So I am biased, but I absolutely love Sheffield. Its where I was born and bred and just love everything about it. The people, accent, architecture, history and culture. We are the steel city. I am also proud that it is, and becoming increasingly, dog friendly too.
From pubs and cafes, to parks and playgrounds, there is a vast amount of places where you can take your children and dogs for the perfect day out. Here are some of my suggestions below:
For The Park Lovers:
A bit like Central Park, its a calm oasis in the middle of a city. Its a perfect time out for a stroll, feed the squirrels and to muse at all the beautiful, well kept gardens and lawns. Dogs are welcome on leads and see if you can find the Bear Pit in the middle. This is always a fun quest for children. Toilets and a cafe are located inside too.
©️ KPainter
After your stroll around the Botanical Gardens, a 5 minute walk down the hill brings you to Endcliffe Park. Filled with history, woodland, streams, playing fields, a playground (gated but can be tied close by) , cafe and toilets. Its everything you need for children and dogs.
©️KPainter
Finish your day off with food and refreshments in this fine establishment. They welcome dogs with open arms, and children will be entertained in their kiddie corner with games and toys. Yet it still has a coll quirky vibe. The food is delicious too.
©️KPainter
For the Views of Sheffield:
Designed in the 1800s, the Monument Grounds are the burial ground for most of the victims of the cholera outbreak of 1832, in which over 400 people died. Today, it is Grade II listed and the grounds became part of the Norfolk Road Conservation Area. Team with Clay wood for exploring and fine views of the city. Follow the Norfolk Heritage Trail, which leads you to...
©️BMaxfield
A city park which has recently been refurbished. Featuring a great toddler playground and a bigger playground for those a bit older. Tarmac paths make it ideal for buggies. Great facilities including toilets and cafe.
For the City Goers:
If shopping is your thing, the John Lewis store in Sheffield is super dog friendly. They also host the odd event for children (e.g. Christmas letters to santa etc)
©️BMaxfield
Head up Division Street for a range of independent shops and cafes. This one has a small courtyard, ideal for dogs and children. The coffees are just simply divine. A great little pit stop in town.
For Those on the Outskirts:
A haven for children and dogs. A good 5km walk on paths suitable for buggies (albeit stoney) around 2 lakes which can suit all kinds of watersports (check hire centre). Great for feeding the ducks, small playground, toilets and cafe on site. If you are feeling adventurous, opt for one of the numerous trails off the park onto the Transpennine Trail for more adventures.
©️KPainter
Cliffe Park, Dronfield
A super playground ideal for young and older children. It isn't gated so dogs can be near you the whole time. A wide range of equipment complete with plenty of open space. Cafe, toilets and free parking.
©️KPainter
Shirebrook Valley Nature Reserve, S13
This is a little hidden gem with 4 different trails to follow (varying in length) so ideal for all walkers and their dogs. Lots to explore, wildlife to spot. Free car park. See here for the map.
©️SSummers
For the Walkers:
Dam Flask Reservoir
A good 6km walk around the reservoir with plenty of woodland to explore and good paths so you'll not get lost. Sling recommended but could be do-able with buggy. Free parking available in Low Bradfield. Opportunity to feed ducks and paddle in the stream at the end. Hungry? Try the Old Horns Inn for food.
©️KPainter
Glen Howe Park
Steeped with History, this ancient woodland has it all. Plenty of paths, streams for paddling, wildlife to spot and a playground. What's not to like. Toilets and free car park. Try the 'Stone to Steel' walk if you're feeling adventurous (we did it with our 4yo and little moaning!).
©️KPainter
For the Culture
No trip to Sheffield would be complete without a stroll around Kelham Island. One of Sheffield's oldest manufacturing sites which has more recently undergone transformation. With pubs and eateries aplenty, its difficult to say which aren't dog friendly. The Cutlery Works isnt a far walk from Kelham Island and features a range of pop up restaurants throughout the year and is very dog friendly, along with childrens meals, discounts, events, and toys upstairs.
If you are feeling energetic, this 8km surfaced path will take you from Sheffield centre to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, along the River Don, passing five weirs, from which it takes its name. Dogs on leads welcome. Its like a secret path of history and wildlife. There are Victorian buildings and scenes of the city’s industrial heyday: old schools, mills, factories, some contemporary sculptures and of course five weirs
©️AThomson