Leek
Type:Town
ST13 5HH
About
Known as the 'Queen of the Staffordshire Moorlands', Leek is a former textile town with a long and fascinating history.
Clustered around a stone-cobbled market square, its 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.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Cash Point
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Postbox
- Public toilets
- Telephone (public)
Target Markets
- Coach parties accepted
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North West: Exit M6 jct 16. A500 towards Stoke. A53 to Leek.
From North East: Exit M1 jct 28. A38 towards Derby. A52 to Ashbourne. A52 / A523 to Leek.
From South West: Exit M6 jct 14. A34 to Stone. A520 to Leek.
From South East: Exit M1 jct 23A. A50 towards Uttoxeter / Stoke. A520 to Leek.
Public Transport Directions
Accessible by Public Transport:
Stoke-On-Trent Rail Station (12 miles)
Macclesfield Rail Station (13 miles)
Buxton Rail Station (13 miles)
Frequent connecting bus services available from Stoke On Trent Rail Station to Hanley Bus Station (City Centre) and to Leek by the 18 (First Bus) or the 16 (D&G Bus).
Regular connecting bus services available from Ashbourne, Buxton & Macclesfield.