Leek

Leek is a delightful historic market town on the River Churnet and was granted its royal charge in 1214. The town is situated on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park and is surrounded by rugged countryside, including the stunning gritstone rock formations of The Roaches.

Leek's long history features such famous characters as Bonnie Prince Charlie, canal engineer James Brindley, Queen Victoria and Victorian designer William Morris and with its ancient markets, Victorian mills, historic churches, distinctive shops and award-winning eateries, there's much for the visitor to see and do.

Enjoy the bustle and atmosphere of Leek's traditional markets – there's a general weekly outdoor market each Wednesday for bargains, as well as an indoor market on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday each week in the restored Victorian Butter Market. You can also browse the antique and collectors' market held outdoors each Saturday and an award-winning monthly fine food market (Speciality Market of the Year 2007), which is held every third Saturday of the month in Leek's ancient Market Place.

The unspoilt town centre is a refreshing change from modern shopping malls and has some unique speciality antique shops and you'll also be able to explore huge Victorian mills, formerly silk mills but now housing antique and reproduction pine centres, as well as traditional and contemporary art galleries. The town has numerous independent food shops including traditional butchers, bakers and green grocers, delicatessen, oatcakes, wine, whisky and beers.

Leek's calendar of events includes the annual Arts Festival throughout May – a showcase of creativity from local initiatives to internationally renowned artists – as well as the Agricultural Show held in July and a summer programme of guided walks led by expert guides.

There's also a yearly phenomenon known as the 'double sunset', first recognised by a Dr. Plot, which occurs when the sun appears to set behind Bosley Cloud and subsequently reappears in the hollow of the hill's vertical northern side, before setting again. The phenomenon occurs three or four days before the summer solstice and the best location to witness it is said to be in the grounds of the parish church. Dr. Plot's detailed account can be found in his book, The Natural History of Staffordshire.

Nearby Rudyard Lake is a popular tourist attraction and home to the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, which runs along its eastern shores – the lake also gave its name to one of England's best known authors, Rudyard Kipling.

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Free entry

Open all the time

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