14 Fun Things To Do in Sheffield for Adults

Last Updated: 8th May 2026

Author: Quenton Fyfe

Sheffield has no shortage of things to do - narrowing this list to 14 wasn't easy. We've focused on activities that are genuinely fun for adults visiting without children, offer good value, and are open year-round. All of the activities have been chosen on merit - we receive no payment for inclusion.

Locksley Distilling Co

Best For: Gin Lovers, Hen parties, Date Nights

Locksley Distilling Co is home to an exciting range of gins and liqueurs that gin enthusiasts will be keen to discover.

They've been distilling their unique gins in the lovely grade 2* listed Portland Works since 2015.

Now, they have opened up their distillery and welcome you with a range of tours and experiences.

There's a Distillery Tasting Visit, including a welcome G&T on arrival, a guided tour of the distillery and a guided tasting session. The tour takes about an hour and costs just £18 per person.

Alternatively, why not try their Gin Distilling Experience, and make your very own gin? You'll be welcomed with a selection of gin & tonics, then have a tour of the distillery and guided tasting. Next you go to the Gin School where you can create your very own unique gin, using your choice from more than 100 botanicals.

You can then take home a full 70cl bottle of your gin to enjoy with your friends.

The hands-on Gin Distilling Experience takes about two and a half hours and costs £95 per person.

Booking is required for both the tasting tour and distilling experience. The tasting tour runs at 3pm and 6:30pm on Wednesdays, and at 6:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The distilling experience runs from 2:30 to 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the grade 2* listed building, the distillery is not accessible to wheelchair users.

https://www.locksleydistilling.com/

The Climbing Works

Best For: Bouldering Enthusiasts, Novice Climbers

Of the two climbing centres we feature in this article, The Climbing Works is best for bouldering and people who have not climbed before (no ropes, harnesses or belaying to worry about).

Bouldering is indoor climbing on walls up to 4 metres high without ropes, over crash pads. Each wall has routes set as problems that you have to solve by climbing to the top, using only holds of one colour.

If you've climbed at a bouldering centre before and are confident you know the rules and can climb safely, you can supervise two novices.

Alternatively, there's an adult induction session which will tell you everything you need to know, and costs only £20.

On Monday evenings there are free coaching sessions which are the ideal follow-up to your induction and will show you the basics of good climbing techniques.

Induction sessions run each week on a Sunday morning and Monday evening (book and check for times on the website). The Centre is open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Opening times are 10am to 10pm Midweek except Thursdays, 12noon to 10pm on Thursdays, and 10am to 8pm at the weekend.

Experienced climbers can pay for the day (£11.50 at the weekend or weekday evening and £10.50 for mid week before 4pm) or pre-pay for a block of entries. You can just turn up without booking for a climb if you are not attending an induction session.

https://www.climbingworks.com/

Ringinglow Archery & Target Sports

Best For: Groups, Unusual Date Idea, Team Building, Stag Party

Have you ever fancied a go at the ancient sport of archery? If so, you'll enjoy a trip to Ringinglow Archery & Target Sports.

Activities on offer include Archery, Air Rifle Shooting, Tactical Rifle Shooting, Axe and Knife Throwing, Crossbow Shooting and Pistol Shooting.

Ringinglow cater for groups of friends or family, work colleagues or stag and hen parties and offer exciting multi-activity group packages.

The instructors here are genuinely patient with complete beginners, and the heated covered range is a bonus on a cold Sheffield day!

It's essential to book your chosen target sport. The centre opens at 10am each day except for Tuesday and Thursday, when it is closed.

Prices start at £35 per adult for an introductory archery taster session, and there are lots of multi-activity and group prices available.

https://ringinglow-archery.co.uk/

Airhop Trampoline and Adventure Park Sheffield

Best For: Groups, Couples

Airhop Adventure and Trampoline Park (formerly Jump Inc) in Sheffield is one of the UK's largest trampoline parks.

As well as wall-to-wall trampolines, there are lots of other fun activities included in the admission price: Aerostrike, Tumbletrack, Airsquares, Battle Baskets, Tag Arena, Airbag, Football Cage, Laser Tag Arena, Performance Trampolines and Airslides!

There are no age restrictions on Open Jump sessions, so adults are very welcome. There's even a discount for blue light / emergency services personnel.

There's a two-hour Sunset Session on Friday and Saturday evenings - when the atmosphere changes, the lights are glowing and there's a DJ-inspired soundtrack!

Booking is not required, but we would recommend it at peak times. The opening times are available on the Airhop Sheffield website. Prices vary depending on the time and which day of the week you want to bounce.

https://www.airhop.co.uk/adventure-trampoline-park-sheffield/

Alpaca Trek at Holly Hagg Community Farm

Best For: Couples, Animal Lovers

What animal lover could resist going on an Alpaca Trek?

