Kelham Island Museum
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Sheffield Hidden Gem: Kelham Island Museum ⚙️🏭
HannahHannah
350
This is a splendid museum of industry in Sheffield, a little off the beaten track (but Kelham Island is always worth a visit because of some fabulous pubs in the area, like The Fat Cat). Entry to the museum is free (donations welcome), and you can take photos for non-commercial use. I've visited this place several times over the past 9 years, but it's been quite a while since my last visit. Nothing seems to have changed: The many exhibits on steel production (which is the focus) and vehicles (on the first floor) are just as detailed and clear as I remembered them, with plenty of information about. You can see some of the machines in action - including a large turbine. You can even have a glimpse into the workshop where they restore those objects for exhibition. To the back you will also find a re-creation of a typical commercial alley in old-time Sheffield. The collection of vehicles from different centuries is rather small, but interesting. If you're at all interested in industrial production processes and machines of the 20th century, by all means pay the Kelham Island Musem a visit!
Thomas Müthing (theviolinproject.de)Thomas Müthing (theviolinproject.de)
00
Kelham Island Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Sheffield's industrial past. The museum is home to a number of exhibits, including a 12,000 horsepower steam engine that is still in working order. The engine is turned on twice a day and it is an extraordinary experience to see it in action. The museum is also home to a number of other exhibits, including a blacksmith's workshop, a cobbler's shop, and a Victorian kitchen. There is also a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history of Sheffield in a fun and engaging way. The museum is located in a beautiful setting on Kelham Island, which is a former industrial area that has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation and there is plenty of free parking available. I highly recommend visiting Kelham Island Museum if you are interested in learning about the history of Sheffield or if you are simply looking for a fun and educational day out.
Alireza MaldarAlireza Maldar
00
Great day out for all the family. Lots of interesting things to see and experience. If you want to read a lot of the boards then arrive early, there's a lot of them. We were lucky enough to have visited on a day where the last Little Mester (possibly), was working. He was in the process of making a knife handle I believe, amazing to see a man of almost 92 years of age working at such high level of skill. I would suggest at least 3 hours should be allowed for a good look round and would recommend arriving in time to see the River Don steam engine demonstration. It doesn't last too long but was good to see how it worked before it retired. There is a cafe which we didn't visit, toilets on site and a small gift shop area with reasonable prices. There is plenty of seating around the museum which is ideal for those who struggle to stand for long periods of time and lifts for wheelchairs and prams are available to the higher levels.
Lianne RowlandLianne Rowland
00
I really enjoyed this visit. Lots to see, full of interesting information and really enlightening on Sheffield's steel making past and the processes involved in making various different items. The highlight of the visit was seeing the River Don engine run, and it's a must if you visit. So often these exhibits are motionless 'preserved' relics, however at this museum they fire up this fabulous engine every few hours and it's an experience. So much power, so big. Its a huge engine with a crankshaft longer than my house and a 51 ton flywheel. Standing near it when they open it up is something you'll remember. There's a fair amount of parking at the museum, and an overflow behind the Fat Cat pub, about 100m away. We parked there and had a really tasty steak pie there for lunch.
Karl ThomasKarl Thomas
00
Small but beautifully formed, the Kelham Island Museum is free to enter and has a history of the world famous Sheffield steel industry from its start to its demise in the late 1970s. Wander around the examples of massive bombs to delicate cutlery sets which came out of the many steel workshops in this part of town. A highlight is the massive steam powered steel rolling press which is almost as big as a house and still works. Used to press armour plating for warships and shielding for nuclear reactors, they actually run it from Thursdays to Sunday, sadly we missed this monster running. On site is a nice tea room / restaurant and very clean loos, so a lovelty way to spend a couple of hours.
Simon PearceSimon Pearce
00
Nearby Attractions Of Kelham Island Museum
Sheffield Cathedral
The National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum
National Emergency Services Museum
Medieval Mayhem
The Foundry Climbing Centre
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St Marie's Cathedral
Crack The Code Escape Rooms Sheffield

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Nearby Restaurants Of Kelham Island Museum
Turtle Bay Sheffield
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Basic Info
Address
Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 114 272 2106
Call
Website
sheffieldmuseums.org.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.3K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
family friendly
attractions: Sheffield Cathedral, The National Videogame Museum, The National Videogame Museum, National Emergency Services Museum, Medieval Mayhem, The Foundry Climbing Centre, St Marie's Cathedral, Sheffield, The House Skate Park, St Marie's Cathedral, Crack The Code Escape Rooms Sheffield, restaurants: Turtle Bay Sheffield, The Banker's Draft, Cutlery Works, The Fat Cat, Riverside Kelham, The Bessemer, Slug & Lettuce - Sheffield, Church - Temple of Fun, Shakespeare's, Cubana Tapas Bar

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