10 Extraordinary Facts About Sheffield
Sheffield is a city that constantly surprises – a place where industrial grit meets lush green spaces, and history bumps into quirky modern life. These extraordinary facts will make you appreciate the Steel City in a whole new way.
1. There’s more trees than people
Sheffield proudly holds the title of the greenest city in the UK! With over 4.5 million trees - more trees per person than any other city in Europe - it sometimes feels like you’re walking through a forest on your way to lectures. Whether you’re chilling in Endcliffe Park, hiking in the Peaks, or just avoiding that assignment deadline in the Botanical Gardens, you’re never far from some leafy company.
2. You can thank it for your knives and forks
Ever wondered who to thank for your cutlery when you’re digging into cheesy chips at 2am? That would be Sheffield. Stainless steel was invented here in 1913 by Harry Brearley, revolutionising cutlery production. The city’s steel industry became world-famous, and its legacy lives on at The Sykes Gallery Metalwork Collection.
3. It has the world’s oldest football club
Forget your big Premier League teams – Sheffield is where football began. Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, is the world’s oldest football club. The city also boasts the world’s oldest football ground, Sandygate, home to Hallam FC. That 5-a-side game you play on Wednesday nights? You’re walking in the footsteps of history.
4. A third of the city is a National Park
Sheffield isn’t just green – it’s wild. A third of the city lies within the Peak District National Park, making it the only major UK city with a national park inside its boundaries. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or just fancy a scenic spot for your sandwich, the Peaks are right on your doorstep.
5. It’s the world capital of snooker
Every year, snooker fans from around the globe flock to Sheffield for the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre. This iconic venue has hosted the tournament since 1977, making Sheffield the undisputed snooker capital of the world. Even if you don’t know a cue ball from a pool ball, the atmosphere in the city during the championship is electric.
6. It has the third steepest street in England
If you thought walking to your 9am lecture was tough, spare a thought for the residents of Blake Street in Upperthorpe. With a gradient of 16.6%, it’s the third steepest street in England. Walking up it counts as cardio – no gym membership needed.
7. There’s an indoor tropical forest
British weather got you down? Sheffield has a solution – the Winter Garden. It’s one of the largest urban glasshouses in Europe, home to over 2,500 plants from around the world. You can literally escape to the tropics between lectures.
8. People have lived here since the ice age
Turns out Sheffield has been cool for about 12,800 years. Archaeological digs at Creswell Crags, just outside the city, revealed that Ice Age hunters lived in caves there. They even found Britain’s oldest art – engravings of animals carved into the rock. Prehistoric graffiti, basically.
9. The train station has a waterfall
You know you’ve arrived in Sheffield when you see the Cutting Edge Waterfall outside the train station. It’s a 90-metre stainless steel water feature that makes stepping off the train feel like entering a music video. Great for selfies, even better for dramatic exits.
10. It has its own walk of fame
Hollywood, who? Sheffield has its own Walk of Fame outside the Town Hall, celebrating local legends. You’ll find stars dedicated to the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sean Bean. Perfect for a little star-spotting while you grab a coffee.
Sheffield is a city packed with surprises, from prehistoric cave art to tropical plants and record-breaking hills. Whether you’re heading to a lecture, grabbing a pint, or just wandering around, you’re never far from something weird, wonderful, or downright impressive. Our Sheffield student accommodation is in the heart of all the action. With all-inclusive bills and top-tier amenities, we’re the place to be. Reserve a room or arrange a viewing today: true student Sheffield