Visitor information
Accommodation Suggestions
The University of Sheffield has accommodation available in the Jonas Hotel at our Endcliffe student village at a very reasonable price, although the accommodations are basic. This is a 25-35 min walk from the conference buildings.
Other affordable options include the Rutland Hotel (10-20 min walk) or Premier Inn Sheffield St Mary's Gate (15-25 min walk).
There are also a number of other 3 and 4 star hotels nearby including:
- Hampton by Hilton (10-20 min walk)
- Ibis Budget St Marys Gate (15-20 min walk)
- Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria (25-35 min walk)
Please be advised that these are merely suggestions and there are plenty of other hotels located both in the city centre and the surrounding areas, so feel free to search for accommodation using the conference building addresses provided, that suits your individual needs and budget
Travel Advice
The closest airport to fly to is Manchester Airport. From here, it is a 1.5 hour train journey to Sheffield.
Sheffield Railway Station is located at Sheaf St, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2BP. The train station is a 40 minute walk from the conference buildings and it is therefore advisable to use the tram. The blue line travels from the city centre near the railway station to the University of Sheffield tram stop.
From the University’s tram stop, the conference buildings are a short walk. The trams run every 10 minutes and it is not necessary to purchase a ticket in advance. Simply wait at a stop, alight the blue line when it arrives and purchase your ticket on board when the conductor arrives to ask you to do so. Tickets cost approximately £2.50.
Taxis can easily be booked via the Uber, Bolt or Veezu apps.
Buses are also an option should your hotel be located in an area where the tram line does not run. However, Sheffield buses are famously unreliable! So it is advisable to plan your journey with plenty of time in case of delays, if you do choose to use the bus network.
Things to See and Do
The Peak District National Park
A third of the metropolitan area of Sheffield lies within the Peak District National Park, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is easily accessible and a short journey from the city centre by both car and public transport. It is a popular area for walking and hiking, as well as for wild swimming and natural rock climbing. There are a number of quaint and historical villages in the Peaks where shopping can be done and food and drink can be had in both restaurants and traditional Yorkshire pubs. There are also many archaeological sites such as prehistoric forts, roman settlements and mediaeval castles and abbeys.
Cultural Events
From Weds 12 June - Mon 17th June, the 31st edition of DocFest, the UK’s leading documentary festival, will take place in the centre. Each year the festival champions the breadth of documentary form across film, television, and immersive art. In addition to a programme of 100+ film screenings, the festival also features a host of exhibitions, installations, panel events and inspiring talks.
Migration Matters Festival 2024
From Thurs 14th June - Sat 22nd June, the 9th edition of the UK’s largest Refugee Week festival returns to Sheffield. This vibrant arts festival celebrates the positive impact migration and refugees have in Sheffield, the country’s first City of Sanctuary, with an extensive programme of music, comedy, conversation, art, theatre, and film.
On Sunday 16th June, this monthly botanical spectacular will take place in Castlegate in the city centre. It is free to attend and offers a mix of market traders, live music and art, local produce and a great selection of street food.
Museums
Weston Park Museum is located on the University of Sheffield campus and is the largest museum in Sheffield. It is free to enter and tells the stories of Sheffield and its people, from prehistory to the present day, as well as housing a permanent exhibition on Ancient Egypt.
Sheffield is home to the National Videogame Museum, which is a museum like no other! The history, cultural importance and industry of video games are explained through play. There are over 100 games from different eras and countries to play as well as opportunities to explore the design of games through hands-on activities.
National Emergency Services Museum
The UK’s National Emergency Services Museum is housed in a Victorian police, fire and ambulance station in Sheffield city centre. Over three floors the museum uses artefacts and interactive exhibitions to explore the history of emergency services in our nation.
The Millennium Gallery is located in the city centre, is free to enter and showcases the best in recent and historical art and design from the area. Current exhibitions include an incredible collection of over 60 pen and ink drawings about pandemic life by one of Sheffield’s best-loved artists, Phlegm and exhibitions on hand-making and metalwork throughout Sheffield’s history.
Theatre
Sheffield is home to one of the largest regional theatre complexes outside of London. In the days around the conference there are a wide variety of shows taking place at The Crucible, Lyceum Theatre, Library Theatre and the University of Sheffield’s own Drama Studio.
Food and Drink
As a city with a population of hundreds of thousands, Sheffield has a thriving food and drink scene. Popular areas to sample local delights include Kelham/Neepsend, London Rd and Abbeydale Rd, Ecclesall Rd, West St and Devonshire St. Local specialities include authentic East Asian food, the Beres pork sandwich and the Yorkshire Fishcake. Hundreds of restaurants can be ordered directly to your hotel via the UberEats app.