If you’re planning a cheap family day out in Sheffield, these are some good options
04:00, 09 May 2026
Meadowhall has been named as one of the best free things to do in Sheffield
As the sun comes out and the summer holidays draw near, many are looking for cheap and even free activities to keep the family happy and have fun together.
In Sheffield, there are a whole host of free activities families, couples and single people can do, from a range of museums and galleries, beautiful gardens and the wonderful outdoors, which the Outdoor City is very much known for. But sometimes, the breadth of options can be a little overwhelming.
And that is where TripAdvisor comes in. People have shared the best – and worst – things about the attractions in the city.
In this list, we give a rundown of the top 10 free things to do in Sheffield according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Meadowhall Shopping Centre
The first on the list is Meadowhall Shopping Centre. With a 4.2 rating on TripAdvisor, Meadowhall has been central to Sheffield’s social centre ever since it opened nearly 40 years ago.
A whole host of shops to peruse, some excellent food, a cinema and a brilliant line-up of family-friendly events throughout the year, especially during the summer holidays and at around Christmas time, it’s clear to see why Meadowhall is one of the highest-rated attractions in the city.
Millennium Gallery
The Millennium Gallery, Sheffield
Perhaps Sheffield’s most famous art and history gallery, the Millennium Gallery, celebrates the city’s history and artistic qualities. There is a range of exhibitions, including looking at the industrial history of the city.
Every child who has grown up in Sheffield knows of the three-headed monster made out of cutlery, and it is a brilliant gallery to mooch around on a rainy afternoon. It has been given a score of 4.3 by 258 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Winter Gardens
Winter Gardens Sheffield(Image: Marketing Sheffield)
The beautiful Winter Gardens has also been given a score of 4.4 on TripAdvisor, but across 1,989 reviews. Featuring wonderful light, bright and airy plants and an excellent cafe, too, the city centre greenhouse is a comforting place to sit, read and relax.
One review said: “Such an amazing piece of architecture in the centre of Sheffield. A lovely place to relax in. Plenty of seating to admire the beautiful plants.” Another added: “We visited the Winter Garden whilst in Sheffield and found it to be a peaceful and interesting experience. There are tropical trees and plants and some sculptures of animals, and it is great for all ages.
“It is free to enter, and you can sit and eat your lunch or just feel at peace in here. We loved it, all major cities should have one!”
Peace Gardens
Also given a 4.4 score on TripAdvisor, the Peace Gardens is a well-known place to sit and relax in the heart of Sheffield’s bustling city centre. With fountains to keep the children busy and grass areas around, many bring their picnic here and enjoy relaxing while doing some shopping.
In the summer, there are often events and market stalls in the surrounding area. The area is a real sun trap, which attracts plenty of visitors when the weather warms.
Weston Park Museum
Perhaps Sheffield’s premier free museum, Weston Park Museum has entertained children and adults for 150 years – and all for free.
It has been given a score of 4.4 on TripAdvisor, with 806 reviews placing it in this list. One reviewer said: “What a beautiful museum. Well curated, so much to see and do – particularly for young children and so many wonderfully curious exhibits. Hard to believe it’s free really, a great way to spend a rainy weekend! Highly recommend.”
Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral on High Street is one of the most recognisable, striking and beautiful buildings in Sheffield. Construction of the oldest parts of the cathedral dates back to around 1200, and it has been the heartbeat of the Christian faith in Sheffield and South Yorkshire for many years since.
It has a score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor. You can enter the beautiful cathedral for free, but there is also a guided tour for £5, which includes some of the hidden and more historical parts of the building. Sheffield Cathedral also hosts a range of events, including makers’ markets, concerts and services.
Graves Park
Known for its outdoor spaces and beautiful parks, you will not be surprised to see that many of the highest-rated free attractions in Sheffield celebrate the great outdoors. One of those is Graves Park, which has absolutely loads to do.
There is pitch and putt, a playground, parkruns on Saturday mornings, a petting zoo and a whole host of lovely walks. One reviewer said: “A beautiful, well-kept park with lots to see. What a wonderful place to have a walk near the centre of Sheffield.
“The walk up the ravine is really lovely and feels like you are in the countryside and nowhere near a city. A large park where you can have a decent walk, and it is full of so many plants and trees.”
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
The gloriously iconic Botanical Gardens in Sheffield
With a score of 4.6, Sheffield Botanical Gardens is one of the highest-rated things to do in the city, whether you’re paying or not. There is loads to see in these gardens, from tropical plants in the greenhouses to a bear pit. There is also a nice cafe and it’s a great place to bring a picnic.
One reviewer said: “Really nice spot to spend an hour or two. The gardens are beautifully kept with loads of different areas to explore, and the glasshouses are always worth a look. It’s great in any season – plenty of colour in summer and still peaceful and relaxing in winter. Nice café nearby too. Perfect for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or just to get some fresh air without leaving the city.”
Endcliffe Park
Sheffield’s most popular park, Endcliffe Park has been given a score of 4.6 on TripAdvisor by 425 reviewers. The park is a great place to walk, run, play with the kids, explore some history and even dip your toes in the river if you’re feeling brave.
One reviewer, who sums up the many plusses about this park quite well, said: “We love Endcliffe Park. Great walks, usually clean, popular cafe. If it is your first visit, it is worth finding the very well-kept Mi Amigo crash site, where a Second World War bomber crashed. Also lots of ducks in the ponds. If you see the most beautiful ducks you have ever seen, then they are Mandarin ducks, which are resident in the park.”
Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
Rivelin Valley trail in Sheffield(Image: TripAdvisor)
Taking the top spot with a score of 4.7 is Rivelin Valley Nature Trail. Another of Sheffield’s delightful outdoor areas, Rivelin offers a whole host of activities. There is a paddling pool with loads of toys for children. The walk up the valley features stepping stones, waterfalls, some incredible nature and a brilliant swimming spot if you get far enough up the trail.
There is also a play park, a cafe, toilets and some nice picnic spots. There really is something for everyone here. One reviewer said: “Beautiful walk and we also swam in the freezing water! A delightful spot to visit. Cool and shady on a hot summer’s day. Very peaceful.”
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