The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point for Sheffield, a city in South Yorkshire, where a boom in steel manufacturing put it at the forefront of English industry. Production declined during the 20th century, but the city is experiencing a renewal. Repurposed forges and foundries offer glimpses into the region's past, while Sheffield's proximity to the Peak District – one of the most idyllic corners of England's countryside – keep it permanently on travellers' itineraries.
Throughout Sheffield, you'll find fascinating traces of its industrial heyday. Kelham Island Museum hosts hands-on workshops and demonstrations of the River Don Engine – an important steam engine built in 1905. Even older is the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a 13th-century steel-working site that retains its furnace, tilt forge and grinding machinery.
Two of Sheffield's more popular attractions are the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, which feature over 5,000 plant species laid out among its pavilions, and Bishop's House, whose 16th- and 17th-century timbered rooms set an atmospheric stage for cultural events. If it's art you seek, the Millennium Gallery features an extensive metalwork collection while the Graves Art Gallery displays pieces by Cézanne and Picasso.
A third of Sheffield lies within the boundary of Peak District National Park, whose castles, manor homes and wild landscapes have inspired artists and authors for centuries. Sheffield provides a perfect base for hiking, biking and exploring the area's attractions. Chatsworth House, in particular, is a must: its manicured grounds and lavish interiors have been featured in multiple period films.