A mere hop, skip and jump away from the city centre, Manor Lodge is one of Sheffield’s most incongruous buildings: a Tudor ruin, sitting next to a 20th-century residential estate. Built around 1516, the hunting lodge was once at the heart of a huge deer park and is best known as the place that imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in picturesque captivity in the 1570s and 80s. A lot has changed since Tudor times and these days, the 14-hectare site is home to a fun-packed and developing landscape that tells various stories of Sheffield.
Explore the ruins, take a tour, meet characters from the past and learn all about the site’s history at the discovery centre and the still intact turret house.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, enjoy the flower meadows and have a play in the giant sandpit and lavender labyrinth. Refuel at the delightful Rhubarb Shed Cafe or pick up a quick refreshment at the Discovery Centre.
Check Manor Lodge's events calendar for school holiday activities, guided history tours, battle reenactments, monthly Monday evening history lectures much more.
If you’re feeling intrepid after all that, set out from here on the Norfolk Heritage Trail into the city centre via Norfolk Heritage Park, the Cholera Monument, Park Hill and Sheffield Cathedral – through centuries' worth of Sheffield history.
Manor Lodge is free to enter. There's a small fee for crafts or guided tours.
- Words by
- Joanne Mateer
- Images by
- Will Roberts
- Featured in
- Sheffield for Tots
- 10 heritage highlights
