As befits a city so proud of its industrial past, the Kelham Island Museum takes visitors back in time on a walk through the golden era of steel and silver manufacture. Some of the exhibits are truly epic in scale: like the Grand Slam bomb designed by Sir Barnes “Dam Busters” Wallis towards the end of the Second World War. The massive River Don Engine, which develops 12,000 horsepower and still works, is the most muscular working steam engine in Europe: you can see it in full headbanging motion Monday to Thursday or Sunday. Check steam times to be sure of seeing the Engine in action.

Great for: Day Trips

Wortley Top Forge is a class act: a museum of industry housed in the oldest heavy iron forge on earth. The forge, which undergoes constant redevelopment to get it as close as possible to the condition it was in in the early 20th century, possesses three working water wheels. The Forge is open to visitors during tourist high season (between Easter and early November). It’s completely run by volunteers, and so is only open on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The museum has a real earthy, independent feel and the staff are all hugely passionate about the history of the place. Consistently loved by children and adults alike.

Great for: Day Trips

Not far from Sheffield you’ll find the Derbyshire village of Castleton: and near Castleton you’ll come across the amazing ruins of Peveril Castle. Peveril is one of the oldest Norman fortresses in the UK, and its remains stand proudly over the rolling valley floors of the Peak District. There’s a visitor centre on site, which tells the story of the Castle and its surroundings. Walk out from Castleton and up the wooded hill to stand among the ruins, scale the walls and look out across the Peaks for a reward you’ll never forget. The Castle is run by English Heritage as a Grade I listed monument

Great for: History