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    Location

    Welcome to Leek

    Known as the 'Queen of the Staffordshire Moorlands', Leek is a former textile town with a long and fascinating history.

    Things to do in Leek in the Peak District & Derbyshire

    Clustered around a stone-cobbled market square, Leek's well-preserved architecture and historical links with the Napoleonic Wars and the Arts and Crafts movement make it a popular destination for an interesting town walk.

    Highlights include buildings associated with writer, artist and designer William Morris, who came to Leek to study dyeing and printing techniques in the 1870s, plus stained glass designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones in the Parish Church of St Edward the Confessor.

    Close by is the area known as 'Petty France', where former French prisoners of war brought to the town in the early 19th century lived and were later buried in the parish graveyard.

    The unspoilt town centre offers a refreshing alternative to from modern shopping malls and has a wealth of independent shops, including former silk mills housing antique and reproduction pine centres, as well as traditional and contemporary furnishings.

    Delicious local produce can be found in abundance at traditional butchers, bakers, greengrocers, delicatessens and cafes. Leek is also home to speciality producers of condiments, confectionery, preserves, wine, whisky, craft beers and the traditional Staffordshire oatcake.

    Traditional markets abound, both indoors in the beautifully restored Victorian Butter Market and outdoors in the Market Place, offering everything from general goods, antiques and collectables to fine foods and special 'Totally Locally' Sunday markets. And when it comes to wining and dining, you can choose from a tempting selection of cafés, real ale pubs and restaurants.

    Further afield, you'll find the unique, tooth-like rock formations of The Roaches, Rudyard Lake with its picturesque setting and narrow gauge railway and Tittesworth Water, a popular and accessible attraction for visitors of all ages. Or catch up on industrial history at Brindley's Mill and Cheddleton Flint Mill.

    In The Area

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    Featured

    Business

    Peak Wildlife Park

    Set on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak District; Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience.


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    The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery

    The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Nicholson Institute, a spectacular grade II* Listed building. Built in 1884 as a library, museum…


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    Brough Park Leisure Centre

    A multi-purpose fitness facilitiy with an 80+ station gym and 25m swimming pool.


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    Steam Train Dining Experiences at Churnet Valley…

    Here at the Churnet Valley Railway we offer a wide choice of dining experiences for two onboard our luxury steam hauled dining trains.


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    Pipistrelle Rides

    Gravel, road or mountain biking with expert guides/coaches Jen & Alex. Go further and experience even more with our high spec gravel e-bikes.


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    Quarry House

    A detached 2 bedroom self catering cottage with pretty garden and lawns. Dog friendly.


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    Lane Head Barns

    There are two luxury cottages at Lane Head Barns. One is accessible and sleeps 10, the other is a romantic hideaway for two. Both have been converted…


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    Sunday Supplement Makers Market Leek

    On the 1st Sunday of each month (except January), it's the Totally Locally Leek - Makers Market; a fantastic range of craft and food stalls with live…


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    Leek Camping and Caravanning Club Site

    In the Staffordshire Moorlands, our Club Site at Leek is perfect for walking or exploring the industrial heart of England, with the Peak District to…


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    Peak Astronomy

    Peak Astronomy specialises in delivering bespoke stargazing & astronomy experiences, astrophotography training and astrophotography imaging workshops.


    Tittesworth Water

    Situated near to Leek, on the edge of the spectacular Peak District National Park, Tittesworth offers plenty of activities for those who enjoy the…


    Business

    Churnet Valley Railway

    Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.


    Our Great Itineraries

    Market Magic & Hidden Gems: 48 hours in Leek

    This itinerary is based in the historic market town of Leek, famed for its Arts & Crafts architecture and traditional outdoor & indoor market, the…


    Events in Leek

    Events

    Santa's Grotto at Peak Wildlife Park

    Santa is going to be at the park for selected dates in November and December


    Events

    Forest Distillery Festive Wreath Workshop

    Join us at The UK’s highest altitude distillery at The Cat & Fiddle for a fun, filled festive evening to get you into the Christmas spirit.


    Events

    The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway

    Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas at the Churnet Valley Railway


    Trails nearby

    The Limestone Way

    The Limestone Way is a superb 46-mile waymarked route across the White Peak landscape of the Peak District National Park.


    Roaches and reservoirs cycle route

    Uncover a landscape shaped by water, experience traditional villages and enjoy spectacular gritstone edges.


    Manifold Way

    A favourite for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.


    Biddulph Valley Way

    A 4.5 mile flat surfaced path ideal for walkers, cyclists and horseriders.


    Villages nearby

    Biddulph

    Cheadle

    Beauty spots nearby

    Business Directory The Roaches

    Business Directory Lud's Church

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