Castle Market

Castle Market takes its name from Sheffield Castle, which previously occupied the site and was once home to the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots. The Castle was almost entirely demolished in 1648 but the remains of the 13th century footings are still visible beneath the market and can be toured on Thursdays and Saturdays. The indoor market boasts a vast array of food stalls in the basement and is particularly renowned for its fish, offering everything from salmon to shark.

Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul dates back to c1430 but the site has been the scene of worship for over 1,000 years. The Cathedral has been rebuilt and extended several times, most recently in 1966. The building, in the perpendicular gothic style, gained cathedral status in 1914 and is Grade I listed. Its Chapter House contains stained glass showing scenes of Sheffield history. Services are held daily and guided tours may be arranged by appointment.

City Hall

The City Hall, built in 1933, is a multi-level, multi-functional concert venue. The main concert hall, with its domed ceiling and 2,346 seats, attracts top pop names and hosts a season of Philharmonic Concerts, which often feature the Halle Orchestra. The smaller Memorial Hall is regularly used for comedy. Meanwhile the art deco ballroom downstairs hosts club nights. The City Hall, a Grade II listed building, is currently the subject of a National Lottery funded feasibility study, which could lead to major refurbishment.

Central Library

As well as the lending library, the Central Library contains specialist libraries for Business, Science and Technology, Arts and Social Sciences, Local Studies, Music and Video and Children and Young People. The building, opened in 1934, is a fine example of deco architecture and is also home to Sheffield Information Services, the Graves Art Gallery and Library Theatre.

City Museum

Adjoining the Mappin Art Gallery, the neo-classical Museum building houses the world's largest collection of Sheffield Plate, plus an impressive display of the city's cutlery and metalwork. Also worth a look are the Bronze Age antiquities, wildlife gallery, local geology and archaeology displays, an ethnography collection and, of course, the polar bear.

Crown and County Courts

The purpose built Sheffield Combined Courts building on West Bar replaced the individual crown and county courts, previously sited on Castle Street and Bank Street. Sheffield's Magistrates' Court is on nearby Castle Street.

Crucible Theatre

As well as hosting the World Snooker Championships, the Crucible is known for its 'thrust' stage and has a reputation as one of the country's leading repertory theatres. The Crucible Studio is an ideal venue for smaller productions and also the setting for an annual chamber music festival, plus regular appearances by the Lindsay String Quartet. The Crucible also has its own restaurant (Encore) and shop (Cues).

Cutlers' Hall

The Cutlers' Hall is the headquarters of the Company of Cutlers, the body responsible for the granting of marks in the area known as Hallamshire. It is the only branch of the National Trade Marks Office outside London. The present hall, built in 1832, is the third to be built on the Church Street site. It is the setting for the annual Cutlers Feast and also houses an extensive collection of silver.

Devonshire Green

This green space is at the heart of Sheffield's Devonshire Quarter, a trendy shopping district popular with students. The green hosts its own festival during the summer.

South Yorkshire Fire Museum

This museum of fire fighting around the world occupies the old police and fire station building which was built in 1900. On display are vintage engines, uniforms and fire fighting equipment. Information on fire safety is dispensed in the lecture rooms on site. The museum also sells souvenirs including novelty firemen's helmets.

Fire Service HQ

This building is the command headquarters of the South Yorkshire County Fire and Rescue Service. The Fire Service has been stationed here since 1988 following a move from the old Fire Station building in nearby Division Street.

Firth Court

Firth Court stands at the heart of the Sheffield University precinct on Western Bank. The building was opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1905, the same year that Sheffield University was granted its royal charter and officially came into being. Firth Hall is named after Sheffield steel manufacturer Mark Firth who played a key role Sheffield University's early development. The building originally housed the University's Arts, Science and Medicine departments.

The Forum

Aptly situated in the neo-bohemian Devonshire Quarter, the Forum houses two floors of boutique style shops offering a mix of designer and second hand clothes, jewellery, posters, books and records. The Forum's continental style café-bar has a reputation for vegetarian and wholefood dishes and also displays a changing programme of exhibits by local artists.

Graves Art Gallery

The Graves, above the Central Library, is named after J. G. Graves (1866-1945), the Sheffield businessman and philanthropist who donated hundreds of pictures from his private collection to the gallery. It houses a permanent collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day, plus European works. There is also a display of decorative art, including the Grice collection of Chinese ivories, as well as a changing programme of temporary and visiting exhibits. The Graves also has its own coffee shop.

Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University, or Sheffield Polytechnic as it used to be known, was founded in 1969. It is now one of the top ten largest universities in the UK, spread across five campuses with over 20,000 students and around 3,000 staff. Amazingly, Sheffield Hallam also boasts more students on sandwich courses than any other university in Western Europe. The main City Centre campus has seen a £27m redevelopment scheme over the past three years. The spectacular Atrium, at the heart of the campus, is bordered by cafes, the university bookshop and meeting areas.

Head Post Office

The Head Post Office, which once stood on the corner of Haymarket and Commercial Street, has been at its present site since July 1910. This imposing building overlooks Fitzalan Square.

Hicks Building

Part of the University of Sheffield, the Hicks Building is a centre for mathematics and statistics.

Ice Sports Centre

The centre has a full size ice rink and has daily morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Skates can be hired at each session.

Jessop Hospital

The Jessop Hospital for Women was built in 1878 and takes its name from Sheffield steelmaker Thomas Jessop (1804-1887) who donated £30,000 towards the building costs. Jessop was a prominent public figure and became Master Cutler, Mayor, JP, a Town Trustee and a member of Sheffield's first Town Council. All babies born at Jessop's receive a certificate stating they are truly 'made in Sheffield'

Kelham Island Industrial Museum

This working museum detailing Sheffield's industrial heritage includes a display of "made in Sheffield" products, plus traditional Sheffield craftsmen at work in reconstructed Little Mesters workshops. The 12,000 horse power River Don engine - which can be seen 'in steam' - is the most powerful working steam engine in Europe and used to power a rolling mill making armour plate. Meanwhile the Melting Shop offers young children the chance to be melted, rolled and hammered just like a piece of steel.

The Leadmill

The Leadmill, sitting on the edge of Sheffield's Cultural Industries Quarter, is actually a former flour mill. The building was converted into a club between 1980 and 1982 and today it is regularly voted as one of the best live music venues outside London. The Leadmill runs regular club nights, attracting visiting name DJs, and is a popular venue for alternative live acts, from top indie bands to comedy and theatre. For more clubs in Sheffield click here.

Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum, at the heart of Tudor Square, originally opened in 1897 but was restored and re-opened in 1990. The carefully restored interior is highly decorative and has earned the building a Grade II listing. The Lyceum offers a varied programme of quality productions, from Shakespeare, ballet and opera, to musicals and, of course, pantomimes.

Magistrates' Court

Sheffield's Magistrates' Court, on Castle Street, is conveniently situated next door to the headquarters of South Yorkshire Police.

Mappin Art Gallery

The Mappin shares the same 19th century neo-classical building as the City Museum in Weston Park. It is named after John Newton Mappin (1800-1884), a Sheffield brewery owner and art collector who donated his collection of paintings to the gallery and gave £15,000 towards its construction. The gallery houses a permanent collection of British art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including pre-Raphaelites, while its programme of temporary exhibitions leans towards more contemporary works. The Mappin Art Workshops provide practical classes, including life drawing and classes for children.

Octagon Centre

The Octagon, built in the 1980s, is part of the University of Sheffield and is a student-friendly concert venue, attracting big name pop and alternative acts. It is also used for university club nights and doubles as an occasional venue for conferences and exhibitions.

Odeon

The Odeon Cinema has nine screens and is the only multiplex remaining in the city centre. Its programme usually consists of mainstream films.

Orchard Square

This award winning shopping development, opened in 1987, houses a variety of high street and independent retailers in a continental-style square. The craft centre on the Gallery is home to Made In Sheffield Dot Com Ltd. and also contains craft workshops. The square's chiming clock, with moving figures depicting Sheffield's cutlery trade, is popular with visitors. The old food court has been replaced with an American department store, offering designer name goods.

Peace Gardens

The Peace Gardens stand on the former site of St Paul's Church, which was demolished in 1938. They take their name from Neville Chamberlain's declaration of 'peace in our time' from the same year, but their official title is St. Paul's Gardens. The gardens are currently being revamped, with new paving and water features, and are due for completion by Christmas 1988. The redevelopment is part of the Heart of the City project, partly funded through the National Lottery backed Millennium Commission.

