Top Rated Attractions in Sheffield

Sheffield's Botanical Gardens are a popular green oasis lying just off a frenzied shopping area. Replete with winding paths, extensive plant collections, droves of mature trees, and charming edifices, the gardens are home to some extremely well-designed Glass Pavilions which harbor temperate vegetation. The plants residing at the gardens boast a long-standing heritage, hence not just displaying unabashed beauty, but also a treasured legacy. There are also excellent views of the gardens from the Curator's House Tea Rooms and Restaurant at the Clarkehouse Road entrance. The rolling lawns that carpet it, carry the gardens' secrets, such as the Pan statue in the rose garden and the Bear Pit. Home to a scenic boardwalk, a Victorian rose garden and a rare fossil, these beautifully landscaped gardens, designated by English Heritage as being of major architectural and historical interest, are a secluded sanctum of heavenly flora combined with moments of peace.

Excellent fun for children of all ages, the adventure playground and farmyard set in the grounds of Chatsworth House provide enough entertainment for a full day out, or can be used in conjunction with the house or gardens. The woodland adventure playground has two sections: a huge construction of wooden walkways, ladders and slides; and a smaller scale sand and water play area, which has an educational slant. The farmyard allows access to a good range of animals, including hens, sheep, pigs and cows. Children can get close to the animals and there is a milking demonstration daily. There is also a small cafe, a gift-shop, and plenty of space to have a picnic. Opening times differ for all, so check the website for details.

Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013, the Sheffield Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the country and the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. Designed by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects and Burro Happold, it is 70 meters (229 feet) long and 21 meters (68 feet) high and houses more than 2000 plants from around the world. The Winter Garden is a part of the GBP12,000,000 Heart of the City regeneration project and has been funded by the Millennium Commission, Sheffield City Council and English Partnerships.

Telling an interesting story about the local mining history with guided underground tours and a vast collection of mining machinery and tools, the National Coal Mining Museum for England may be the closest you can come to experience the heritage of Britain. It opened in 1988 as the Yorkshire Mining Museum and was granted the National status in 1995. The collections in the museum have been assembled by the National Coal Board. Apart from the artifacts, the museum houses pictures and various books and documents relating to the mining history of the country. The underground tour puts you into a miner's shoes and takes you inside the mines for a first-hand experience.

Nestled in the eponymous region, the Peak District National Park is a sprawling destination, replete with plentiful scenic trails, winding pathways, spectacular massifs, azure lakes and so much more. Initiated with the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the region, the national park supports a host of native and rare wildlife, birdlife and plant species. Spanning multiple counties, this extensive parkland is teeming with exhilarating recreational opportunities. Reckoned as one of the most visited parks in the world, the Peak District National Park offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, hill walking, horse riding, biking and a whole lot more.