13 things to do in Sheffield that you can't do anywhere else, including Megatron, terror bird and POW camp
By Robert Cumber
Published 31st Mar 2024, 05:00 BST
There’s so much to do in Sheffield, including some things you can’t experience anywhere else in the UK or even worldwide.
The city’s rich history, astonishing engineering achievements and sporting prowess mean there are plenty of unique things to see and do in the city that can only be experienced here.
There’s even a special treat for fans of Doctor Who on our list, plus something for all the Monty Python lovers out there.
How many of these places have you visited and what unique experiences in Sheffield have we missed off our list that you think should be added?
There’s even a special treat for fans of Doctor Who on our list, plus something for all the Monty Python lovers out there.
5. See the terror bird
The Alfred Denny Museum at Sheffield University is a bit of a hidden gem, housing many fascinating artefacts from fossils to a collection of animals stored in alcohol and even an emperor penguin collected during Scott’s Arctic expedition. But perhaps its most intriguing exhibit is this cast of the skull of a terror bird, pictured in the hands of curator Professor Tim Birkhead. The prehistoric flightless bird-of-prey was one and a half times bigger than a human, prowled around on its back feet hunting for food and could eat a small deer. The museum is usually open for pre-booked guided tours at 10am, 11am and 12pm on the first Saturday of each month, and with only 25 places per tour it's recommended to book early. Photo: CHRIS LAWTON
The River Don Engine is most powerful working steam engine in Europe. You can watch in awe as the 425 tonne behemoth roars into life at Kelham Island Museum twice daily at midday and 2pm, Thursday to Sunday Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
7. Ride the University of Sheffield's paternoster lift
The University of Sheffield's paternoster lift is one of only two such continuously moving open lifts in the UK, the other being in a London hospital. It rides up and down the 22-storey Arts Tower, which is Sheffield's second tallest building and the tallest academic building in the UK. It even appeared on the BBC drama This is Going to Hurt, starring Ben Whishaw. Photo: JPI media
The old prisoner of war camp off Redmires Road in Lodge Moor, Sheffield, is believed to have been the largest such camp in the UK, having been built in 1939 to house 11,000 prisoners during the Second World War. Extensive ruins remain and with a little imagination you can get a sense of what life there must have been for those held captive. Photo: Andy Done-Johnson