Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE! 

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Sheffield is rich in architecture; the grade 1 listed Town Hall, the city's churches and cathedrals, its theatres, libraries, universities and public buildings all tell their own stories of how Sheffield grew to be an internationally famous city of makers. And there are also many hidden gems across the city which you can discover and explore this years for Heritage Open Days.

A gentle stroll for all the family, fun run or cycle to find out about some of the heritage treasures on your doorstep. A trail guide can be collected at the start at Broomhill Library which hides the Percy Cane Heritage Garden or be downloaded to your phone. Refreshments and places to sit or picnic are at each main venue. 

The library has steps to the main entrance and front garden. The rear garden has uneven ground but the gardens can be viewed in part from the street or driveway. Trail guides will be available from the entrance even when the library is closed. Access to the Sheffield Botanical Gardens will be during opening hours 8.00am- 7.45pm each day. Sheffield General Cemetery is open 24 hours. Facilities vary at each venue. 

This trail is best started at Broomhill Library and completed if time permits. Or it could be done in stages on different days to suit. There is plenty to explore at each main garden/park location. 

We will get into creative mode with lots of our finished with materials and use them to create a city of the future. Enjoy this and come again to work together with Lego Minecraft and make a whole new world to inspire the adults! 

This event is for school age children who are accompanied by an adult. You may bring younger children to the library but an adult will need to occupy them away from the main event but nearby in the Children's Library. If you book a place but are then unable to attend please contact the venue to release the place for someone else. 

Find out about the history of the garden from when it was created in the late 1920's to the present day. Chance to meet the garden team on the Wednesday and see the future plans. 

Our landscape architect Ollie Pike will be revealing more about his design solutions to take the garden into full use and open to the public once again at his talk on Thursday evening. 

Self Guided Tour times.  A self guided trail sheet will be available at the library entrance. 

Saturday 13 September: 10:00 - 13:00

Monday 15 September: 10:00 - 17:00

Tuesday 16 September: 10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday 17 September: 10:00 - 17:00. Guided tour at 11:00

Friday 19 September: 10:00 - 17:00

Saturday 20 September: 10:00 - 13:00

Accessibility details: Steps and uneven surface in some areas of the garden and steps with handrails to access the building. 

Broomhill no longer has a local history group, unlike other neighbouring districts such as Ranmoor, Fulwood, and Walkley. Broomhill has many places, people and stories of interest which deserve to be discovered and shared. How about a blue plaque to remember our famous resident, James Montgomery, at the Mount where he lived and died? Come along and be part of launching a new group.  

Description

Broomfield was the name given to the area we now think of as Glossop Road/St Mark's Crescent/Broomfield Road and part of Beech Hill Road. Broomfield started to develop after the Glossop (turnpike) Road was created which made accessibility easier, especially after the buses and trams came out here from the town centre. Houses here were designed for the up and coming middle classes, as evidenced by the new owners and residents. It was nearer to town than Endcliffe Crescent (begun late 1820s), but pre-dates the mansions of Ranmoor which came into being in the 1860s. Some of the original houses were demolished to make way for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and hospital accommodation, some are now part of the hotel and others are no longer in private ownership, but the buildings are still standing. We meet both English and German steel manufacturers, solicitors and those who helped to start the new St Mark's church. We also find out about St Mark's green - why is it there? 

Directions

Meet at the junction of Beech Hill Road and Glossop Road, on the pavement outside The Physios. This is opposite the Royal Hallamshire Hospital From town - 120 bus - get off at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Cross Glossop Road, turn left and walk along the pavement, go across Beech Hill Road and meet on the corner of Glossop Road/Beech Hill Road. 120 bus going into town, get off at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, walk back to the corner and cross Beech Hill Road. 51/52/52a bus from town - get off at the last stop on Whitham Rd before Crookes cross roads. Walk along Beech Hill Road (back towards town), round the right hand bend, down to Glossop Road and meet on the corner. Parking in the area is by meter and can be difficult to find. Please arrive in time so we can leave promptly at 13.30 

Accessibility

The walk does include crossing roads and also going part way up Beech Hill Road. Part of the walk is on an unmade road with some cobbles. Please do not bring any dogs. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the walk 

How can architectural and structural design help us secure the heritage of a building? This inspiring discussion will explore the challenges of conserving historic structures, approaches to making alterations, and the creative possibilities of blending contemporary and historical designs. Thread Architects bring a passion for enhancing heritage assets in the face of climate change while creating vibrant new spaces. Joining them is Lucy Newport, a Conservation Accredited Engineer with a Master’s in the Conservation of Historic Buildings and a scholarship from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Together, they will offer both practical insight and creative inspiration on how we can sustain our built heritage for generations to come. 

A well-known Sheffield artist, illustrator, and sculptor, Greg Harris, will share the stories behind his paintings of our city’s heritage landmarks. Having previously worked as a tour guide at Kelham Island Museum, Greg brings a deep knowledge of the history of Sheffield’s buildings and their stories. You may have already come across his work, which has been showcased in local museums and galleries. There will be time to view the artwork, chat with Greg about the stories behind them, and even purchase original pieces. Be sure to join us for a chance to experience artwork that captures the beauty of Sheffield’s historic buildings in new and memorable ways. 

In this illuminating talk, Ollie will share some of his latest projects that explore the relationship between landscape and heritage. These include the revival of the public gardens at Broomhill Community Library, previously designed by the eminent designer Percy Cane in the 1930s, and his work with the National Trust at Lyveden Manor, a vast 16th-century estate where careful interventions are improving visitor access and deepening the connection to the site’s history.

Ollie Pike is the founder of the Yorkshire-based Pike Studio and is recognised with multiple awards, including RHS Best in Show, RHS Young Designer of the Year Finalist 2023, and the RHS Environmental Innovation Award at RHS Tatton Park 2024. His work champions equal access to green spaces for all and the transformative and healing powers of nature. This talk will offer both inspiration and insight into how thoughtful design can keep our landscapes alive while celebrating their heritage, honouring the past while looking toward the future.