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Guided Tours

Thu 21 August - Sat 1 November 2025

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Discover more about the stories behind Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet in a guided tour led by our wonderful museum volunteers. 

 

What happened to Abbeydale Works after production stopped? How exactly does the water wheel power the huge tilt hammers? What was life like for the people who lived and worked here?

Delve deeper into the history of the Hamlet with our friendly volunteer guides. Each day when the museum is open, we’ll be running two 20-minute tours, at 11.30am and 2pm, subject to availability. There’s no need to pre-book – just speak to a member of staff to sign up on the day.

The tours cover different themes including:
•    Story of a Scythe from Start to Finish
•    Abbeydale After Industry
•    Journey of Water
•    Life of a Worker
•    How the Mechanics Work

You’ll see signage on entry explaining what the topic is for that day. 
Please be aware that tours are dependent on volunteers’ availability and weather conditions, and may be unable to run on some days.

 

This activity is part of Embrace Abbeydale, a programme of improvements generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to National Lottery players. Find out more about the project here

 

National Lottery Heritage Fund logo

 

 

Suggested donation £5 – Please donate if you're able and help keep your museums open and available for everyone to enjoy.

Free Entry | Please Donate £5

Opening Times

Thu–Sat 10am–4pm | Sun 11am–4pm

Closed Mondays including Bank Holidays

Joni, the Hamlet cafe, is open daily

***The All About Abbeydale displays are closed while we introduce a new welcome area at the Hamlet – we look forward to welcoming you to the new space when the redevelopment work is complete***

**There is currently no access to the Manager's House while we make improvements to the Hamlet***

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Abbeydale Road South

Sheffield

S7 2QW

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See Sheffield’s knife grinding history brought to life at Shepherd Wheel Workshop.

Experience the working waterwheel and machinery in action, see the tools of the trade and hear stories about the grinders who worked here over the centuries.

Find out more