Get Active in Sheffield West

It’s easier to be healthy and active when you find the right places and pursuits. So we’re helping you get started with a quick guide to the best food, sports and facilities local to you.

Sheffield West: it’s only a short drive away from the Peak District, and a buzzing hub that’s packed full of genius ways to stay active. Whether it’s taking a stroll around Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, hitting a few balls at Hallamshire Golf Club, or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local cafes, you’ve got plenty to choose from. Let’s take our Get Active tour…

Outdoor activities

Just west of Sheffield, you’ll find the picturesque Forge Dam Park. Enjoy a scenic walk along the dam and streams, make use of the playground or stop by the charming Forge Dam Cafe for a quick bite. There’s also Rivelin Reservoir, a tranquil natural retreat perfect for exploring after being in the bustle of the city centre. 

Within 20 minutes you can be in the area’s most famous National Park, The Peak District. This incredible landscape of moors, hills and valleys is both stunning and mysterious: the first National Park to be established in England, and you’ll soon see why. Head to the peaks and immerse yourself in the beautiful sights, as well as a variety of trails and walks – ideal for escaping out of Sheffield for the day.

Sports facilities

Nestled between the city centre and the Peak District, you can find the beautiful, manicured Hallamshire Golf Club. Soak in the spectacular views as you work your way through the 18 hole golf course. Looking for a Summer sport to take up? Hallam Cricket Club is a great local club perfect for both playing and spectating. If you prefer to stick to indoor sports, then visit the Ranmoor Badminton Club for a round or two. Close by is Fulwood Sports Club which is home to a variety of different sports, from bowling to lawn tennis.

Healthy eats

With all the activities around it’s likely you’ll have worked up an appetite – luckily there are a few places we recommended. Aesthete is an artisan cafe which is famous for their healthy brunch and delicious cakes which almost look too good to eat! Similarly, the Lovely Pear cafe has a great selection of brunch dishes and sweet treats. They can cater for those who are gluten free, veggie or vegan. Thyme Cafe is just around the corner, again another cafe with beautiful seasonal and home cooked food which tastes as good as it looks.

Gyms

You won’t be short on gyms in this area and there are plenty to choose from to suit your training style and preference. Trib3 is a class only gym, perfect for those who enjoy working hard and get sweaty in a group training environment. Sport Sheffield based in the University of Sheffield has a well equipped gym, offers classes and has a swimming pool to cool off in. For those who prefer their gym to feel more luxurious, then you could try Kenwood Hall: this elegant hotel and spa has a gym with cardio and resistance machines, free weights, and amazing views of the pool and lake, with special adult-only hours on weekday lunchtimes.

Where to watch sport

After participating in lots of different sports and activities throughout the week, sometimes you just want to sit back and watch instead. Fulwood Sports Club’s Lawn Clubhouse is perfect for watching sport in the surrounding courts or big games shown on the TV. You will also find ‘The Wildcard Bar and Grill’ in the area which is an ideal spot to watch live sports with its 40+ screens. A little closer to the centre is ‘Champs’, a local sports bar and grill, with plenty of screens to watch football, rugby and cricket.

Equipment hire

One great way to get around and see the sights is by bike. Luckily you can hire a variety of bikes for both adults and children from The Bike Garage, an independently run family business. Beyond The 4 Walls is a local company with the goal of wanting to get all ages outside more by leading group cycling and walking groups. They take care of the trails, you just have to turn up! Similarly, the company Will4Adventure are specialists in guided walking adventures in the Peak District. 

Festivals

One great way of getting active is through festivals and events, and the city of Sheffield is home to many of these. The Festival Of The Outdoors celebrates the start of the ‘outdoor season’ every March, with a whole month full of outdoor activities and events. 

One weekend in August the city is turned into a giant playground to host the Cliffhanger festival. This includes skateboarding, mountain biking as well as the British Bouldering Championship. 

Over ten days in Summer, The Sheffield Walking Festival celebrates Sheffield’s heritage and green spaces by putting on a variety of organised walks and events.