10 best day trips from Sheffield by train

Sheffield’s location within easy reach of many of northern England’s cities and both the east and west coasts makes it a fantastic base for exploring further afield. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover or looking for some retail therapy, hop aboard the train at Sheffield and in as little as 25 minutes, you could be making the most of your day trip destination.

Sheffield’s city centre station offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the North of England without the hassle of motorways, parking and traffic jams. Better yet, with Trip.com, it’s easy to book your tickets in a flash.

In this guide, we’ve gathered together ten of the best day trips from Sheffield by train, including options for a big city day out, to soak up some history and culture or a seaside escape. Check out our suggestions for your next day trip below.

Best historical day trips from Sheffield

York

Shambles

The walled city of York was once known as Eboracum during its time under the Romans. Nowadays with shops, museums and historical landmarks lining its picturesque streets, York has everything you need for a fun-filled day out.

Get your bearings with a walk along the remarkably intact Roman walls, then take a wander through the windy cobbled streets known as the Shambles. Here you’ll find cute gift shops, quaint cafes and plenty of Harry Potter fans – the medieval area is thought to have been a source of inspiration for J K Rowling’s Diagon Alley. Be sure to stop in for a drink at one of the Shambles’ unique pubs.

York is also home to a huge variety of museums and it’s well worth including one or two in your day’s itinerary. The National Railway Museum with its vast array of train carriages is popular with families, or stop in at the JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s Viking heritage. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of York’s top attractions, York Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral famed for its architecture, including impressive stained glass windows.  

The journey from Sheffield to York can take as little as 45 minutes by direct train, meaning plenty of time to explore York’s many attractions.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Lincoln

Lincoln Cathedral

The charming historic city of Lincoln dates back to Roman times and its compact size within easy reach of Sheffield makes for a great day out. For a real sense of going back in time, take a wander through Lincoln’s historic quarter and up aptly named Steep Hill. This picturesque area is packed with quaint tearooms and independent shops, perfect for a stop as you make your way to the top.

Among Lincoln’s most well-known features is its impressive Gothic cathedral, which is visually stunning both inside and out. At one stage it was the tallest building in the world, and it still stands prominently dominating the city’s skyline.

History buffs won’t want to miss Lincoln Castle, home to one of the few remaining original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta as well as a Victorian prison and medieval walls. You can also enjoy even more historical landmarks by exploring the Roman Trail around the city.

The regular train service connecting the two cities makes Lincoln an excellent choice for a historic day trip from Sheffield, with direct trains taking less than an hour and half.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Durham

Prebends' Bridge

The River Wear winds its way through historic Durham’s compact city centre, enhancing the already impressive architecture on display and making for a lovely stroll as part of your day out here. Arriving from the train station, you’ll quickly be greeted by delightful views over to magnificent Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, which are jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Durham Cathedral dates back to the 11^th century, attracting visitors for its beauty and religious history (it’s home of the shrine of St Cuthbert) as well as for its appearance in two of the Harry Potter films. The city is also well known for its first-rate university, which counts Durham Castle among its buildings.

If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy, don’t miss Market Place, an indoor market selling a variety of wares. This pretty city also boasts plenty of cafes and restaurants, many of which feature riverside views.  

The train journey from Sheffield to Durham can take as little as 1.5 hours with up to 46 services running per day.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Nottingham

Wollaton Hall

When you think about a visit to Nottingham, your first thought might be Robin Hood, but we think there’s plenty more to discover beyond the famous legend of a valiant outlaw. This Midlands city is home to numerous historic landmarks including the Lace Market, once the bustling hub of lace production for the British Empire, whose redbrick buildings are now home to a variety of shops and restaurants.

Among the other prominent historic buildings is Nottingham Castle. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, the imposing building is home to intriguing exhibitions and an adventure playground. Discover more of the city’s history at the National Justice Museum, where the interactive activities explore crime and punishment through the Georgian, Victorian and Medieval periods.

One of Nottingham’s most surprising attractions is the City of Caves, part of the vast network of over 800 caves which lie below the city’s streets. The city also boasts a vibrant shopping scene, art galleries and award-winning cafes and restaurants.

Accessible in as little as 47 minutes from Sheffield by train, Nottingham makes for an excellent day trip, whether you’re on the lookout for Robin Hood or just want to enjoy a spot of lunch and a top-quality museum.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Best ‘big city’ day trips from Sheffield

Manchester

One of England’s largest cities, Manchester is a vibrant hub for shopping, art, history and of course, football. On a wander through the city’s historic centre, you can see the famous City Hall building on Albert Square, the beautiful cathedral and the impressive John Rylands Library.

Art enthusiasts will love a trip to the Manchester Art Gallery, where there are superb collections of fine art and decorative objects. Meanwhile if you’re interested in Manchester’s industrial heritage, be sure to stop by the Science and Industry Museum with its engaging exhibits including steam-powered engines.

Home to two premier league teams, Manchester is a top destination for football fans with stadium tours available at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. There’s also the National Football Museum, which is packed with interactive exhibits and conveniently located in the city centre. If a spot of retail therapy is on your agenda after all that football tourism, you won’t be disappointed on a trip to Manchester, with its excellent range of shops and restaurants.

