New homes in Sheffield
Welcome to Sheffield
Whether you’re exploring local museums, walking through the botanical gardens or hiking in the nearby Peak District, Sheffield is a city with lots to offer its residents. If you want to live in a compact yet vibrant city with excellent universities and great employment options, a new home in Sheffield could be the right choice for you.
A quick history
Sheffield dates back to the 12th century when a town grew around the Norman-built Sheffield Castle. During the Middle Ages there was a weekly market, about the same time that the wool industry began to grow. By the 17th century, Sheffield became one of the main cutlery manufacturing centres in the UK. It was at this time, during the English Civil War, that the Parliamentarians destroyed Sheffield Castle.
Over the decades that followed, Sheffield became known as an industrial town, especially with its booming iron industry. Sheffield was given a charter in 1843 and a town council was established, and by the turn of the century, it had become a city. During the First and Second World Wars, Sheffield was bombed by the Germans and many buildings were destroyed. Today, it’s a vibrant and exciting place to live and work, with lots of cultural sights, beautiful parks and friendly suburbs.
Business and industry
Although the iron, steel and cutlery industries in Sheffield declined during the 20th century, Sheffield is still known as a manufacturing city. Major employers include SIG PLC, EVO Business Supplies, Insight Direct (UK), Go Outdoors, Topco and Irwin Mitchell LLP. Aviva, Capita, Nationwide, HSBC, Siemens VAI and IBM are also based in the city, along with Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.
Things to do in the area
If you love discovering the arts, Sheffield is packed full of cultural gems including the Millennium Gallery and Graves Gallery. The popular Kelham Island Museum has exhibits about the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution, while the National Emergency Services Museum is full of old ambulances, police cars and fire engines, many of which you can climb inside.
If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy, you can browse the high street shops in the city centre, head to the Devonshire Quarter for independent boutiques, or go to New Moor Market to buy produce at the farmer’s market.
Sheffield has lots of green spaces, with the Botanical Gardens being a beautiful place to enjoy a peaceful walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Norfolk Heritage Park dates back to Victorian times and is a great place for a family picnic, while the Peak District National Park is ideal for a day out hiking or cycling through the hills.
After dark, there are lots of places to enjoy evening entertainment, from the city’s many restaurants to plays at The Crucible Theatre and live music at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield.
Travel and commuting
If you’re travelling within the city or commuting to other parts of the UK, Sheffield is well-connected by both road and rail. The M1 is nearby, offering a route to Leeds with a journey time of around 50 minutes. There’s also a train service which takes 45 minutes.
To get to Rotherham, the journey by car takes around 20 minutes, or just 10 minutes by train. Doncaster is a 35-minute drive away and Chesterfield can be reached in 30 minutes. For trips to Manchester, the journey takes one hour 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes by train.
If you’re going abroad, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is only 35 minutes away by car, ideal for hassle-free holidays and business trips.
