Previously famed for its steel industry, Sheffield remains a city of innovation, but its smoking chimneys and sulphurous smog have been replaced with open spaces and clean, fresh air. Catch a train to Sheffield and explore ‘the Steel City’ - now one of the greenest cities in the UK.
As well as fantastic shopping facilities and an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and bars, Sheffield has a thriving cultural scene boasting award-winning theatre, festivals, sporting events, music, street art, and so much more.
Popular routes to Sheffield
Sheffield is much-loved by locals and visitors. There are countless attractions that make for a fantastic day out or short city break. CrossCountry offers many direct services to Sheffield from destinations all over the UK. Below are some of our most popular.
FAQs
There is just one main train station in the city: Sheffield.
Sheffield station is located right next to the city centre, a stone’s throw from Sheffield Hallam University. The city centre is a mere stroll away, and you will find numerous amenities as soon as you step off the train.
The nearest airport is Doncaster Sheffield Airport. To get there you can get a train to Doncaster, and then catching the 57a or 57c bus will drop you off at the airport. This will take around 1.5-hours.
Alternatively, there is a direct train service to Manchester Airport which takes a similar amount of time. You can also go via Manchester Piccadilly and change.
There are ways to save money on your train to Sheffield. Our cheap train tickets page has loads of suggestions, including travelling off-peak, booking in advance and investing in a season ticket if you make the journey regularly. A Railcard allows you to save ⅓ on every journey, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for one.
If you have any further questions about stations in Sheffield, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Sheffield
When it comes to independent, vintage or second-hand shopping, Sheffield is in a league of its own. If you’re looking for handmade local products, you can head to Devonshire Quarter, where you’ll also find fresh fashion boutiques, independent music stores, and design shops. Alternatively, the Antiques Quarter has an eclectic mix of modern, retro, and vintage pieces, as well as a great selection of cafés and restaurants to rest weary feet. If you’re more into the mainstream, you will find all your high street favourites at the Moor or Fargate in the city, or at Meadowhall just outside. Meadowhall is the largest shopping centre in Europe, boasting an impressive number of shops and restaurants.
Food & Drink in Sheffield
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s easy to eat your way around the world without ever leaving Sheffield. London Road’s food mile offers some of the best Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, and Japanese restaurants in the city. You’ll find all the familiar national chains around the city, but don’t be afraid to try something new and explore Sheffield’s thriving independent scene. Artisan cafés, ridiculously cool coffee houses, mouth-watering street food, and innovative restaurants all await. And as the birthplace of the UK craft beer revolution, you can’t leave Sheffield without having a sneaky pint or two, so be sure to check out some of the city’s rustic pubs and quirky bars.
Culture in Sheffield
Sheffield contains a rich and impressive cultural heritage, shown in the museums across the city. Weston Park Museum is one of Sheffield’s most visited attractions and features extensive collections in many areas including social, natural and global history. If the theatre’s more your thing then you’re in luck as Sheffield has the largest theatre complex outside of London.
Sheffield’s a great place to get outdoors, whether it’s strolling round one of the city’s local parks or gardens or exploring the beautiful moorlands of the Peak District. Enjoy some fresh air and exercise before settling down in one of Sheffield’s cosy pubs for the afternoon.
Catching a train to Sheffield
We want to help you travel cheaply, so we encourage booking in advance via our website or app and enjoy great savings! If you’re still thinking about where to go, our UK holidays hub has plenty of inspiration.
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