Best places to stay in Sheffield
The heart of Sheffield city centre is compact, so any hotel here will put you within easy reach of the main urban attractions. The area is undergoing significant regeneration but still has tons to offer, from enticing theatres and galleries to top-notch bars and restaurants. On the edge of the city centre is Castlegate, which is making a comeback with fresh ideas such as the UK’s longest “green street” corridor, a monthly flower market called Pollen, and a purpose-built skateboarding space.
Kelham Island, which lies on the River Don in Sheffield’s north, is packed with buildings that once housed the Steel City’s mighty factories but now boast ultra-cool indie shopping, microbreweries and galleries. So cool, in fact, that Kelham Island was voted one of the world's 51 coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out in 2022. A little further out, Hillsborough is becoming a go-to spot for independent businesses and is also home to the leafy, 49-acre Hillsborough Park and the iconic Sheffield Wednesday football stadium.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Sheffield
If you’re a big snooker fan visiting for the World Championship, you’ll want to be right in the city centre, as this is where you’ll find the Crucible Theatre. Just steps away is the Millennium Gallery, opened in 2001, which houses a variety of craft & design exhibits, including fine examples of Sheffield’s famous metalwork. A stay in the centre will also put you close to the Moor Market, an indoor farmers’ market with over 90 independent traders. It’s convenient too, as the main train station is just a 10-minute walk from all these sights.
Where to stay with your family in Sheffield
Families visiting Sheffield will love the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria. This quiet hotel is set on its own grounds off a private drive but is still within striking distance of the city centre. This means easy access to popular attractions like the National Emergency Services Museum, an award-winning, family-friendly spot where kids can get hands-on with history, dress up, and climb aboard vehicles – a guaranteed winner. Not far away lies the Winter Garden, the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. It houses more than 2,500 plants from all around the world, making it the ultimate oasis in the heart of the city. What’s more, it’s totally free, so taking the whole family there won’t break the bank.
Where to stay as a solo traveller
If you’re a solo traveller visiting Sheffield, why not book into a small boutique hotel for that personal touch? The ultra-popular Three Cranes is nestled on Queen Street in the centre, and from there, the city’s your oyster. Book a group food tour of nearby Kelham Island’s artisan eateries, or if the great outdoors is more your thing, spend a few hours wandering around the Botanical Gardens off Ecclesall Road, which is also home to countless independent stores for window shopping or retail therapy – it’s all up to you.
Where to find cheap hotels in Sheffield
Sheffield is a great-value city for a break, and that extends to its accommodation, with plenty of budget hotels on offer. This means double rooms for under £40 a night, including at the well-reviewed Ibis Budget Sheffield Centre St Marys Gate. EasyHotel Sheffield is superbly located and has double rooms from £42 a night, with travellers able to opt for a windowless option to max out the savings. There’s also parking and free wifi. Nearby Best Western Plus The Quays (doubles from £71) is a good option if you want a few more amenities, as you can add on breakfast and access to the indoor pool and sauna for a fee. The Novotel Sheffield Centre is great value for a 4-star hotel, with prices as low as £63/night, and it’s perfect for snooker lovers with its location just a stone’s throw from the Crucible. It has an on-site restaurant, bar, and heated indoor pool as well.