More About Sheffield, United Kingdom
Steelmaking remains important economically, but Sheffield is working hard at reinventing itself as a sophisticated city and has diversified into sport, tourism, film production, leisure and retail. Existing hotels have had facelifts and new accommodations have arrived to cater to a growing number of visitors. These include the Cutlers, Bristol, Grosvenor House, Holiday Inn and Novotel in the city centre, and the Marriott and Rutland within a two-mile radius. On the outskirts are the Beauchief, Sheffield Park, Staindrop Lodge and Tankersley Manor.
The city’s revival is apparent in its efficient SuperTram network, striking new architecture, top-quality sport facilities for swimming and diving; ice dance and ice hockey; indoor climbing; and skiing, and the redevelopment of distinct areas into themed quarters. The previously run-down canalside, for example, has been reborn as a leisure hotspot crammed with bars, clubs and restaurants, while a once-derelict central district has re-emerged as the Cultural Industries Quarter.
Eating out has become a serious pastime and visitors can enjoy good food from around the world in a wide choice of bistros, cafes and restaurants. Among these are the Blue Moon Brasserie, West 10, Menzels, Marco @ Milano, Zing Vaa, Antibo, Vijays and Crystal.
Sheffield’s pride in its tradition of hard work is reflected in its many industrial-themed museums, among them the Abbeyvale Industrial Hamlet, Kelham Island, and Traditional Heritage. Especially popular with families are the Fire Police Museum, the Bus Museum and the gadget-packed Magma, a science adventure centre.
Despite its industrial heritage, the city remains close to Nature. It has a national park – the Peak District – on its doorstep, plus more than 200 parks, woodlands and gardens. One of these is indoors! The Winter Gardens, which opened in 2003, is Europe’s largest temperate glasshouse.
Written by: Claire Santry