Fancy a day trip? Here are the best spots for Sheffield students to escape to at a weekend

So, you have had a week full of lectures, seminars and study sessions at the library and want a change of scenery or as me and my friends say: “Touch some grass”. So, here are a few suggestions of places you could visit to do just that- and best of all you don’t need a car.

From living your cottage core fantasy or exploring historical sites to cave exploring this list has some old favourites and some new suggestions to have on your radar for when you need to touch some grass.

As always, if you are planning on reaching any of these destinations via public transport, double-check the times and bus routes as they are subject to change. More importantly, if you are organising to go hiking, be sure to stay safe and be familiar with your route.

Castleton and Edale

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Castleton is a village nestled at the foot of Mam Tor, roughly a 45 minute bus ride out from Sheffield on the 257 bus.

Castleton not only has an interesting history and plenty of gorgeous walks to explore but is also home to The Peak Cave Cinema. Whilst at the Peak Cave, you can enjoy some spooky films such as Hocus-Pocus or The Conjuring in a unique setting and it’s unlike any other cinema experience you will ever have.

Feeling like some retail therapy? Thanks to the several caverns in the area, Castleton has a generous supply of precious stones which can be found in the many jewellery shops in the village centre. To end your busy day of cave-dwelling and jewellery shopping, head to the Ye Old Nags Head for its signature Mam Tor burger.

Just north of Castleton, you find Edale is accessible by train and bus.

Looking for a challenge? For the more adventurous, Edale is close to the famous Kinder Scout. Although proper precautions are advised as parts of the path can be dangerous in certain conditions, Kinder Scout is quite the bucket list location and, what better place to reconnect with nature than trekking up one of England’s most famous peaks?

Bakewell

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If you’re looking to fulfil your cottage core dreams Bakewell might be for you. Home of the Bakewell tart, the town is as sweet as its pudding, with bakeries, cafés and shops scattered across the town centre.

In Bakewell, it’s definitely possible to spend the whole day tasting all that the town has to offer. Alternatively, it’s also located along the Monsal Trail, an accessible and gentle walk stretching from Wyedale to Bakewell. Along the way, there are many cafés and locations you can visit. One of which, Thornbridge Estate, is a slice of a Pride and Prejudice-inspired manor house with a rich garden to explore.

Haddon Hall

via Google Maps

For all the history students among you; Chatsworth’s lesser-known older sibling, Haddon Hall, is quite the site to see.

Over 900 years old, Haddon Hall has remained mostly as it was since each part was built – a true step back in time. Having survived a civil war, ambitious architects, film crews and of course, time, Haddon Hall still holds many treasures and is a great opportunity to explore the past.

Don’t fret as there is also a cosy café, as well as, events and workshops you can enjoy at the house. For example, its upcoming Christmas Artisan Market is on from the 13th November to the 15th December every Wednesday to Sunday.

Honorary Mention: Slippery Stones

Wild swimming can be a remarkable hangover cure, so if you’re looking for the ultimate way to fix your hangover, then head over to Slippery Stones, located north of the Upper Derwent Dam visitors’ centre and embrace the chill. The four-meter-deep plunge pool is popular among students and locals.

Advice for wild swimming can be found here.

Burbage Valley

via Google Maps

Burbage Valley is home to many interesting sites, starting at Fox House and travelling up through the Valley, there are a few different paths to choose from.

If you fancy practising your climbing skills, this is also a popular spot to practice some free climbing, but as always practise this with the proper safety measures.

Once you’ve reached the top of the valley, marked by Burbage Bridge, you can cross over the road and follow it for a short time before continuing across the moors reaching Stanage Edge.

Stanage Edge boasts some stunning views across the valley and is especially gorgeous in the evening as the sun goes down. Some other spots along the way include Higger Tor, Robinhood’s Cave and Stanage Pole.

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