The Best Day Trips from Sheffield (Within an Hour’s Drive)

Tamara

17/02/2024

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Known as the ‘outdoor city’, Sheffield’s rich industrial history and location beside England’s oldest national park offers visitors a blend of natural and heritage sites to explore. But there are many cracking day trips from Sheffield to be had too, and plenty under a one hour drive. Here are just ten recommendations of the very best day trips from Sheffield!

When I lived in Sheffield, it felt like holding an exclusive access pass to an endless array of adventures.

The city’s unique position next to the Peak District meant it was a springboard to exploring gorgeous landscapes, charming villages, natural wonders and historical sites – all typically within an hour or so drive. 

Then thrown into the mix the fact that Sheffield borders six other counties – it really is a prime location for exploring the north of England. I was so spoiled.

There are many incredible day trips from Sheffield within an hours drive, and I thrived off discovering them. 

In this list, I wanted to highlight ten of my favourite places that I consider to be the best day trips from Sheffield, ideal for those who want to escape the city and explore further across South Yorkshire, and beyond.

Castleton – In the Heart of the Peaks

• Distance: Approximately 15 miles (24 km)
• Driving Time: Around 30 minutes

Castleton is a quintessential Peak District village nestled in the Hope Valley. It’s by far one of my favourite day trips from Sheffield!

Not only is it extremely attractive, it has so much to do! You could even spend a weekend here.

The ruins of Peveril Castle, perched high above the village, tells tales of Norman lords and mediaeval skirmishes. Below, the village has an array of cosy pubs, a free museum and local shops, many selling the unique (and beautiful!) Blue John stone that has made the area famous.

The nearby caves, including Peak Cavern and Blue John Cavern, are gateways to an underground world of natural wonders.

The area is also amazing for hiking or more leisurely walks. Mam Tor is a nice short one for a great view on a clear day of the surrounding striking landscape. Even a potter through the stunning limestone gorge of Cave Dale will leave you utterly in awe.

Don’t forget to check out the iconic view at Winnats Pass too!

Chatsworth House – A Journey Through Time

• Distance: Approximately 16 miles (26 km)
• Driving Time: Around 40 minutes

No exploration of the neighbouring county of Derbyshire would be complete without a day spent feeling posh at Chatsworth House. 

This magnificent living estate and seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is packed with art (new and old), antiques, wonderful architecture, and sprawling garden design.

Notable rooms include the Painted Hall, the grand entrance with elaborate frescoes and ceiling paintings, the State Rooms designed to impress guests, and the light-filled Sculpture Gallery, home to a vast collection of classical and modern sculptures.

Just as famous as the house itself are the Chatsworth gardens, covering around 105 acres. They have evolved over 450 years and showcase a diverse array of landscapes, from formal gardens to natural wilderness where wildlife thrives.

They also have the most incredible shop in the Orangery, and huge interior design and farm shops in the farmyard. You really can spend all day here if you want to (though shopping here is not cheap!).

Just note that it can get pretty busy (especially around Christmas time when they have special themed events). It’s well and truly on the tourist map, so aim for early doors if you can.  

Yorkshire Sculpture Park – Art in Nature

• Distance: Approximately 23 miles (37 km)
• Driving Time: Around 35 minutes

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air sculpture gallery set in 500 acres of rolling countryside in Wakefield’s West Bretton, West Yorkshire.

It’s a sanctuary where art from world-renowned artists is showcased and entwined with natural 18th century landscapes.

Wander (and wonder!) around at your own leisure to admire the collections, and feel good knowing that your ticket is supporting a charity.

That being said, anyone under 25, or with an Art Fund National Art Pass gets free entry! There are only a limited number of tickets available each day on the door, so you should pre book to guarantee entry on your chosen day. 

The Yorkshire Sculpture park is great for kids too and guarantees an enjoyable day out for all. It was even voted as Yorkshire’s Tourist Attraction of the Year in 2023!

