Sheffield; History, Nightlife And Industrial Heritage

Sheffield in the south of Yorkshire is rapidly becoming a city worth visiting for a startling number of reasons. Its roots can be traced back to the industrial revolution when a large number of factories were built in the city, predominantly in the steel making industry. However as international competition for steel increased during the latter part of the twentieth century and the UK coal mining industries collapsed, the city found itself in a period of decline. Since the turn of the century however a major effort has been undertaken to improve the city, redeveloping many of the factories and the city centre more generally. Laying close to both the M1 and M18 motorway Sheffield is the perfect location to utilise car hire services to tour Yorkshire and beyond.

In terms of places to go in your hire car there are many historical attraction of note. One of these is Peveril Castle. A Norman fort built by the alleged illegitimate son of William the Conqueror, the site consists of a small keep and outlaying walls. With outstanding views over the Hope Valley and Cave Dale, tourists will love the chance to take that perfect snap. A more modern historical site is Hardwick Hall. Regarded by many to be one of the best examples of an Elizabethan country house anywhere in the country its splendour and magnificence are hard to dispute. Between the towns of Mansfield and Chesterfield it is only a short journey if using a hire car and gives visitors the chance to see the grandeur of this northern palace. The reason the home is so opulent is due to the wealth of the original resident Bess of Hardwick, at the time the second richest women in the country after Queen Elizabeth herself. Open to the public, and owned by the national trust, visitors can tour the marvellous rooms as well as the well manicured gardens.

It does not end here however in terms of houses and stately homes; Chatsworth Hall is near to Sheffield and is certainly worth the drive in your hire car if in the area. Chatsworth was originally built for the Duke of Devonshire at the end of the seventeenth century and oozes elegance. With many rooms, all filled with period furniture, it is a step back in time while the large art collection including pieces by Rembrandt and Gainsborough ensure that those with artistic tendencies are satisfied. Children will also be entertained with mazes sitting in the 195 acres of land as well as an adventure playground and a close by farmyard. Within the city itself is the Turret house, although largely in ruins parts of the turret still stand and are reputed to be the home of a rather famous ghost; that of Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned at the site for fourteen years during the sixteenth century.

For those not enticed by history there is a varied nightlife in Sheffield ranging from funky bars and clubs to excellent restaurants. The city is proud of its musical heritage and as such regularly plays host to live acts from all around the country and beyond. With such a great time to be had it is easy to forget about drink driving laws, hence it is important for travellers to add additional drivers to their car hire agreement so they do not fall foul of the law.

Sheffield has done much to recover from its downward fall at the end of the last century. While the industrial heritage is not forgotten, the modern city is proud of its accomplishments and new infrastructure. Laying in such a key location in the heart of the north it is the ideal place to hire a car and tour this most interesting and entertaining of British regions.