While Sheffield is huge, with a population of roughly 584,000 people, it’s also known as the ‘outdoor city.’ With 61% green space and 4.5 million trees (the highest ratio of trees to people in any European city), it’s the greenest city in the UK.
It has its location within the Peak District National Park to thank for that. However, even outside of the Peak District, Sheffield is home to many parks and green spaces for you to visit. Here are some of our favourites.
Endcliffe Park
Endcliffe Park is a great option for University of Sheffield students, as it is just minutes away from the first year accommodation villages Endcliffe and Ranmoor. With leafy pathways and grassy fields, it’s the perfect escape from that exam stress. It’s also surrounded by shops and cafes, so it is impossible to get bored.
Forge Dam
If you fancy dipping your toes into the edges of the Peak District, but not quite braving a huge walk, Forge Dam is perfect. It’s hard to believe this rural woodland area is so close to the city centre. With babbling streams and beautiful countryside pathways, it’s great for nature lovers. It even has an independent cafe that serves delicious drinks such as chocolate orange hot chocolates – perfect for autumn evenings.
Crookesmoor Park
If you’re living in a student house, this is probably where you will visit the most. Crookesmoor Park, in the heart of where most second and third year students live, is a popular choice. It’s always full of people socialising, especially in summer. Whether that’s having a barbecue, sunbathing or having a pint at Dam House, this is a hotspot for all students.
Western Park
Around the corner from Crookesmoor Park, you’ll find Western Park. If the busy atmosphere of Crookesmoor Park gets too much it’s a quieter alternative. Full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas, it’s a peaceful choice especially for a picnic. It’s also opposite Starbucks and home to Western Park Museum if that’s your kind of thing. What’s not to love?
Botanical Gardens
With 5,000 species of plants in 19 acres of land, the Botanical Gardens is a stunning green space. It’s a great spot to sit down and read a book in peace, admiring the flowers surrounding you. It’s a short walk from Endcliffe village so again is perfect for students. The gardens are listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site of special historic and architectural interest.
Best of the Peaks
If you do choose to venture into the Peaks with your housemates or friends, make sure you plan in advance. Know exactly which route you’re going to take and don’t get lost! Some of the most popular routes for students include Bakewell, Derwent, Stanage Edge and Mam Tor. Fun fact: The accommodation blocks in Endcliffe Village are actually named after places in the Peak District.
