Bishops' House, Sheffield
Step into Sheffield’s past at this charming 16th-century timber-framed farmhouse, now a volunteer-run museum in Meersbrook Park.
Tucked into the southern edge of Meersbrook Park, Bishops' House is a beautifully preserved 16th-century timber-framed farmhouse, one of Sheffield’s oldest surviving buildings. Built in 1554 during the reign of Mary Tudor, it now operates as a charming local history museum, furnished to reflect life in the 16th and 17th centuries. Managed by volunteers, the house hosts regular events, exhibitions, and community activities, offering a quiet, authentic glimpse into Sheffield’s pre-industrial past.
A brief summary to Bishops' House
- Norton Lees Ln, Sheffield, Meersbrook, S8 9BE, GB
- +441142557701
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekend when the house is open to the public; check the museum’s website for special events, seasonal openings, and any changes to hours.
- Take time to explore Meersbrook Park before or after your visit; the house sits at the southern edge, making it easy to combine history with a pleasant walk.
- Look for carved initials and historic details in the woodwork and plaster; these small touches bring centuries of stories to life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
From Sheffield city centre, take a bus towards Norton or Meersbrook; alight near Meersbrook Park and follow the paths to the southern edge where Bishops’ House stands. Journey time is around 20–30 minutes depending on the route and traffic.
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Walking
From central Sheffield, a steady walk of about 30–45 minutes leads through residential streets and into Meersbrook Park; the house is clearly visible at the park’s southern tip, with paths suitable for most walkers.
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Car
Drive to Meersbrook Park via Norton Lees Lane; limited on-street parking is available nearby, but spaces can be tight on weekends and during events. The house is a short walk from the main park entrance.
Bishops' House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Bishops' House
A Tudor Time Capsule in the City
Standing quietly at the southern tip of Meersbrook Park, Bishops’ House is a rare survivor from Sheffield’s pre-industrial era. Built in 1554 during the short, turbulent reign of Mary Tudor, this half-timbered farmhouse is one of only a handful of surviving oak-framed houses in the city. Its exposed beams, wattle-and-daub walls, and steeply pitched roof speak of a time when this was a working yeoman’s farm, surrounded by fields rather than parkland. The house’s name comes from the local Blythe family, two of whose members became bishops around the same period, though there is no firm evidence they ever lived here.From Farmstead to Museum
The land on which the house stands was held by the Blythe family from the late 14th century until the 18th century. The first documented resident was William Blythe, a farmer and scythe manufacturer, recorded here in 1627. Over the centuries, the house passed through several hands, was subdivided into two dwellings, and later served as a home for Sheffield Corporation recreation department staff after the city acquired it in 1886. After extensive renovation, it opened as a museum in 1976, preserving its historic fabric while interpreting life in Tudor and Stuart Sheffield.Life Inside the Old House
Today, Bishops’ House is furnished to evoke the 16th and 17th centuries, with two rooms decorated in Jacobean style and displays on domestic life, local trades, and the wider history of Sheffield. Look closely and you’ll find carved initials in the panelling, remnants of plasterwork that may have come from the demolished Sheffield Castle, and details that hint at centuries of everyday life. The house is a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical significance, and continues to be curated in partnership with Museums Sheffield, even as day-to-day public opening is managed by the volunteer-run Friends of Bishops’ House.A Living Community Space
Beyond its role as a historic house museum, Bishops’ House is very much a living part of the local community. Regular events, from craft workshops and storytelling sessions to seasonal celebrations and live music, bring the house to life in new ways. The surrounding parkland provides a peaceful green setting, making it a pleasant destination for a gentle stroll followed by a step back in time. Whether you’re drawn by architectural history, local heritage, or simply the charm of an old timber-framed building, Bishops’ House offers a quiet, thoughtful experience away from the city’s modern bustle.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Lost & Found Sheffield
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Sheffield War Memorial
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Green Police Box
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The Museum
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The Endcliffe Campus
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Arts Tower
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Weston Park
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Godfrey Sykes Memorial
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Victoria Quays
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Crucible Stack
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Kelham Central
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Steel City Chapel Ltd
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Unmissable attractions to see
Meersbrook Park
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Sheffield Antiques Emporium
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Sheffield Antiques Centre Ltd
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Heeley People's Park
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Graves Park Animal Farm
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Graves Park
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Chelsea Park
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The Camel's Hump [Winter & Summer Sledging]
2.2 km
Sheffield’s beloved hill offering thrilling sledging adventures all year round amidst natural surroundings close to the city.
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Norfolk Heritage Park
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The Well Sheffield
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The Beer House
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Atkinsons Department Store
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Sheffield Makers Hunters Bar
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Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood
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Beauchief Abbey
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Essential places to dine
Plesters
1.0 km
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La Mama Latin Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.3 km
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Rossi's Italian Restaurant
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Akentannos
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Italian Kitchen
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Uncle Sams Diner
2.6 km
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Maranello's Sheffield
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Koko Restaurant
2.6 km
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El Paso
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Zaap Thai Street Food Sheffield
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Nonna's Sheffield
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Bella Donna Sicilian Restaurant
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The Cabin
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Mowgli Street Food Sheffield
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La Luna Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Airy Fairy
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Spirals
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Oliver Bonas
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Mookau
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Sister
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Trove
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The Famous Sheffield Shop
2.6 km
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Cocoa Wonderland
2.6 km
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SAYPALOMA
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The Works
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kettle Black
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The Portland House Bar
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Monk Bar
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The Harritt wine bar
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The Dark Horse Bar
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Wildcard Bar and Grill
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BrewDog Sheffield
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Frog & Parrot
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
