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
Rudyard Lake Railway
A narrow gauge railway running alongside Rudyard Lake, using the route of the old North Staffordshire Railway.
Business
Leek Indoor Butter and Trestle Market
Indoor Market every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday with themed Friday markets in the Victorian Butter Market
Business
Brough Park Leisure Centre
A multi-purpose fitness facilitiy with an 80+ station gym and 25m swimming pool.
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
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
Churnet Valley Railway
Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.
Business
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…
Business
Peak Astronomy
Peak Astronomy specialises in delivering bespoke stargazing & astronomy experiences, astrophotography training and astrophotography imaging workshops.
Parkhouse and Chrome Hill
Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill are amongst some of the most distinct and recognisable hills in the Upper Dove Valley of the Peak District
The Roaches
Impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops
Business
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
Polar Bear Experience for Two at Peak Wildlife…
Take part in a thrilling, hour-long, behind the scenes encounter with one of nature's most iconic and majestic creatures.
Prices from £495 per person
Red Panda Experience at Peak Wildlife Park
Get the chance to come face to face and feed the park's cutest sisters: Esha and Riya!
Prices from £150
Midweek Lunch Train-Churnet Valley Railway
Experience a unique lunch aboard Churnet Valley Railway's beautifully restored vintage steam train and authentic mid-century dining carriages.
Prices from £62.50
Events in Leek
Events
The Roaches & Lud's Church - Dog Friendly - Peak…
A dog-friendly guided walk exploring Hen Cloud, Lud’s Church and The Roaches. Stunning views, gritst
Events
Tittesworth Water's Quacky Quest 2026
This February half-term we need you to join our quack team to help track down Sally and Martin's (not-so) feathery friends that have gone missing…
Trails nearby
Roaches and reservoirs cycle route
Uncover a landscape shaped by water, experience traditional villages and enjoy spectacular gritstone edges.
Offers
Special Offer
January Sale 50% off at Peak Wildlife Park
To say thank you for celebrating with us and for your incredible support - we’re excited to announce… our 50% OFF sale!
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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