Sheffield, England's fourth-largest city, is famous for its dramatic topography. Sitting at an average of 114 meters (374 ft) above sea level, the city is built across seven hills – earning the nickname 'The City of Seven Hills' – with deep river valleys cutting through the landscape.
Key Facts at a Glance
| City centre elevation | 114 m |
|---|---|
| Lowest point (river valleys) | 40 m |
| Highest point (Peak District edge) | ~450 m |
| Coordinates | 53.3811° N, 1.4701° W |
| Country / Region | South Yorkshire, UK |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| City Centre / Fargate | 100–130 m |
| Ecclesall Road / Broomhill | 150–200 m |
| Hillsborough (NW) | 100–160 m |
| Walkley / Crookes | 150–200 m |
| Woodseats / Norton | 150–200 m |
| Rivelin Valley | 80–120 m |
Compare: Sheffield and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Leeds | 41 m |
| Manchester | 38 m |
| Birmingham | 150 m |
| Derby | 50 m |
Interesting Facts About Sheffield's Elevation
- Sheffield is uniquely positioned between the Peak District National Park and the Yorkshire plains – the city edge literally touches national park land to the west.
- Sheffield's five rivers (Don, Sheaf, Rivelin, Loxley, Porter) carve deep valleys through the city, explaining its hilly terrain.
- Sheffield University's Arts Tower, one of the tallest buildings outside London, sits at about 140 m on a hillside overlooking the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Sheffield
What is the elevation of Sheffield?
Sheffield city centre sits at approximately 114 metres (374 feet) above sea level. The city spans a wide elevation range, from about 40 m in the Don Valley to over 400 m at the Peak District boundary.
Why is Sheffield so hilly?
Sheffield's hills were created by the erosion of rivers cutting through the Millstone Grit plateau. Five rivers drain the moorlands of the Peak District and carve deep valleys through what is now the city.
Is Sheffield in the Peak District?
Sheffield borders the Peak District National Park but the city itself is not within the park boundary. The western suburbs of Sheffield, however, are within 2–3 km of the park edge.