South Yorkshire Police Headquarters

Snig Hill's police building is the headquarters of the South Yorkshire force and stands next door to the city's Magistrates' Court. The building was officially opened by The Queen in 1975.

Ponds Forge International Sports Centre

The centre boasts an Olympic size swimming pool, diving pool, leisure pool with wave machine, fitness centre and sports hall. Ponds Forge has hosted international events, such as the European Swimming Championships in 1993, and is the training centre for the national diving team. The downstairs Rotunda has recently become the Roundhouse club venue.

Railway Station

Sheffield's only train station now has a platform link to the Supertram. The station is a short distance from the Transport Interchange in Pond Street.

St Marie's RC Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Marie stands in the Catholic diocese of Hallam. It was built in the gothic style by Weighton and Hadfield between 1846 and 1850 and has an impressive tower and spire. The Rev. Charles Pratt, who founded St. Marie's, is commemorated by a tomb in the church's chancel.

Register Office

Sheffield's Register Office, for births, deaths and marriages, was built in 1973, replacing the former register facilities in nearby Surrey Street. It was the first register office in Britain to be purpose built and is said to be linked to the Town Hall extension by an underground tunnel. The building soon became known locally as the 'Wedding Cake' due to its striking design. The Register Office will be demolished in autumn 1999 to make way for extensive redevelopment as part of the Heart of the City scheme.

Ruskin Gallery

The gallery, backing onto Tudor Square, is home to the collection founded in 1875 by artist and writer John Ruskin for the people of Sheffield. The collection, held in trust by the Guild of St George, includes art, minerals, books and manuscripts. It was first housed in a museum at Walkley, then moved to Meersbrook Park. After a stint at the University of Reading, the collection returned to Sheffield in 1985 when the Ruskin Gallery opened. Next door, the Ruskin Craft Gallery, opened in 1988, offers temporary exhibitions and contemporary crafts, some made locally.

Science Park

Sheffield's Science Park is an integral part of the city's Cultural Industries Quarter which houses over 100 cultural and media related businesses.

Setts Market

This outdoor market is the place to snap up a bargain, but be sure to get there early. Specialities include bric-a-brac on Mondays and second hand clothes on Wednesdays.

Sheaf Market

The Sheaf is a large, bustling indoor market with a huge variety of stalls, including clothes, shoes, hats, fabric, groceries and cosmetics - a shopping delight for bargain hunters. The market is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and many stalls have relocated to the nearby Castle Market.

The Sheffield College

Formed in 1988, the Sheffield College actually consists of a number of further education centres spread over the city: Loxley, Norton, Castle, Parkwood and Parson Cross. The Castle site, on Granville Road, specialises in hairdressing, beauty therapy and catering courses. The students' training restaurant, open during term time, is worth a visit for good value meals.

Site Gallery

The Site, formerly the Untitled Gallery, is one of the country's largest photographic galleries providing exhibitions of local, national and international work. The gallery offers membership of its chemical and digital darkrooms, plus practical courses. It also has a shop and vegetarian café. A recent expansion programme means the Site now includes two gallery spaces, photography and digital imaging facilities, an artists in residence studio, education rooms and a book shop.

The Showroom

The Showroom, on the site of a former car showroom is the UK's largest independent cinema outside London. It offers a mix of alternative, foreign language, art house and locally made films. A recent lottery funded expansion programme has seen the number of screens double to four, a new coffee bar and a revamp for the café and bar.

Town Hall

Queen Victoria officially opened the Town Hall in 1897. The Grade I listed building is made from Stoke Stone from Stoke Hall quarry in Derbyshire and was designed in a Northern Renaissance style by architect E W Mountford. Its clock tower is over 200 ft high and is topped by a statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, representing Sheffield industry. The Town Hall is open to parties by prior arrangement. The Town Hall extension, affectionately known as the 'egg box', will be demolished in autumn 1999 as part of the Heart of the City regeneration project. It will be replaced with an extensive winter garden housing exotic plants, due to be finished by Christmas 2000.

Transport Interchange

The grandly titled Transport Interchange used to be known as Pond Street Bus Station. Besides the inevitable buses, the Interchange has a small number of shops and a Travel Information Centre. It is a short walk from the city's railway station.

