Museums in Sheffield

Creative Tourist

Sheffield has more than its fair share of weird and wonderful museums housed within its seven hills. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s unique industrial heritage, get your hands on some of the equipment and vehicles used by the emergency services, or find more out about the people, politics and music that shaped recent times – Sheffield’s museums make for a lively and informative day out.

With a rich manufacturing history, Sheffield played a major part in the Industrial Revolution of the 1900s. Head to Kelham Island Museum to find out more about Sheffield’s heavy industry, inventions and craftsmanship – all of which have influenced this incredible northern city.

Meanwhile, Weston Park Museum provides an insight into the social history of Sheffield – the communities and politics responsible for the city’s transformation through the ages. Visitors will also enjoy relaxing in the lush landscaped gardens of surrounding Weston Park.

For natural history, The Alfred Denny Museum offers visitors a curious and wonder-inspiring menagerie of animal specimens from all corners of the world. Additionally, with a lively programme of activities for children, families will enjoy a trip to the characterful Bishops’ House.

Check out our favourite museums in Sheffield below, along with our top pick of the Steel City’s best art galleries and grazing spots.

Our top picks

Weston Park Museum

Weston Park Museum, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP - Visit now

An award-winning, family-friendly museum which provides a unique insight into ‘the real story of’ Sheffield – from its geological roots to the people, politics and music that shaped the modern city.

Weston Park Museum, Sheffield

The Alfred Denny Museum, Sheffield

The Alfred Denny Museum, Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN - Visit now

You’ll find everything from a rare Japanese giant salamander to an impressive collection of decorative caterpillars at The Alfred Denny Museum of Zoology in Sheffield.

The Alfred Denny Museum, courtesy of the University of Sheffield. Museums in Sheffield

Bishops’ House, Sheffield

Bishops’ House, Sheffield, Norton Lees Lane, Sheffield, S8 9BE - Visit now

Full of original Tudor and Jacobean character, Bishops’ House in Sheffield offers a unique window into domestic life in 16th and 17th century England.

Bishops’ House, Sheffield
Photo by Graham Hogg

National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield

National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield, West Bar Roundabout, Sheffield, S3 8PT - Visit now

Housed in a former Victorian police and fire station, the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield is a loving testament to one of the most essential sectors – but it also has a darker side…

National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield
Courtesy of National Emergency Services Museum

Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield

Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield, Alma Street, Sheffield, S8 3RY - Visit now

Located on a man-made island over 900 year’s old, Kelham Island Museum captures the Steel City’s industrial heritage through a collection of objects, pictures and archive material.

Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield

Where to go in Sheffield

Bishops’ House, Sheffield
Sheffield
Museum
Bishops’ House, Sheffield

Full of original Tudor and Jacobean character, Bishops’ House in Sheffield offers a unique window into domestic life in 16th and 17th century England.

Weston Park Museum, Sheffield
Sheffield
Museum
Weston Park Museum

Weston Park is an award-winning, family-friendly museum with a varied permanent collection and rotating programme of temporary exhibitions.

Sheffield Visitor Guides

Tasting Menus in The North

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Shopping in Sheffield
Shopping in Sheffield

Whether you’re looking for vinyl records or top class chocolate, Sheffield’s independent shops are here to serve – here’s our selection, from the legendary to the eclectic.

Winter Gardens, Sheffield
Walks in Sheffield

A round-up of the best walks in Sheffield, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Restaurants in Sheffield
Restaurants in Sheffield

From artisanal coffee in industrial-chic cafes to burritos that can resurrect you post night out, the restaurants in Sheffield have got it all.

Literary places in Sheffield.
Literary places in Sheffield

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Cinemas in Sheffield Photographer: Scott Hukins ©
Cinemas in Sheffield

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Art Galleries in Sheffield
Art Galleries in Sheffield

A contender for the UK's largest practicing community of artists and designers outside London – there's a pretty impressive number of top art galleries in Sheffield.

Music Venues in Sheffield.
Music Venues in Sheffield

With a strong and diverse musical heritage, you'll find many music venues, appeasing different tastes, in the city of Sheffield.

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Guided Tours in Buxton

Who doesn’t love a good guided tour? With Buxton’s rich history, it has them aplenty, offering a quick way to get to grips with the spa town.

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.