Hotels in Sheffield

Sheffield's best asset is its border: a third of the city sits inside the Peak District, and you can be on gritstone edges at Stanage or Burbage within half an hour of the station — which is why it's Britain's unofficial climbing and walking capital. The city itself is friendly and unpolished, with the Kelham Island quarter leading the revival: former steelworks now house breweries, street food and the industrial museum.

The Winter Garden and Millennium Gallery give the centre a focal point, and the student population keeps prices and gig calendars healthy. It's hilly, and the centre still has gaps the regeneration hasn't reached. Stay around Kelham Island for the best food and beer, or near the station and Cultural Industries Quarter for early Peak District escapes.