About Becky

Guest Writer

Wander with Becky is a Yorkshire-based travel and lifestyle content creator who loves discovering hidden gems, unique stays and the best places to eat, drink and explore across the UK.

For more travel inspiration and local recommendations, follow Becky on Instagram: @wanderwithbecky.

Experience the Very Best of Sheffield!

There’s a certain magic in checking into a hotel just a few miles from home. Suddenly, familiar streets feel new again, eating out feels like an occasion, and you find yourself appreciating your city in a way you never do in the midst of everyday life. That’s exactly what a Sheffield staycation feels like!

With Sandman Signature Sheffield Quays Hotel as your base, you’re perfectly placed to discover everything that makes the city so special… from its thriving independent food and drink scene to creative neighbourhoods and beautiful green spaces. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic night away, celebrating something special or simply escaping the everyday, Sheffield has something for everyone. And if you’re anything like us and love bringing your dog along for the adventure, you’ll quickly discover just how welcoming the city is to four-legged visitors. 

Here are a few of my favourite ways to experience the very best of Sheffield! 

The Beer Scene

If you love discovering independent breweries, you’re in for a treat visiting Sheffield! Often dubbed the “Real Ale Capital of the World”, Sheffield is home to around 60 breweries, making it one of the UK’s best cities for craft beer lovers.

We turned our staycation into our own mini brewery trail, stopping at Abbeydale Taproom, Riverside in Kelham, Triple Point Brewery and Saint Mars of the Desert in Attercliffe. Better still, the latter three are within walking distance of the Sandman Signature Sheffield Quays Hotel!

Of course, no beer tour would be complete without a pint at the iconic Sheffield Tap too, where the magnificent Edwardian interior is almost as impressive as the enormous beer selection!

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering independent places with plenty of character, Sheffield’s brewery scene is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Park Hill

Love it or hate it, Park Hill is one of Sheffield’s most iconic landmarks. Famous for its imposing Brutalist architecture and pioneering “streets in the sky” concept, Europe’s largest Grade II listed building has evolved into one of the city’s most exciting creative hubs, packed with independent businesses, great food and thought-provoking art installations.

We started here by grabbing speciality coffee and sweet treats at the brilliant independent South Street Kitchen who are famous for their plant-forward Middle Eastern inspired menu. It’s the perfect place to sit back and soak up the city! 

After that, we moved on to speciality cocktails at the award winning Pearl at Park Hill. This venue has claimed a spot in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list and it’s not hard to see why! 

Both of these venues are super dog friendly and it’s one of the many reasons I love this city!

While you’re at Park Hill, make sure you don’t miss Gaia - the monumental wooden earth goddess by artist Chris Wood, currently being installed so she can proudly call Park Hill her permanent home after its Gold Medal-winning debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Seeing this beautiful celebration of nature against the estate’s striking concrete backdrop is a moment you won’t forget. She is stunning! 

Parks & Green Spaces

Sheffield has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s greenest cities and If you’re looking to escape the bustle for an hour or two, I’d highly recommend heading over to Whirlow Brook Park and neighbouring Whinfell Quarry Gardens, both just a short drive from the city centre. These two parks are often overlooked in Sheffield but they are truly special places and by far my favourites in Sheffield.

Whinfell feels like a true hidden gem, with its towering sequoia grove, pretty woodland paths, historic rock cascades and plenty of peaceful areas to explore. Literally next door, Whirlow Brook Park is perfect for a leisurely wander, with beautiful gardens, woodland trails leading out towards the Peak District, a lovely café and the elegant backdrop of Whirlow Brook Hall.

Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee, stretching your legs or letting the dog explore, it’s the perfect reminder that city breaks and nature go hand in hand! 

Kelham Island

Kelham Island is a destination in its own right, and visiting here will certainly become a highlight of any Sheffield staycation! 

Just a short walk from the Sandman Signature Sheffield Quays Hotel, it’s the perfect base for exploring this vibrant riverside neighbourhood. 

Spend an afternoon wandering along the water, discovering independent pubs, bars and eateries, and soaking up the creative, industrial charm that makes Kelham Island so unique. Our favourite stops were Church - Temple of Fun (owned by Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes!) where we enjoyed drinks, indulged in some retro gaming and admired its incredible eclectic interior, Groke coffee where we had some much needed iced drinks in the shade and we also loved The Riverside Kelham, a welcoming dog-friendly riverside pub that’s perfect for settling in with great food, a drink in hand and views of the river flowing by! 

Sharrow Vale

One of my favourite places to spend a few hours in Sheffield is Sharrow Vale Road, a real haven for independent traders. From artisan bakers, delicatessens and grocers to specialist retailers, unique cafés, pubs and restaurants.. it’s the kind of place where you’ll always discover something new, making it one of my favourite spots for a Sheffield date day!

I never leave without popping into boutique wine shop StarmoreBoss, Paradiso for artisan tiramisu and Cornerstone in nearby Dyson Place is my go-to for lunch. If you have time, round off your visit with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or Endcliffe Park! 

Red Brick Market

No Sheffield staycation would be complete without a mooch around Red Brick Market. Free to enter, dog friendly and home to more than 150 independent traders, it’s the perfect place to browse unique gifts, homeware, clothing and quirky treasures. 

I always end up leaving with something I didn’t know I needed! It’s the perfect place to discover hidden gems and support Sheffield’s incredible independent businesses before heading home! 

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