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.
Featured Businesses
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.
Open today: 10:00am - 6:00pm
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.
Business
Alton, The Star Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Close to the rolling hills of the Peak District National Park, our Club Site at Alton, The Star offers plenty of choice when it comes to heading…
Business
Greens Farm
Greens Farm is an affordable, comfortable cottage in peaceful surroundings. The cottage sleeps four and has an enclosed garden suitable for dogs.…
Business
New Hanson Grange Holidays
Our hill farm is beautifully situated above the River Dove near Milldale in the heart of the Peak District. Two traditional huts nestled on the edge…
Business
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…
Business
Scaldersitch Farm Boutique Camping
Scaldersitch Farm offers boutique glamping in luxury tipis with stylish interiors, luxurious washrooms and private wood fired hot tubs. With walks…
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Quarry House
A detached 2 bedroom self catering cottage with pretty garden and lawns. Dog friendly.
Business
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…
The Roaches
Impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops
Business
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…
Business
Churnet Valley Railway
Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.
Business
Leek Antiques Market
In the market place is the popular Archer Fairs Vintage, Craft and Collectors Market with over 40 stalls selling a huge variety of antiques,…
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
Leek's Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas Lights & Christmas Tree illuminated for the Christmas festive season
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.
Villages nearby
Beauty spots nearby
Business Directory The Roaches
Impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops
Business Directory Lud's Church
Lud’s Church is a deep, moss-covered chasm full of history, myths and dark green wherever you look; and to walk down its stone steps deep into the cleft is to escape into another world…
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