Trains from Sheffield to Manchester run at least every half an hour making it a quick and convenient option for an attraction-packed day trip.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Liverpool

Home of one of the most iconic British bands of all time, the Beatles, the lovely city of Liverpool offers plenty for music fans, history enthusiasts and culture lovers. Take a stroll along the River Mersey and discover Europe’s first skyscraper, the Royal Liver Building, and the Royal Albert Dock.

When it comes to museums, Liverpool has something for everyone from the Tate Liverpool for modern art enthusiasts to the Beatles Story Museum, a must-visit destination for music lovers. There’s even more Beatles-themed options available including dedicated tours, the Liverpool Beatles Museum and the Cavern Club, where the band played many a gig in the 1960s.

As you wander the city enjoying its many attractions including the imposing sandstone cathedral and magnificent waterside architecture, be sure to look out for the numerous statues of famous Scousers from John Lennon to Cilla Black.

The direct route from Sheffield to Liverpool takes around 1 hour and 44 minutes, with trains running approximately every half hour, making a visit to see the home of the Beatles a great day trip option from Sheffield.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Leeds

Set in the heart of Yorkshire, Leeds offers excellent shopping, great café culture and interesting attractions on a day trip from Sheffield by train. One of the notable features of Leeds are its numerous shopping arcades and centres. From major high-street retailers to small, independent boutiques, we think this is a top shopping destination.

The Royal Armouries Museum features five floors of intriguing and engaging exhibitions of arms and armour. This waterfront museum located at Leeds Dock is particularly popular with families with live shows and demonstrations bringing the collection to life.

Other points of interest in Leeds include the remarkably intact 12^th century Kirkstall Abbey, the captivating sculptures of the Henry Moore Institute and impressive collection of 20^th century British art at the Leeds Art Gallery. Meanwhile if you’re looking for evening entertainment before you head back to Sheffield, Leeds is home to several top-class theatres and music venues.

As one of Sheffield’s closest neighbouring cities, Leeds is just a quick and convenient train journey away with journey times taking as little as 40 minutes.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Best nature and seaside day trips from Sheffield

Skegness

Skegness is one of our top picks for seaside day trips from Sheffield. Affectionately known by locals as ‘Skeggy’, this friendly town on the Lincolnshire coast is a perfect spot for some fun and relaxation. Grab an ice cream as you stroll along the pier, which dates back more than 100 years.

There’s plenty of family fun to be had at the arcades which line the seafront, meanwhile you’ll find a choice of fairground rides at Skegness Pleasure Beach.  After all, what could feel more like a day out at an English seaside resort than a Ferris wheel overlooking the coast?

Just beyond the beach, the attractions continue with Skegness Aquarium and the popular boating lake, so why not spend the afternoon relaxing on the water on a pedalo? Of course a trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without fish and chips on the golden sands of Skegness’s beach, which has been awarded the highly coveted Blue Flag.

The journey by train for day trips to Skegness from Sheffield takes just under 3 hours, with hourly departures making it easy to head to the east coast for fish and chips, traditional amusements and hopefully some sunshine.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

The Peak District

Winnats Pass

Famed for its dramatic natural beauty, the Peak District is a jewel of the British countryside and just a short trip from Sheffield city centre. The main attraction of this magnificent area is its stunning walking routes. A popular hike for those visiting for the day is to climb Mam Tor from either Edale or Hope (both boasting train stations with regular services to Sheffield). On reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys.

Another enjoyable option is to visit the charming village of Castleton and the nearby ruins of Peveril Castle. Wherever you choose to explore, you can be sure of a cosy pub and a warm welcome nearby, making the Peak District an unmissable day trip from Sheffield by train.

The journey from Sheffield to Hope or Edale takes you along the Hope Valley Line out of the city and through picturesque countryside. The outstanding scenery of the Peak District is surprisingly accessible with the hourly train service taking around half an hour.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Blackpool

Blackpool Tower

Head to the west coast and enjoy another of our top suggestions for seaside day trips from Sheffield with a visit to fun-loving Blackpool. You could easily walk for miles along the Promenade admiring the golden beaches and the Irish sea beyond. As you stroll, be sure to explore one of Blackpool’s three piers, complete with traditional funfair rides and arcade games.

There’s even more family fun to be had at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with its range of thrilling theme park rides and attractions. No trip to Blackpool is complete without a visit to the iconic Blackpool Tower. At the top you’ll find the Blackpool Tower Eye and the gravity-defying SkyWalk, while back at ground level you can admire the splendid Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a perfect spot for afternoon tea.

As night falls, in the autumn Blackpool comes to life with its famous Illuminations. There are also a huge variety of restaurants and entertainment options, including theatre shows, tribute bands and comedy gigs.

Accessible in less than 2.5 hours with trains running around every half hour, it’s no wonder that day trips to the Blackpool Illuminations from Sheffield are a popular option, alongside Blackpool’s numerous other attractions.

 *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

As you can see, whether you’re looking for a day at the seaside, big city buzz, or historical charm, there are so many options for day trips from Sheffield by train. For best prices, be sure to book your train tickets in advance and check out Trip.com’s travel guides for top tips for your visit.

As with anywhere in the UK, it’s well worth checking the weather before you travel so you’re prepared come rain or shine.  All that’s left is to jump aboard a train at Sheffield, enjoy the comfortable journey and scenic views and before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a vibrant city, coastal resort or breathtaking scenery.