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
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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
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Peak Wildlife Park
Set on the edge of the Staffordshire Peak District; Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience.
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
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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Peak Astronomy
Peak Astronomy specialises in delivering bespoke stargazing & astronomy experiences, astrophotography training and astrophotography imaging workshops.
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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
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Sunday Supplement Makers Market Leek
On the 1st Sunday of each month (except January), it's the Totally Locally Leek - Makers Market; a fantastic range of craft and food stalls with live…
Business
Quarry House
A detached 2 bedroom self catering cottage with pretty garden and lawns. Dog friendly.
The Roaches
Impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops
Business
Rudyard Lake Railway
A narrow gauge railway running alongside Rudyard Lake, using the route of the old North Staffordshire Railway.
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
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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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…
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
Arctic Fox Experience at Peak Wildlife Park
Enjoy a behind the scenes adventure in our Arctic Fox Habitat where you’ll get to meet and hand feed our inquisitive little foxes!
Prices from £95 per person
Breakfast Train-Churnet Valley Railway
Get a busy day of adventuring around the Staffordshire Moorlands off on the right foot with a scrumptious hot breakfast prepared freshly on board.
Prices from £28.50
Meerkat Experience at Peak Wildlife Park
Dive into a hands-on, behind-the-scenes adventure with some of the planet's most charismatic critters - the meerkats!
Prices from £95 per person
Events in Leek
Events
Leek Arts Festival
Founded in 1977 Leek Arts Festival began as a week-long celebration of the local arts scene with just a handful of events.
Events
Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival 2026
11 days of walking to celebrate the beautiful landscape, rich history and vibrant communities of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Events
Flash Well Dressing
Well Dressing is the art of decorating springs or wells with pictures made of natural products.
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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