Many might know Sheffield for the comedy ‘The Full Monty’ but Sheffield has left behind the North-of-England-industrial-town stereotype behind to reinvent itself as a vibrant and happening place. Today’s Sheffield has nothing gray left about it and it has been officially declared the greenest city in Europe.
Sheffield is a perfect combination of urban and rural. Despite being England’s fourth largest city, approximately a third of the city lies in the Peak District National Park, which makes Sheffield the only city in England to include part of a national park within its boundary. Overall, Sheffield has 150 woodland spaces and 50 public parks, which combined with over 1,000 listed buildings, make the city a hot wedding destination.
Most of the parks and woodland are available for civil wedding ceremonies (For more information: www.sheffieldcity.co.uk). The Botanical gardens, the Peace gardens or the Winter garden are probably the three most famous ‘green attractions’ in the city centre, being the Botanical gardens probably the most popular wedding venue for couples looking for a unique setting to their big day.
Sheffield’s Botanical gardens cover 19 acres featuring plants from all over the globe and were first opened in 1836.
One of Sheffield’s 1,000 listed buildings, the Town Hall is another sought-after venue for civil wedding ceremonies in the city, since it is one of the most impressive buildings in Sheffield.
For those looking for a religious ceremony, Sheffield has two cathedrals: The Grade I Listed Anglican Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, the city centre’s only mediaeval building www.sheffield-cathedral.co.uk and the Gothic style St Marie’s Catholic cathedral www.stmariecathedral.org. There is also the Unitarian Upper Chapel www.upperchapel.org.uk
Entertainment for the wedding party and guests is well covered, as Sheffield’s music and arty scene is one of the ‘coolest’ in the country, maybe influenced by the student population of Sheffield’s two universities. The city also has the second biggest offer of theatre in England (after London, of course), as well as numerous art galleries and museums.
For those looking for a grand place to celebrate and/or stay, Whilowbrook Hall, just outside Sheffield city, (http://www.whirlowbrookhall.co.uk/home) also hosts civil wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Of course, the newest (and only boutique) luxury in Sheffield is the Leopold Hotel.
Formally the old boys’ grammar school, The Leopold Hotel in the heart of the city centre is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels portfolio and is housed in the beautiful grade II listed building that has been stunningly transformed into a 90-bedroom boutique hotel. Sympathetically blending old and new in a stylishly chic fashion, the hotel offers a range of bedrooms that include 14 mezzanine suites with double height ceilings as well as carefully restored original features.
The hotel has already garnered a fan club amongst the rich and famous, including Sepp Blatter President of FIFA, Jonny Nye of Nike, Sharon Osborne and Danni Minogue.
Weddings in the hotel are intimate and beautiful. The private dining rooms are perfectly laid out and reminiscent of old school days. The dark paneled walls, ornate fireplaces and outrageous flowered wall paper speak of champagne, fine dining and elegance. Up to 70 people may be catered for in the main private dining area and all that is needed is for the headmaster to give his speech.
The bedrooms are also luxurious and comfortable. With ‘must-have’ smellies and chocolates on the turned down pillows. Perfect for guests and lovers alike!
Leopold Hotel
Leopold Square, 2 Leopold Street, Sheffield, S1 2GZ
0114 252 4000
www.leopoldhotel.co.uk
[email protected]
