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A mini guide to
Kelham Island and the River Don: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Time your visit for steam
The River Don Engine runs at 12pm and 2pm, Thursday to Sunday; the museum is closed on Mondays.
Walk the Five Weirs
The Five Weirs Walk runs about 5 miles from Lady's Bridge along the Don to Meadowhall; walk part of it and take the tram back.
Look from the street
Many of the old works are now flats and offices, not open to visitors; the gate of Green Lane Works and Cornish Place are seen from the street.
Canal basin
Victoria Quays, at the head of the Sheffield Canal, is a short walk from the castle site.
Festivals
Festivals in Sheffield
Check the organiser's website for dates and tickets before you book.
Tramlines
Every July (three days)
Music festival that started in 2009 as a city-wide takeover and now takes place in Hillsborough Park, for about 40,000 people.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kelham Island and the River Don?
Kelham Island and the River Don is in Sheffield, England. Old cutlery and steel works by the river, an industrial museum and the canal basin. Nearby stops and stations include Shalesmoor, Castle Square, Fitzalan Square / Ponds Forge.
How long do I need in Kelham Island and the River Don?
Half a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Kelham Island Museum, Cornish Place, Globe Works. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Shalesmoor (Supertram); Castle Square (Supertram); Fitzalan Square / Ponds Forge (Supertram). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 10 places to eat and drink in and around Kelham Island and the River Don, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 2 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Kelham Island and the River Don accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Kelham Island and the River Don
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Kelham Island Museum
Museum of Sheffield industry by the River Don, with the River Don Engine in steam and a Bessemer Converter; free.
Cornish Place
Listed former cutlery works of James Dixon & Sons by the Don, converted to flats in the late 1990s.
Globe Works
Grade II* listed former cutlery factory on Penistone Road, renovated as offices in the late 1980s.
Sheffield
More areas to explore
University, Botanical Gardens and the Porter Valley
Weston Park Museum, the Botanical Gardens and a chain of parks along the Porter Brook
Open the mini guide →
City Centre and the Winter Garden
A glasshouse, free galleries, the Crucible and two cathedrals within a short walk
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Wicker Arches: dave hudson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Kelham Island Museum: Mick Knapton, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Cornish Place: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Globe Works: Mick Knapton, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- University, Botanical Gardens and the Porter Valley: Warofdreams, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- City Centre and the Winter Garden: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits