The 10 Best Things About Living Around Ecclesall Road

About the author: My name is Lucie Waring, I'm 20 years old and a 3rd year BA Digital Media and Society student at the University of Sheffield, though I'm currently on a placement year. I am originally from York, but I'm now going into my third year living in Sheffield – so I'm therefore now a self-proclaimed expert on Sheffield student life, from the best coffee shops and parks to the nightlife. While at university I am a member of many societies that I love to attend with friends and partake in fun social events!

When it comes to Sheffield student housing, Ecclesall Road is one of the most popular places to live (especially amongst Sheffield Hallam University students, thanks to the close proximity of SHU's Collegiate campus). But what exactly is it that makes Ecclesall Road so special? Let me guide you through the ten best things about living in student accommodation near Ecclesall Road.

1. Endcliffe Park 🌳

Runners, walkers, or just those in need of reconnecting with nature: this is for you. Endcliffe Park is situated just off Ecclesall Road, with winding paths and tree-tunnel enclosed routes to help you wander and escape from your uni work. This park is perfect for sunbathing during the sunnier months, too, and is filled with running routes to help you keep up your New Year fitness goals.

Eager to get outdoors and explore more parks in 2026? Check out my unofficial ranking of Sheffield's parks here.

2. Pom Kitchen 🍽️

Bored of your plain americanos and flat whites? Head to the famous Pom Kitchen for a speciality matcha or latte, where creativity is their biggest selling point. They even have seasonal specials, from summer berry concoctions to festive sugar cookie creations. You are bound to find a drink to uplift your spirits and treat your tastebuds.

3. 272 High Peak bus to Castleton, Peak District 🚍

From Ecclesall Road you can also catch the 272 High Peak bus route to Castleton for a day in the Peak District. Departing from Ecclesall Road three times a day, and taking you all the way to the small town of Castleton in the heart of the Peaks, you can find walks, cafés, and local pubs, and escape from the bustling city to some England's best walking routes.

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4. Urban Pitta 🌯

Fast becoming a staple Sheffield vendor, opening shops all around the city, is Urban Pitta. A healthy take on fast food, they serve fresh wraps for you to take to Endcliffe Park for a picnic. With an overwhelming selection of fresh meats, salads, and sauces to choose from, the options are endless and guaranteed to satisfy your lunchtime cravings.

5. Sheffield Makers 💡

Searching for Sheffield-specific memorabilia? Sheffield Makers is an independent retailer selling crafts and arts made by local Sheffield makers and sellers. Perfect for finding gifts or something original to the city, you will find prints, paintings, games, pottery, toiletries, candles, cards... anything and everything that has been made in Sheffield.

6. Made Matcha Bar 🍵

A newly opened but already viral phenomenon, Made Matcha Bar has rapidly grown its following on TikTok, building its portfolio of adventurous matcha flavours all while gaining a growing community travelling to try them. Specialising in professionally-made matcha, it offers hot, iced, and flavoured – anything to push the boundaries of the drink.

7. Botanical Gardens 🌸

Technically situated in Broomhall (though still accessible via Ecclesall Road), the Botanical Gardens are smaller than Endcliffe Park but are filled with exotic plants and hidden nooks to explore. Take yourself for a scenic walk around the gardens and attempt to spot as many different plants in the greenhouses, but prepare for various run-ins with the resident squirrels who dominate the grounds.

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8. Bagels Inc 🥯

Another TikTok highlight is Bagels Inc, renowned for their New York-style bagels with savoury and sweet fillings to cure any craving. That being said, they have recently amassed a following for their famous iced-coffee cans, which is a much cooler cup than your regular takeaway coffee, and perfect for a post on the Instagram or a pre-lecture caffeine pick me up.

If you're looking for more Instagram-worthy opportunities, my blog post on the ten most Instagrammable spots in Sheffield is a great place to get inspiration.

9. The Array of Charity Shops 🛍️

In search of a funky social outfit or a new lecture launch? Ecclesall Road is filled with various charity and vintage shops to scout out your new style and at student friendly prices. Start at the Banner Cross Age UK and make your way down Ecclesall Road towards town, hitting Oxfam, St Luke's, Age UK, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, and the Sheffield Cats Shelter Charity Shop along the way.

10. Made by Jonty ☕

Local brunch destination Made by Jonty has also earned its spot on the top 10 best things around Ecclesall Road, serving up fresh coffee to fix you up after a heavy student night out and breakfast burritos to revive your before your day of lectures.  Tried and tested – their breakfast burritos are a favourite of mine. This sunny café is hard to miss, with its bright yellow exterior standing out on Sharrow Vale Road just off of Ecclesall Road.

Special mention: The Nursery Tavern 🍻

You can’t mention Ecclesall Road and not think of the infamous Nursery Tavern, better known as ‘Tav’. It's a Hallam student favourite, especially for a pint in the sun in their beer garden or for a Wednesday night-social meeting ground to get a few drinks in before heading to the city centre.

Want more info on student life around Ecclesall Road? Check out my in-depth guide including the local student housing market here.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.