Sheffield: Land of the Arctic Monkeys, Snooker and the Full Monty

Sheffield Overview

One of the most understated northern towns, Sheffield is best known for its musical exports - the Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and the Human League - and its starring role in blockbuster film the Full Monty.

However, there is more to this South Yorkshire city than scruffy looking rock bands and a long history of producing steel spoons. Sheffield has been quietly undergoing a city-wide regeneration that has made it into one of the most interesting cities in Yorkshire.

A range of cosmopolitan bars have sprung up in the city centre and a Carling Academy has just replaced the old Roxy Disco attracting some of the UK's coolest up-and-coming bands.

Sheffield Location

Sheffield is located right next to the M1 motorway and the city centre is accessed most easily from junction 33. There is a park and ride just off Sheffield Parkway on the way into the centre, which is the most convenient place for visitors to park.

Those arriving by train will benefit from a direct service to London Kings Cross, which takes around two and a half hours and is operated by East Midlands Trains.

There are also twice hourly services from the south-west and midlands to the north-east of England and Scotland.

Visitors arriving by plane can use Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is just three years old but making good progress in the aviation market.

There are international connections as well as domestic flights.

Why Visit Sheffield?

There are plenty of things to do in Sheffield which offers visitors the best of both worlds: it is a bustling metropolis that lies within a five minute's drive, in some areas, of the Peak District. In fact, in the city centre there are pedestrian signs pointing to the Peak District, as if to demonstrate its proximity.

While in the city those seeking some retail therapy should not be disappointed with its flagship shopping centre Meadowhall. This giant green shopping centre is a short tram ride out of the city centre and boasts a wide range of retail options, as well as a selection of restaurants and a market area.

The city centre's shopping facilities cater for a more niche market, with a range of alternative shops located on Division Street inside the Forum market. A range of upmarket boutiques are also in this area.

Sporting fans on the other hand may want to visit the Ponds Forge leisure centre, which boasts on Olympic-sized public swimming pool or watch the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team play.

Meanwhile, on the steep hillside behind Hillsborough there is a dry ski slope inviting winter sports fans to try their luck.

Other attractions in the city centre include the Millennium Galleries, which is a huge glass structure that houses a collection of art and artefacts relating to Sheffield's steelmaking tradition.

But one of Sheffield's best advantages is the chance it offers to escape to the country. The Peak District is located just 3.6 miles from the city centre (about eight minutes by car) and holidaymakers would be foolish to pass up a visit.