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.
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
Rudyard Lake Railway
A narrow gauge railway running alongside Rudyard Lake, using the route of the old North Staffordshire Railway.
Business
Croft House Barn
Croft House Barn is a very comfortable, Gold awarded, 17th Century cottage in Waterfall. Comfortably sleeps 6 in three en-suite bedrooms, one on the…
Business
Peak Astronomy
Peak Astronomy specialises in delivering bespoke stargazing & astronomy experiences, astrophotography training and astrophotography imaging workshops.
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,…
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…
Business
Staffordshire Moorlands Tourist Information
Welcome to the Staffordshire Moorlands, let our friendly and knowledgeable staff help you to plan your visit.
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
Leek Indoor Butter and Trestle Market
Indoor Market every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday with themed Friday markets in the Victorian Butter Market
Business
Leek Outdoor Market
Leek’s traditional Wednesday outdoor market offers a wide variety of stalls including fruit & vegetable stalls, homewares, gifts and clothing
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…
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…
3 day itinerary exploring Staffordshire Moorlands…
Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in three unforgettable days where culture and wilderness come together.
Experiences in Leek
Experiences
Be a Keeper at Peak Wildlife Park
Our 3-hour Keeper Experience gives you a real look at what it’s like to work with animals
Prices from £225 per person
Experiences
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
Experiences
Murder Mystery Dining on the Churnet Valley…
This summer, join Churnet Valley Railways as we step back in time, right into the shoes of history’s most famous and beloved detectives.
Prices from £80
Events in Leek
Featured
Events
The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway
Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas at the Churnet Valley Railway
Events
The Bayeux Tapestry: Stories through Stitch at…
More than 140 years after a remarkable group of Leek women brought the story of the Bayeux Tapestry to the town, a new exhibition will bring their…
Events
Santa Special at Rudyard Lake Railway
Experience the magic of the festive season aboard our themed train rides, complete with a joyful atmosphere perfect for all ages at Rudyard Lake…
Trails nearby
Trail
Biddulph Valley Way
A 4.5 mile flat surfaced path ideal for walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
Trail
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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