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 - 5:00pm
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
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
Staffordshire Moorlands Tourist Information
Welcome to the Staffordshire Moorlands, let our friendly and knowledgeable staff help you to plan your visit.
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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,…
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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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Churnet Valley Railway
Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.
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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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Leek Outdoor Market
Leek’s traditional Wednesday outdoor market offers a wide variety of stalls including fruit & vegetable stalls, homewares, gifts and clothing
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…
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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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Leek Indoor Butter and Trestle Market
Indoor Market every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday with themed Friday markets in the Victorian Butter Market
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Quarry House
A detached 2 bedroom self catering cottage with pretty garden and lawns. Dog friendly.
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…
Experiences in Leek
Penguin Experience at Peak Wildlife Park
An unforgettable, behind the scenes experience with our hungry Humboldt penguins! You’ll soon learn that these guys aren’t shy as you are bombarded…
Prices from £125 per person
Emma Bridgewater Factory Tour
Go behind the scenes at the Stoke-on-Trent factory and meet the talented artisans whose craftsmanship transforms raw materials into exquisite pieces…
Prices from £10
Saturday Lunch Train-Churnet Valley Railway
Treat yourself to a Saturday lunch with a view that no restaurant can compete with.
Prices from £62.50
Events in Leek
Events
Leek Twilight Market
A lively evening market for all the family with live music, food & drink, entertainment and stalls
Events
Leek Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas celebrations to start the beginning of the festive season in Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands.
Events
Leek Beer Festival 2025
Leek is hosting its very own two day beer festival to commemorate Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer and brewing.
Trails nearby
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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