First, you'll be introduced to the herd, learn how to hand feed an alpaca and given a safety briefing before being matched with your alpaca (or llama) for the trek.

Trained guides will then accompany you on an hour's trek through the beautiful woodlands of Rivelin Valley.

There will be plenty of stops for feeding and taking photos. Adults can choose to have one alpaca each or share an alpaca between two.

Prices start at £34 for an adult with one alpaca, or £39 for two adults sharing an alpaca.

The route is quite rocky and uneven, so we would advise that it's not suitable for people with mobility problems or wheelchair users.

Treks are usually run on Saturdays and Sundays, but you can check on the website, as booking is essential:

https://hollyhagg.org.uk/alpaca-trekking/booking-a-trek/

Owlerton Greyhound Stadium

Best For: Groups, Couples, Sports Fans

Experience the fun and excitement of greyhound racing at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium just 5 minutes from Sheffield city centre.

There are three bars where you can enjoy the action with a drink or chicken and chips, or book a VIP Box for only £33 per person (for groups of 15-20 people) and watch the races from your private trackside balcony.

Alternatively, you can book a meal in the glass-fronted Panorama Restaurant (from £20) with full waiting service and Tote betting runners at your table so you can enjoy your meal and you won't miss any of the action.

There is live racing at Owlerton on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons.

Booking is essential, 2 weeks in advance, for the VIP Boxes and the Restaurant, however you can turn up on the day to purchase a General Admission ticket.

Owlerton is a fully accessible venue, but they do ask you to mention any access requirements when you book.

Owlerton takes greyhound welfare seriously, and the greyhound re-homing charity Sheffield Retired Greyhounds is funded by the stadium.

https://owlertonstadium.co.uk/

Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre

Best For: Animal lovers, Couples

It's not just kids who love animals - grown-ups do too, and there are more than 140 species to discover at the Tropical Butterfly House.

Enjoy exotic insects such as spiders, stick insects and giant grasshoppers, and reptiles including snakes, tortoises and geckos.

They also have beautiful birds including several owls, cute mammals like otters, lemurs and wallabies, and of course the amazing tropical butterflies.

There are close-up experiences too - 15 minute sessions (£40 per person) for up to two people where you can get meet and feed armadillos or meerkats.

There are three eateries where you can buy a range of food, from a home-cooked meal to a healthy lunch or just a quick snack. Alternatively, you can bring a picnic to eat at one of the many picnic benches.

Admission to the centre is £17.95 and you don't have to pre-book, unless you want to go to an armadillo or meerkat session. It is open from 10am every day, closing at 3:30pm during the week and 4:30pm at weekends.

Wheelchair access is available at the Tropical Butterfly House

https://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/

Old Queens Head Pub

Best For: Groups, Couples

No trip to Sheffield would be complete without having a drink in The Old Queens Head - the oldest domestic building in Sheffield, dating back to 1475!

Stepping inside transports you back to the 15th Century, with low beams, flagged floors, and fireside tables.

Serving a range of cask ales including several from Thwaites Ales, you're guaranteed a great pint in atmospheric surroundings.

The Old Queens Head also has a full menu of pub food, including lunches from Monday to Friday, and Traditional Roast Dinners every Sunday. Check their Facebook page (link below) for prices.

The Old Queens Head opens at 11am every day, closing at 11:45pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 11:00pm on the other days.

Booking is not required, so make sure you get there early if you want a table!

https://www.facebook.com/theoldqueensheadsheffield/

Treasure Hunt Sheffield

Best For: Groups, Couples

If you're visiting Sheffield and want to have fun and make sure you see all the best bits, then Treasure Hunt Sheffield is for you.

Using maps and clues on your phone, you'll be guided on a carefully designed route around the city, spotting hidden details and solving tricky clues.

Along the way, you'll see local highlights like Kelham Island, The Peace Gardens, Sheffield Cathedral, The Town Hall and The Winter Garden. You'll need to spot the sort of details that most people miss, like The God of Metalworking.

Rest assured Pirate Captain Bess will be on hand with banter and some helpful clues if you get stuck.

Best of all you can play at your own pace, so if you find an area or a pub you like, you can take the time to enjoy it. You can start the Treasure Hunt whenever you like, but it's probably best to make sure you finish before sunset (it takes 2-3 hours without breaks). You won't be able to spot all of the clues in the dark!

Pre-booking is required.

https://treasurehuntsheffield.com/

Awesome Walls Sheffield

Best For: Experienced Climbers, Competitions, Groups

Awesome Walls Sheffield is the biggest climbing centre in Sheffield, with a combination of bouldering and giant rope climbing walls.

It is designated as a competition centre, and during our visit we were lucky enough to watch the best climbers in the country competing in the British Climbing Championships.

Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced climber, you and your friends can have a great time watching competitions or climbing here together.

