northern England, the sights and the tastes, including the limestone caves of Poole’s Cavern - than this small group trip through the best places in Castleton, Monsal Head, and Bakewell. Make it easy on yourself and schedule in a “relax” day of sorts to simply let someone else do all of the thinking, planning, and driving for you instead - you’ll be glad you did in this case!

The Roaches

Another popular ridge for hiking and rock climbing is The Roaches. The trails along the towering ridge bring hikers past fascinating rock formations, a gorgeous memorial climber’s hut built into the mountainside, and a pool said to be inhabited by a water sprite who lures the incautious to join her. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the nesting pair of peregrine falcons that make their home on the ridge.

OUR STORY: The Roaches, in the Southwest part of the Peak District, are not known to many locals but are a common hot spot for travelers and rock climbers. The climbers we bumped into said they prefer The Roaches over the more popular Stanage Edge.

Honestly, with the difficulty in finding a place to park and the length of the trail itself - with all it’s side trails - it could take a full day or more to explore this area. Make it easier on yourself and grab Diane Carter, a local who is an expert here at the Roaches, to guide you to the best sights in this area over a 2 hour hike, and she’ll also show you Lud’s Church on the far end as well!

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Must See Places in Sheffield & the Peak District

The Peak District of England, with its moors and cliffs, rivers and woodlands, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. There is no shortage of tradition and culture in the district, with the historic estates and cozy villages, if the natural features don’t have as strong a pull for you. A visit to Sheffield and the Peak District offers a rich and beautiful holiday vacation destination.

If you only have one day to spend here, this is what we recommend:

Start out your morning with a stroll around the Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, then enjoy lunch at The Three Merry Lads Pub, and go for an afternoon nature walk along the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail.
Alternatively, spend the morning learning the basics of rock climbing at Bamford Edge. After lunch, spend the rest of your afternoon on a secret mission with The Hunt: Team Adventure in Monsal Dale.
Or simply spend your day exploring the hidden secrets of the Peak District by using the amazing themed Geohunt adventure, potentially with a stop at the Chatsworth House and Gardens!

All of these day adventures would be fun and memorable - plus, you’ll get to enjoy more of what the Midlands are all about!

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to visit the Peak District National Park?

The Peak District National Park is free to enter and explore. However, there may be charges for parking, camping, or visiting certain attractions within the park. For example, the Chatsworth House and Gardens charge £23 for an adult ticket and £14.50 for a child ticket.

What are some of the best places to eat and drink in Sheffield?

Sheffield has a diverse and vibrant food and drink scene, with options ranging from traditional pubs and cafes to international cuisines and street food. Some of the popular places to eat and drink in Sheffield are:

- The Cutlery Works: A former cutlery factory turned into a food hall, featuring over a dozen independent vendors offering dishes from around the world.

- The Devonshire Cat: A cozy pub with a large selection of craft beers, ciders, and spirits, as well as a menu of pub classics and vegan options.

- Tamper Coffee: A specialty coffee shop with two locations in Sheffield, serving quality coffee, tea, and brunch items, as well as hosting events and workshops.

How can I get to Sheffield and the Peak District National Park from other parts of England?

Sheffield and the Peak District National Park are well-connected by road and rail to other major cities and towns in England. Some of the ways to get there are:

- By car: Sheffield is about 2.5 hours drive from London, 1 hour from Manchester, and 45 minutes from Leeds. The Peak District National Park is about 30 minutes drive from Sheffield, and has several scenic routes and parking areas.

- By train: Sheffield has direct train services from London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and other cities. The journey time from London is about 2 hours. The nearest train stations to the Peak District National Park are Edale, Hope, Hathersage, and Buxton, which are all within 15 to 30 minutes drive from the park.

- By bus: Sheffield has a bus station that connects to various destinations in England. The National Express and Megabus offer coach services from London, Manchester, Leeds, and other cities. The journey time from London is about 4 hours. There are also local buses that run from Sheffield to the Peak District National Park, such as the 272 and the 65.

(1) The English Midlands: Sheffield and the Peak District National Park Area. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/the-english-midlands-sheffield-and-the-peak-district-national-park-area.

(2) Exploring England - Blogs about England - REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore. https://eatwanderexplore.com/guides/england.

(3) Peak District National Park: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy. https://www.tripsavvy.com/peak-district-national-park-complete-guide-5194682.

(4) The Peak District National Park. https://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/the-peak-district/.

RobChafer at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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