Sheffield is a city packed with character, with unexpected finds often just around the corner. If you are booking accommodation in Sheffield this summer and looking for a day out with a difference, here are a couple of fun suggestions.
The National Emergency Services Museum
Sheffield is home to the world’s largest combined National Emergency Services Museum…now that sounds like a fascinating place to visit for fans of historic vehicles. It’s located in the West Bar area of the city, one of the first purpose-built combined police, fire, and ambulance stations in Yorkshire, constructed in 1898.
The elegant red brick building houses over 40 vintage emergency response vehicles, including horse-drawn fire engines and ambulances. The museum uses sights and sounds to take you back to the days of Victorian city smog and dastardly deeds, and you can learn how bobbies used to take on thieves and murderers of the day.
There’s also a new exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of HM Coastguard featuring rarely seen items, and telling the story of the people who dedicated their lives to making the seas a safer place to navigate. It’s a family-friendly museum and kids under three go free.
The National Videogame Museum
If you have kids who are somewhat reluctant to take an interest in cultural activities, then The National Videogame Museum might just tempt them out of their bedrooms…It’s the UK’s only museum dedicated exclusively to videogames.
It features playable exhibits including vintage arcade games and present day high tech consoles. Revisit childhood favourites such as Donkey Kong, and take part in fun group games for a team bonding session. The museum is open every day during the school holidays, with extra drop-in games design workshops.