Eyam – The Plague Village

• Distance: Approximately 17 miles (27 km)
• Driving Time: Around 35 minutes 

Known as the “plague village,” Eyam is most famous for its tragic history during the 1665-1666 plague outbreak. If, like me, you’re kind of into morbid history, it’s worth a little visit!

The village was quite pioneering for its time, and chose to quarantine itself to prevent the spread of the disease to surrounding areas.

Aside from taking a self-guided tour around the village to discover points of interest indicated by wall plaques and information boards, you can also visit Eyam Museum and the parish church of St. Lawrence with its Plague Window, and the Riley Graves of victims.

It’s an interesting little town if you’re into history, but small, so it’s best coupled with a walk and a picnic, or lunch at a tea room to pad out the day a bit.

This easy 5 km circular walk showcases most of the main points of interest in the area.

Cannon Hall Farm – Family Fun

• Distance: Approximately 26 miles (42 km)
• Driving Time: Around 40 minutes

For a change of pace, Cannon Hall Farm offers a delightful day out and a taste of country life.

This award-winning family-run farm, with its array of animals and play areas, provides a hands-on experience, so it’s both educational and fun.

Think feeding the animals, watching the milking demonstrations, falconry displays, lambing season events and exploring the indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds.

For adults, there’s a restaurant, cafe, toy and gift shop, and a farm shop. 

Holmfirth – The Essence of Rural Life

• Distance: Approximately 22 miles (35 km)
• Driving Time: Around 45 minutes

Holmfirth, set within the Holme Valley of the West Yorkshire Pennines, was famously the setting for the long-running BBC TV series “Last of the Summer Wine.”

The show’s affectionate portrayal of rural life and its quirky characters brought the town’s cobbled streets and stone cottages into the living rooms of millions, making it a beloved symbol of Yorkshire’s charm.

Walking through the town, it was easy to see why it was chosen for the series; there’s a timeless appeal that pervades the air.

Fans of the series can explore various filming locations around the town, including Sid’s Café, Nora Batty’s house, and the iconic steps where many scenes were shot. Guided tours provide insights into the show’s history and its impact on Holmfirth.

Worth stopping at is also the Holmfirth Vineyard, open for tours and tastings of locally produced wines.

But the real magic of Holmfirth is the surrounding countryside, characterised by steep valleys, wooded hillsides, and flowing rivers.

Bakewell – A Foodie Haven

• Distance: approximately 23 miles (37 kilometres)
• Driving Time: Around 50 minutes

Bakewell, nestled in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales within the Peak District National Park, is a quintessential English market town. It’s famed for its charming streets, historic architecture, and the legendary Bakewell tart. 

Bakewell’s culinary claim to fame, the Bakewell tart — or, more traditionally, the Bakewell pudding — draws food enthusiasts eager to taste the authentic recipe in its hometown. 

The town’s Monday market is a bustling affair also ideal for foodies, bringing together an array of stalls, selling everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts.

With the River Wye meandering through its centre, the town offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, where traditional stone buildings and quaint bridges paint a scene straight out of a storybook. I’d highly recommend a wander along the attractive riverside paths.

Notable landmarks include the 13th-century All Saints Church, which boasts impressive mediaeval and Victorian architecture. Additionally, the Old House, a fascinating museum housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, provides insights into Bakewell’s rich history.

Buxton – Historic Spa Town

• Distance: Approximately 26 miles (42 kilometres)
• Driving Time: Around 1 hour

At the heart of Buxton’s allure is its famous geothermal water, which has drawn visitors seeking its healing properties for centuries. Even without taking a dip, you can enjoy the area’s natural spring water from the free-flowing taps around town.

The town’s architectural gem, the Buxton Opera House, stands as a cultural beacon, hosting a vibrant calendar of events and festivals, notably the Buxton Festival which celebrates opera, literature and music.

