Sheffield is a lovely city, sure. And many of us have little money to spare at the end of the month. So why spend time and money to venture outside the city boundaries during our relatively brief sojourns in Sheffield?
Truth be told, there is in fact a wealth of affordable places you can visit without straining your student budget or wasting too much of that precious free time. Here at Lifestyle, we’ve put together a selection of some of the best the outskirts has to offer.
Peak District
It’s sometimes easy to forget, but just outside Sheffield lies the famous Peak District.
With its network of footpaths and beautiful scenery, the area is perfect for long walks and hikes. If you’re feeling adventurous, a number of outdoor activities can be arranged.
Mountain biking and rock climbing are available, or why not make the most of the area’s large reservoirs and try canoeing, hang-gliding or paragliding.
Trains from Sheffield from £4 with a student railcard.
Chatsworth House
Image courtesy of Nathan Living
A real cultural treat, the famous Chatsworth House stately home is just a bus ride away from Sheffield.
Located in the Peak District, the house is the current home of the 12th Duke of Devonshire and houses an extensive art collection. Chatsworth also hosts a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as events and workshops.
There is also the famous 105-acre garden to explore, complete with stunning water features and even a maze.
The 214 bus goes from Sheffield Interchange straight to the house.
Manchester
If you fancy a night away from Corporation’s quad vods and The Harley’s gin, Manchester is a great alternative clubbing destination.
The famous Northern city is merely a 50 minute train ride away, and return tickets can be bought for under £10 if you own a railcard and book in advance.
Fifth Avenue nightclub is a hugely popular destination for students, as it offers cheap drinks and indie music.
Drum and bass fans are advised to check out Sankeys nightclub. If chart music is more your thing, then Tiger Tiger is great for a fun night out.
The Deaf Institute is quite an unusual institution in Manchester. During the daytime, it’s a cozy café – but at night time you’ll come across raging parties spread across two different floors.
Whatever you like, you’re sure to find it in Manchester’s nightlife.
Return to Manchester with a student railcard from £9.25 advance.
Bakewell
Stressed out by city life? Why not relax in the picturesque town of Bakewell. The antithesis to the student experience of Sheffield, Bakewell is a great place if you want a sit-down with a cup of tea and a yummy Bakewell pudding. Afterwards, you can go for a walk along the pretty river Wye.
Many parts of the town date back hundreds of years. The All Saints Church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, with some parts dating as far back as Saxon and Norman times.
Another place of note is the Rutland Arms hotel, where Jane Austin is said to have stayed whilst writing Pride and Prejudice.
To get to Bakewell, simply get on the 218 bus from Moorhead.
Leeds
Looking to buy something special that no-one else will have? Leeds is full of independent shops and markets, as well as all the trusty high-street brands and designer labels.
The city’s Corn Exchange is a great place to shop. Set in a beautiful grade I listed building, it’s home to a number of small boutique shops, so is perfect if you want to find something unique.
For food-lovers, there’s Europe’s biggest food market, the Victorian Kirkgate Market, which just happens to be the birth place of M&S. The traders are friendly and really know their stuff, which makes for a shopping experience that is definitely more exciting than a trip to Tesco.
Return to Leeds with student railcard from £13 advance.