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
Search
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
Churnet Valley Railway
Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.
Business
Lane Head Barns
There are two luxury cottages at Lane Head Barns. One is accessible and sleeps 10, the other is a romantic hideaway for two. Both have been converted…
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.
Business
Brough Park Leisure Centre
A multi-purpose fitness facilitiy with an 80+ station gym and 25m swimming pool.
Business
Crewe & Harpur
The Crewe and Harpur Arms, former village coaching inn for the peaceful village of Longnor has been transformed into an exclusive self catering…
Business
Quarry House
A detached 2 bedroom self catering cottage with pretty garden and lawns. Dog friendly.
Business
The Hayloft at Breech House, Waterfall
Beautiful farmhouse in the picturesque village of Waterfall, ideally situated for walking, cycling and exploring the southern White Peak area and The…
Business
The Roaches
Impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks loved by walkers and climbers. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops
Business
Alton Towers Resort
With over 50 rides and attractions, the Alton Towers Resort is Britain's Greatest Escape!
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…
Events in Leek
Events
The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway
Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas at the Churnet Valley Railway
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…
Sign up to our newsletter
Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.
