One of the North’s largest and most exciting cities, Sheffield is an excellent pick if you’re looking to spend a few days exploring somewhere new with friends and loved ones. Boasting an impressive line-up of theatres, museums and historic landmarks to explore, there’s enough on offer in this bustling cultural hub to keep your itinerary full for a long weekend or more.
However, one area where the city undoubtedly reigns supreme when compared with many of its rivals is in its retail scene. Sheffield is home to a whole host of superb shopping centres and flagship stores that keep people flocking back to the Steel City when it’s time to invest in some new threads, home interiors pieces, beauty products and so much more.
To help you get straight to the best when indulging in some retail therapy in Sheffield, here’s a handful of our favourite shopping destinations to enjoy in and around the city.
Since flinging its doors open in 1990, the vast Meadowhall has remained one of the UK’s biggest and busiest out-of-town shopping centres. Occupying the site of a former steelworks just three miles northeast of the city centre, it’s easy to get to whether you’re heading into or out of Sheffield thanks to its very own transport interchange, which is known as Meadowhall Interchange. A combination of rail, tram and bus services call in at here, while drivers will also find the centre is conveniently located just off junction 34 of the M1 motorway.
Once you head inside, a world of excitement awaits. With more than 200 stores set across its crisp, clean and occasionally lavish interior, you’ve everything you need for a successful day’s shopping right here on-site. Top brands you’ll want to call in at for clothing include AllSaints, Barbour International, Dune London, Flannels, Hollister and Kurt Geiger. Meanwhile, lovers of all things beauty will be flocking to L’Occitane and Keihl’s, while kids can let loose in Hamley’s and the LEGO Store. And for when you need to get your fill, you’ve got high street favourites like Las Iguanas and Nando’s on your doorstep.
If rooting through treasures of a time gone by is your idea of a great day’s shopping, you’ll adore what’s on offer at Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter. Occupying a triangle of streets just at the southern fringes of the city centre off Abbeydale Road, the quirky boutiques and eclectic independents that make up this special shopping district are full to the brim with incredible finds.
The area is dominated by the larger antiques centres – of which you’ll find eight – but there’s even more on offer in the sixty stores, restaurants and bars that fill the surrounding streets. From adorable tea rooms selling home baked goodies to on-trend cocktail lounges that display some stunning pieces themselves, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a full day or more. And if you time your visit right, you might just catch the Pedlar’s Corner Carboot and Flea Market on the first Sunday of the month or the even larger Antiques Quarter Vintage Market. Both offer up even more retro goods for you to browse.
Looking for something a little more niche or individual? Then don’t miss the city’s spectacular Moor Market, set in a modern and recently refurbished facility right at the heart of Sheffield. A world away from the usual high street haunts, the market boasts more than 190 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to craft beer, clothes, craft materials and jewellery. Whether you’re a total foodie or more of a fashionista, you’re in with a great chance of spotting something special here.
The market is open every day except Sundays, and you can find everything you need for a full day’s browsing on-site including lots of exciting and exotic eateries (with Russian and Jamaican inspired food among the favourites). Complemented by a busy events calendar, the Moor Market is not to be missed if you find yourself in the Steel City.
The city’s long-time main shopping street, Fargate is where you’ll find all those top high street brands you can’t get enough of. With huge stores from the likes of M&S and H&M, this pedestrianised quarter and the many streets and arcades which branch off from it bring you all the best from the worlds of fashion, food, tech and home interiors. What’s more, you’re never far from excellent spots where you can grab something to eat or drink here, including favourites like Wagamama, Piccolino or Marmaduke’s. There are even superb public spaces such as the Peace Gardens and Fountain Square where you can catch your breath and simply watch the world go by.
Just a little west of the city’s central area, the popular Devonshire Quarter is emerging as one of the UK’s trendiest and most cosmopolitan places to shop. With the elegant Devonshire Green as the area’s focal point, this little district has blossomed over the past decade to become one of the Steel City’s hippest places to hang out.
Be sure to check out our Sheffield City Guide to uncover an array of fun things to do and see conveniently located near our exquisite hotel. Exploring Sheffield's shopping scene is just the beginning of your journey in this vibrant city. Our guide is your gateway to a treasure trove of exciting attractions, events, and hidden gems that collectively make Sheffield a truly captivating destination.
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