The Pavilion Gardens is a free meticulously landscaped 23-acre park, providing a tranquil escape with its Victorian bandstand, lakes, and walking paths. The historic Crescent, a stunning example of Georgian architecture, has been restored to its former glory, featuring a hotel, spa, and the Buxton Visitor Centre, encapsulating the town’s spa heritage.

Poole’s Cavern, an ancient limestone cave, offers an adventurous glimpse beneath the earth’s surface, with guided tours revealing intricate stalactites and underground chambers.

So if you’re keen on the idea of a day trip from Sheffield that combines exploring natural wonders combined with relaxation, Buxton masters both. 

Bolsover Castle – A ‘Show Off’ Estate

• Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres)
• Driving Time: Around 40 minutes

Bolsover Castle is located to the south west of Sheffield in Derbyshire. Described on the English Heritage website as “the fantasy hilltop pleasure palace of a horse-mad Cavalier playboy”, you know it’s going to be an intriguing way to spend a day trip from Sheffield!

Originally built in the 17th century by Sir Charles Cavendish, the castle’s design is a blend between a mediaeval fortress and a luxurious mansion, showcasing the architectural innovation of its time.

The castle is famed for its exquisite “Little Castle,” a lavish house within the grounds, adorned with remarkable wall paintings and intricately carved fireplaces.

The castle grounds feature the romantic ruins of the Terrace Range, envisioned as a grand statement of wealth and power but left incomplete.

The Venus Garden, with its statues and fountain, complements the castle’s grandeur. 

Bolsover Castle’s panoramic views across the Derbyshire landscape further enhance its allure. It’s a great destination for history enthusiasts who love to immerse themselves in stories of England’s past.

Matlock and Matlock Bath – Dual Delights

• Distance: Approximately 21 miles (34 kilometres)
• Driving Time: Around 45 minutes 

Matlock, the county town of Derbyshire, is known for its Victorian parks, most notably Hall Leys Park, and the Peak District Mining Museum, which delves into the area’s rich industrial heritage.

Matlock Bath, set in a stunning gorge along the River Derwent, is just a 3-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from Matlock. That means a day trip from Sheffield can easily be spent exploring both of these places.

With a distinct character reminiscent of a seaside resort, Matlock Bath has amusement arcades, fish and chip shops, and riverside promenades instead of seaside ones.

A major attraction is the Heights of Abraham, accessible by a scenic cable car ride, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. The site includes historic show caverns, exploring the area’s lead mining past, and woodland trails.

The Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park adds family-friendly excitement with its rides and attractions.

Together, Matlock and Matlock Bath provide a captivating mix of natural wonders, historical insights, and entertainment, making them a really worthwhile duo to visit in the heart of Derbyshire.

Planning Your Day Trip(s) from Sheffield

Car hire

If you haven’t got a car but do have a valid UK drivers license (or an overseas drivers license) then you don’t have to miss out on the fun and independence of a road trip from Sheffield. There are hundreds of car rental companies all over the country. You can compare car hire in one place easily via Discover Cars.

Train

And if you don’t drive, some places on this list are accessible by train from Sheffield station, though may take quite a bit longer than an hour to reach. These places primarily include Matlock and Buxton (though are not direct).

Trains are by no means cheap in the UK though and so booking in advance as much you can will help you to save money. Most places on this list require multiple modes of transport to reach, if not accessing by car.

Bus

The Peaksline / Peaks Link Buses are a great public transport option for day trips within the Peak District from Sheffield, as they stop at the Peak’s most popular places, including Castleton, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Holmfirth and Eyam.

The variety of day trips from Sheffield proves the rich diversity and accessibility of the surrounding region, and be back in time for tea! From the historic charm of Bakewell to the commanding presence of Bolsover Castle, each destination offers its own unique slice of Northern England’s heritage and natural beauty.

So whether you’re drawn to the landscapes of the Peak District or the quaint allure of market towns, I can assure you there’s an abundance of experiences waiting just a short drive away from Sheffield!