Heritage Open Days at Broomhill Community Library
September 11 - 20, 2026
The library will be closed on Monday, May 4, for the Bank Holiday. On Tuesday - Fun Drum at Baby and Toddler time 10:30, Crafty Kids Corner at 16:00
Heritage Open Days at Broomhill Community Library
September 11 - 20, 2026
Heritage Open Days at Broomhill Community Library
Broomhill Community Library is proud to once again participate in the Heritage Open Days festival. Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. and will offer a series of free events that support this year's theme of Everyday Histories.
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker - what did your ancestors do, and what was their daily life like? In September 2026, Heritage Open Days will explore stories of working lives, from learning a craft to establishing routines and cherished rituals. What will you discover in our factories, kitchens, dockyards, gardens and beyond?!
Add short paragraph about Sheffield Heritage Open Days when it's posted to replace/update the paragraph above. Link on this website
Programme of Events
Update with 2026 Poster. Put text of the schedule of events here as well.
Event Title
Date and Time
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Description of event.
Pre-booking not required OR Pre-booking preferred
If pre-booking is preferred: Please email activities@broomhill-library.org.uk or phone 0114 273 4276 leaving name, contact, and number of participants.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days websiteIfwith 2026 Poster. Put text of the schedule of events here as well.
Event Title
Date and Time
Replace image on the left with event poster.
Description of event.
Pre-booking not required OR Pre-booking preferred
If pre-booking is preferred: Please email activities@broomhill-library.org.uk or phone 0114 273 4276 leaving name, contact, and number of participants.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days websiteIfwith 2026 Poster. Put text of the schedule of events here as well.
Below are event listings from 2025 as a reference. They should be deleted before this webpage goes live.
Broomhill to General Cemetery - Three Gardens Treasure Trail
September 12 through 21 from 8:00 to 20:00
Self-guided trail starting at Broomhill’s Percy Cane Heritage Garden on to Sheffield Botanical Gardens ending at Sheffield General Cemetery. A journey to discover about the design, special features, stories of the gardens and buildings on the route.
Trail guides will be available from the entrance of the library even when the library is closed.
Pre-booking not required.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days website
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.
Family Fun and Creative Experience
Friday 12 September 16:00 - 17:30
Friday 19 September 16:00 - 17:30
A family event for school age children to make some imaginative structures with recycled materials and design a Minecraft world!
Pre-booking preferred. Maximum of 20 children in a group. Please email activities@broomhill-library.org.uk or phone 0114 273 4276 leaving name, contact, number of children.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days website
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.
Exploring the Hidden Garden
Multiple dates and times
A self-guided trail and treasure hunt for children will be available during the Heritage Open Days festival.
A guided tour of the Percy Cane Heritage Garden, led by garden historian Jill Sinclair, will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at 11:00. This is an opportunity to meet the garden team and learn about future plans for the garden.
Pre-booking not required.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days website
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.
Broomfield Local History Walk
Wednesday 17 September 13:30-14:45
We shall walk around Broomfield and find out about some of the early inhabitants of Broomhill - steel manufacturers, solicitors, St Mark's Church and the early Rutland Hotel. We'll meet at the junction of Beech Hill Road and Glossop Road, on the pavement outside The Physios. Please be prompt.
Pre-booking preferred. Maximum of 20 people in a group. Please email walks@broomhill-library.org.uk or phone 0114 273 4276 leaving name and contact information. You can also register for free at Eventbrite HERE beginning August 21.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days website
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
Iconic & Bygone Illustrations of Sheffield
Thursday 18 September 10:30 - 12:00
Discover Sheffield’s heritage through the eyes of local artist Greg Harris. Enjoy an exhibition, an engaging talk, and a chance to buy original pieces that celebrate Sheffield’s iconic architectural landmarks, past and present.
Pre-booking not required.
Read the event listing on the Sheffield Heritage Open Days website
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.