Shepherd Wheel
📍 Whiteley Woods, Off Hangingwater Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 2YE
About Shepherd Wheel
Description
Shepherd Wheel was one of many small water-powered grinding workshops along Sheffield's rivers and is the earliest complete example of this industry, with evidence dating it back to the 1500s.
In this workshop, in dark, damp conditions, skilled grinders produced fine, sharp cutting edges. It was not until the 1930s that grinding ceased and the Wheel's pivotal role in Sheffield's cutlery industry ended. See the restored working waterwheel and machinery in action along with the tools of the trade for cutlery grinding and hear stories about the grinders who worked here over the centuries at this Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Opening Times
Open Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 10am–4pm
(Open 11am–3pm, Nov-Mar)
Prices
| Type | Price |
| Ticket | Free general admission |
Facilities
-
Indoor
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Outdoor
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Location
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📍 Whiteley Woods, Off Hangingwater Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 2YE
from 202 reviews
Google Reviews
Reviews from Google Maps.
Showing 5 of 202 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Very informative and passionate volunteers. We have walked past many times in the week and were lucky to be able to visit at the weekend when it was open. The ‘tour’ started when one of the volunteers shouted over to my son to ask him if he was the apprentice that had been sent. This immediately made us feel more at ease as I have wanted to visit, but was a little put off as it seemed busy. What followed was a visit to the building itself and a very informative talk about its history. There is an option to donate but you don’t feel under pressure. Both cash and cashless. Well worth a visit.
Working water mill used to sharpen Sheffield cutlery. Very informative volunteers. Check opening hours before you visit.
What a great initiative! The volunteers are really friendly & well informed, the signboards are excellent & it's just a beautiful place. I learnt so much & had not appreciated how difficult the life of a knife grinder was
Nice little place to visit with a very pleasant informative lady on hand to answer questions. Bit of a mystery to find to start with the car but if you park on Westwood way then you can walk through the gate and by the side of the river straight to it.
Brill experience - really informative volunteer & in the recorded tapes too. So glad this national treasure was save, restored & maintained for future generations to honor and learn from our past :))