There are taster sessions for new climbers (for 2 people) which involve an hour of instruction and harness hire, or you can specialise with a bouldering induction which includes 30 minutes of instruction (£27.50), or rope climbing induction for 60 minutes of instruction (£39). 

The two induction packages include climbing at the centre for the rest of the day!

With auto-belays, free Wi-Fi and hot and cold refreshments, there’s everything you need for a great day out climbing at Awesome Walls Sheffield.

The centre is open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm at weekends.

Experienced climbers can "pay as you go" for £12.50 (reductions for members, students and over 60s). Booking is not required for pay as you go, but taster or induction sessions and groups need to be pre-booked.

https://awesomewalls.co.uk/sheffield/

 

Cryptology Escape Rooms

Best For: Groups, Team Building, Adrenaline Junkies

Can you unscramble the clues, solve the fiendish puzzles and escape within the hour?

Your first challenge is to choose which of the three exciting themed rooms you want to try:

Set in Sheffield, "The Great Henderson's Heist" sees you trying to restore power to an abandoned factory in order to capture a special historic Sheffield treasure. You have an hour, but beware - the police are on to you! (2 to 5 players)

In "The Mysterious Case of Hugh Dunnit" you must solve the murder of Hugh Dunnit and bring his killer to justice. You only have an hour - but watch out - there's more to this case than meets the eye. (2 to 6 players)

Or choose "Afterlife" where you must die, escape the grave and then return to life or be doomed to wander the Afterlife for all eternity. (2 to 6 players)

All rooms will be an exciting challenge for adult groups - though there are no age restrictions if your group includes anyone younger (any under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).

Cryptology Escape Rooms are open every day, with Mon, Wed and Thursday classed as off-peak days and Fri, Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays and December classed as peak days. Prices start at £24 per adult off-peak and £26 per adult on peak days. The price per person reduces the more people you have in your team (up to 8 players).

You'll need to check availability for your chosen date and time on the Cryptology website - booking is essential.

All of the Cryptology games are on the first floor up a flight of stairs, so unfortunately it isn't accessible for wheelchair users.

https://cryptologyrooms.co.uk/sheffield

Laser Quest Sheffield

Best For: Groups, Adrenaline Junkies

All the fun of a computer game but with exciting, adrenaline-pumping real-world action, Laser Quest Sheffield is an awesome activity.

Play solo or in teams - each session is 20 minutes long, played in the atmospheric Laser Quest labyrinth with swirling fog, lights and music.

How many opposing players can you zap with your laser without getting zapped yourself?

While you're at Laser Quest why not try out the exciting 2-seat VR experience? (£5 per person). It combines virtual reality, motion, wind and audio to simulate a jetpack ride, rollercoaster, an aquapark and more.

20 minutes in the Laser Quest arena costs £7.50 per person, with a 20 minute Laser Quest/VR experience combined pass costing £10.50.

I'd recommend booking your Laser Quest / VR Experience, as it can get very busy especially at the weekends. Laser Quest is open every day: from 10am to 9pm at weekends and school holidays, and 3pm to 9pm term time weekdays.

https://lqsheffield.co.uk/

Lane7 Bowling

Best For: Small Groups and Big Groups!

10-pin bowling is always great fun, and Lane7 takes the experience to another level.

As well as bowling there's ping-pong with neon tables, darts, shuffleboard and more. There's even a selection of classic arcade machines.

Lane7 has an excellent bar (with their own range of signature cocktails and craft beers) and a range of great hot dogs and pizzas, so you definitely won't go hungry or thirsty.

All the ingredients for a great night out with friends or colleagues.

Lane7 is strictly over 18s only after 7 pm.

Prices start at £13 per person off-peak for bowling and a secondary game. Check the website for opening hours and further prices. Booking is advised, especially at peak times.

https://lane7.com/venue/sheffield/

A Night of Live Music

Best For: Music lovers, groups, couples

Sheffield has a thriving live music scene, with venues ranging from intimate pubs to major concert spaces.

Iconic spots like The Leadmill regularly host touring bands, club nights and themed events, making it a go-to for a lively night out.

Larger acts often perform at O2 Academy Sheffield, which attracts well-known UK and international artists throughout the year.

For something more relaxed, The Greystones offers a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality live performances in a smaller setting.

You can see what's coming up by browsing the venues' event listings: See upcoming gigs at The Leadmill, Browse shows at O2 Academy Sheffield, or Check live music listings at The Greystones to plan your night.

As you can see, there are lots of fun things for adults to do in Sheffield, so whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends, an after-work get-together or a stag or hen night, Sheffield has lots of great activities to choose from.

About the Author:

Quenton Fyfe is co-founder and editor of AboutBritain.com, launched in 1999. With over 25 years' experience researching, visiting and writing about destinations across Britain, he has travelled extensively to bring you exciting days out, relaxing short breaks and memorable holidays.