Crookes & Crookesmoor

The neighbourhoods of Crookes and Crookesmoor are quintessential student areas in Sheffield, particularly popular with those attending the University of Sheffield. They are adjacent to each other, located on the hills to the northwest of the city centre.

Area Guide: Crookes & Crookesmoor

📍 Location and University Proximity

These two areas sit on a hill, with Crookesmoor being the lower section, closest to the University, and Crookes being the higher section, extending along a main high street.

AreaProximity to UoS CampusNotes
CrookesmoorVery Close (10-15 min walk)Nestled directly between Crookes and the University campus, making it highly convenient for walking to lectures.
CrookesWalkable (20-30 min walk)A slightly longer walk, mostly downhill on the way to the university. It has a more separate, ‘village’ feel with its own main street.

🚌 Transport and The Hills

  • Buses: Crookes Road is a major bus route, with frequent services (e.g., the 52 and 52a) connecting the areas to the city centre, the university, and the main hospitals.
  • The Hills: A key characteristic of both areas is the steep terrain. Be prepared for a significant uphill walk when returning home from the university or city centre.

🏘️ Accommodation

Crookes and Crookesmoor are traditional student housing hubs, offering a slightly more affordable option than neighbouring Broomhill.

  • Type: Dominated by rows of classic, Victorian terraced houses converted into student shared accommodation (HMOs).
  • Size: You will find a huge range of properties, from 3-bedroom houses to very large houses for 7 or more students, ideal for groups in their second and third years.
  • Affordability: Generally considered more budget-friendly than Broomhill, making them a popular choice for cost-conscious students.

🍺 Pubs, Amenities & Local Vibe

Crookes and Crookesmoor have a strong community feel, combining a residential mix with lively student-focused hubs.

Crookes and Crookesmoor Favourites:

CategoryVenue/SpotDetail
Pubs (Crookesmoor)The Closed Shop / Hallamshire HouseTwo very popular, traditional student pubs located opposite each other on Commonside, known for real ales, student deals, and friendly atmospheres.
Pubs (Crookes)The Old Grindstone / The Punch BowlTraditional, well-loved pubs in the heart of Crookes, offering classic pub grub, live sports, and a great social atmosphere. The Old Grindstone is part of the True North Brew Co. and offers a student loyalty card (The Pledge) with discounts.
Independent SpotsThe Early BarA popular coffee bar and micro-pub in Crookes, great for a quieter study session or a casual drink.
The High StreetCrookes RoadThis is the main amenity strip in Crookes, featuring a good selection of supermarkets, takeaways (pizza, Chinese, fish & chips), convenience stores, and many charity shops for budget-friendly finds.

Shopping and Essentials:

  • The area is well-serviced by local supermarkets and independent grocers, meaning you rarely need to venture to the city centre for daily essentials.
  • There are plenty of takeaways and small, independent cafes scattered throughout both districts.

🏞️ Green Spaces and Views

Despite being dense residential areas, they offer access to great outdoor spaces.

  • Crookes Valley Park: Situated between Crookesmoor and the university, this park features a lake and is a lovely spot for a quick escape or a walk. The Dam House pub/restaurant is located here.
  • Bole Hill Park: Located at the top of Crookes, this park offers stunning, panoramic views across the entire city of Sheffield, making it a favourite spot for watching the sunset.
  • Weston Park: Easily walkable from Crookesmoor, offering green space and connecting to the University buildings and the city museum.

Why Choose Crookes & Crookesmoor?

These areas are perfect for students who want to be close to the University of Sheffield campus (especially Crookesmoor), prefer a traditional student house share, and appreciate a strong sense of community with plenty of local, independent pubs, cafes, and amenities. The slightly lower rents compared to Broomhill and the great local vibe make it a long-standing student favourite.