Free Things to do in Sheffield

We reckon it’s safe to say that Sheffield is one of the best cities in the UK. There’s almost too much to do! 

Having said that, we’re reaching that time of the year when we’re all a bit skint, so you’re probably looking to save a bit of dough.

Here are some free things to do in Sheffield so you can have a cracking time without having to live off Pot Noodles and fish coins out the gaps in the sofa. 

Feed the animals at Heeley City Farm

Photo: Heeley City Farm / Facebook 

Where: Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Sheffield S2 3DT

A farm just 15 minutes from a city centre is unusual to come by. But a city farm that’s free to enter is even less common. But Heeley City Farm offers free entry for you and the family to meet the goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, ducks and more. The farm is also a certified rare breeds centre, meaning they house rare native UK breeds. Some are even classed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, so this might be your only opportunity to meet them!

Go for a walk in nature 

Photo: yorkshire.com - Victoria Quays

Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in England. There's nature everywhere, from reservoirs and parks to botanical gardens and woods. And since being in nature has an array of benefits for our health, it’d be a shame not to take advantage from time to time.

You could cycle the Sheffield Round Walk to enjoy natural beauty without worrying about getting lost, for example. But Victoria Quays, Bradfield Reservoir, Rivelin Valley, Forge Dam, and Ecclesall Woods are just a few other stunning green spaces to explore. 

Picnic at the Peace Gardens 

Photo: Welcome to Sheffield / Facebook.com

Where: 50 Pinstone Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2HH

Did you know National Picnic Month is a thing? As part of it this year, Peace Gardens was named the UK's best picnic spot. Quite an achievement, eh? The award-winning space is incredibly picturesque with fountains, greenery, and Sheffield's gothic town hall as a backdrop. There are also lots of benches if you’re worried you’ll get a wet bum by sitting on the grass. On a sunny day, a picnic in Peace Gardens is easily one of the best free things to do in Sheffield. 

Wander the Sheffield Botanical Gardens 

Photo: FOBS - Sheffield Botanical Gardens / Facebook.com 

Where: Clarkehouse Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN

The Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of plants including some tropical ones and six trees that are extinct in the wild. It’s also home to the oldest pot plant in the world, an Eastern Cape cycad. A mystical day out, the gardens are (amazingly) free to enter. The Gardens also hosts events, lectures, tours, and more, although these cost a few pounds. But if you love it and are keen to check them out, you can become a friend of the garden for £20 a year to access these events and volunteer there. 

Or check out the Winter Garden

Photo: welcometosheffield.co.uk / Winter Garden

Where: 90 Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LH

Just next to Peace Gardens, the Winter Garden is home to more than 2,500 plants from all over the world and it’s open almost every day except Christmas Day. This stunning award-winning attraction is the largest glasshouse in Europe and contains a cafe. Stroll through, appreciate the beauty of nature, and stop by for a coffee. It’s perfect for alone time or exploring with a friend.

Be inspired by Sheffield’s art galleries

Photo: Site Gallery / Facebook.com 

If you appreciate art, now's the perfect time to check out an art gallery if you haven't already. As different galleries exhibit different art mediums such as photography, fine art, sculptures, and more, exploring a gallery is definitely one of the best free things to do in Sheffield. There’s the Millennium Gallery, Bloc Projects, Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery, Site Gallery Sheffield, and Graves Gallery, among others. Some galleries also offer workshops and other events, so keep an eye on their socials and websites for info. 

See what’s on at the library

Libraries are underrated. They're the backbone of society. Sheffield’s libraries are free to join, have half a million books, and are relaxing places to hang out and read the new book you checked out. And you can even attend some of the events there such as Drop in and Draw for adults, children's book clubs, board gaming sessions, talks, book launches and more. There are plenty of libraries to check out too, including Central Library, Ecclesfield Library, Central Children’s Library, and many more. 

Step back in time at Bishops' House

Photo: Bishops House / Facebook.com

Where: Norton Lees Lane, Sheffield S8 9BE

Built back in 1554, Bishops’ House is a stunning Tudor house hidden in Sheffield's suburbs. A vital piece of the city's (and the country's) history, the house is now a free museum that allows us to step back in time and understand how people used to live. To really immerse and educate yourself, the House also offers free history talks so you can get the best info from the experts. 

There are so many brilliant free things to do in Sheffield. No matter what kind of outing you’re after, this eclectic, buzzing city has plenty on offer to help you have a killer time. But if you’re looking for something a little different…

Click or tap here to check out the unreal events in Sheffield. Gigs, festivals, club nights, foodie events, family days out, and so much more - you can find it all on Skiddle.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: yorkshire.com