Where to stop close to Sheffield before we can check into hotel?

[EmeraldDreams73]

I'd love some advice from anyone familiar with Sheffield please!

I'm driving from Devon to Sheffield this weekend. Driving up on Saturday, but don't want to get to the hotel until at least 4-5pm because of parking restrictions (hoping to just pay for 24 hours)

I realise we may get stuck on the motorway and not arrive till midnight...but if all goes to plan, where's good and not too stressful traffic wise to kill a bit of time in the afternoon? Retail park/pub with large car park/nice service station on the south or east side of Sheffield ideally.

I'm shitting myself about the drive tbh so want to feel prepared somehow! Google isn't helping.

My (old) car died last week, so we've got another (old banger) - this will be my first long drive in it. I don't trust cars, had a bad run of unexpected bills lately and am very skint and just worried about not getting there at all/losing the hotel ££/etc. Plus got to take exh with us (thankfully he's staying elsewhere) and he can't share the driving - well, he drives like a twat so I've said no!

Thanks in advance 🤗

Thanks so much everyone! Made it to the hotel, parked up and just about to head into town to explore.

Enjoy your visit (despite the wind).

Oo! Hope you had a lovely day! Xxx

Just got back to Devon! We had a great weekend - explored the city yesterday, (got food at Cambridge St Collective!), found all the buildings we needed and got our bearings. Found Primark for dd!

Today's open day was fab, dd definitely wants to go there and is weighing up which course. The car made it too! 🥳Thank you all again for your advice x

Eta: exh wasn't toooo bad either. I'm proud of us both for coping with him. Very glad to be home!

Good luck to her, she'll love it 😊

But it's so gorgeous at Chatsworth, and beautifully maintained - worth every penny, and much nicer than hanging around a shopping centre!

Dog and Partridge pub in Flouch is excellent. That is A628 Woodhead Pass about 14 miles from Sheffield but you need to check the pass is not closed and that you can do it without adding too much time/mileage on, but the menu is gorgeous especially the pie and portions are generous.

Sorry. D'oh. Far too late. Glad you had a nice time x

Yes it is gorgeous.

And stuffed full of beautiful old masters. I’ve seen a Tintoretto in there. Worth millions of millions. And that’s just one of the many.

Yet the staff are on minimum wage.

And£7.59 for parking is outrageous.

You can get a yearly ticket. I think it allows for 2 weekends off. So that’s also outrageous.

l think they are making money everywhere whilst fleecing their employees and visitors.

So pleased it worked out for you @EmeraldDreams73 and your daughter gets to go there.

It's also a long way out of the way from Sheffield.

That's great news OP

Glad you had a good time! I had the time of my life studying there, it’s an amazing city 😍

If your DD does choose Sheffield there’s a good Facebook group for parents (Sheffield Uni Parents and Guardians). My DD has just started her second year there and loves it. Sheffield is a great city and I love when I get to visit her. Glad your DD enjoyed the open day.