Tudor Square

Fringed by the Crucible and Lyceum theatres, Ruskin and Graves galleries and Central Library, Tudor Square is the largest theatrical complex outside London and the focal point of Sheffield's cultural quarter. The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Doris Askham, opened the square, on June 7, 1991.

University Drama Studio

The theatre, a former Baptist church, is used by students and local drama groups and is the only city venue to offer foreign language productions, courtesy of Sheffield University's German, French and Spanish departments.

Victoria Quays

Sheffield's neglected canal and basin, originally opened on February 22 1819, was regenerated and renamed Victoria Quays in 1993. Although the waterfront would once have been a busy goods terminal, canal traffic declined due to competition from the railways and Sheffield received its last cargo by canal in 1970. The site's Grade II listed buildings (including the old grain warehouses) have been converted into office and retail space, while new buildings include a hotel and health club. Visitors can enjoy guided boat trips around the basin, or follow the towpath walk along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal - a haven for wildlife.

Weston Park

Weston Park is the closest park to the city centre and is home to the City Museum, Mappin Art Gallery and Sheffield Weather Watch - one of the oldest weather recording stations in the country. The park also contains monuments dedicated to the poet Ebenezer Elliot, the Corn Law Rhymer (1781-1849) and Sheffield trained artist Godfrey Sykes (1824-1826). Other interesting features include the park's ornamental gateposts and the bandstand, which is a listed building.

Assay Office

Sheffield's Assay Office, along with those in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh, is responsible for hallmarking gold and silver items. Sheffield's first Assay Office opened in 1773, the result of a petition to parliament by local landowners and MPs. However, Sheffield had to wait another 130 years before it was granted permission to assay gold as well as silver. Today the office deals with around a third of Britain's hallmarking trade. Silver goods passing the assay test are marked with a lion, a crown (Sheffield's town mark) and letter (indicating the year of testing). Gold items are given Sheffield's other town mark - the York rose.

Old Queen's Head

The Old Queen's Head pub occupies the oldest domestic building in Sheffield. The original building dates from the 15th century and used to be known as the Mary Queen of Scots Wash House. (Incidentally, Sheffield's first purpose built pub was the Bull and Oak fomerly on the Wicker, which opened in 1715). The Old Queen's Head underwent major refurbishment and restoration in 1993 and is now run by the Tom Cobleigh pub chain. For more pubs in Sheffield click here.

Leader House

The Duke of Norfolk (a wealthy landowner whose vast family estates included Sheffield and the surrounding area) built this imposing building at the end of Surrey Street, overlooking Arundel Gate, in 1780 for Mr. Vincent Eyre. In the early 19th century the building came into the possession of the Leader family who ran the Sheffield Independent newspaper and it has been known as Leader house ever since. It currently houses Destination Sheffield Ltd., the city's official visitor and conference bureau.

Arts Tower

Overlooking the Sheffield University precinct on Western Bank, the Arts Tower is one of the city's premier landmarks. The 19-storey tower, opened in 1966, stands 255 feet above ground level and is a Grade II listed building - a rare honour for a post-war construction. The disciplines studied there cover the faculties of arts and economic and social studies and the tower also houses the University Library

The Workstation

The Workstation is a media based business centre situated in Sheffield's flourishing Cultural Industries Quarter. Businesses occupying the Workstation range from marketing and design agencies to radio and television production.

National Centre for Popular Music

This unique and controversial building, due to open summer/autumn 1998, is dedicated to the history of popular music and its impact on the 20th century. The £15m Lottery funded development will house four exhibition areas in stainless steel drum-shaped constructions, plus a café-bar, shop and public square for outdoor gigs. The centre will use the latest interactive audio-visual technology and visitors can enjoy displays on making music and 3D sound demonstrations, as well as visiting exhibitions.

The Hogshead

Good Ale, Good Atmosphere.

This busy city centre watering hole (part of a national chain) offers a range of speciality ales plus an extensive wine list, all in traditional surroundings.

The Hogshead's comprehensive menu and outdoor seating area are popular with lunchtime drinkers.

9 Different beers always on tap ranging from Abbots to Zebedee.

You can also choose from a wide range of beverages:

16 Belgian beers, 33 Whiskeys, 10 Fruit wines and Traditional Ciders.