About our Town

About our Town

Open-air market in Leek Market Place

Nicholson War Memorial (The Monument)

Leek is a historic market town of great character. It is the administrative hub of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and, being set on the edge of the Peak District National Park, it is surrounded by splendid countryside offering spectacular views, interesting walks and many other pursuits which include rock climbing on the famous Roaches. Interest abounds in the town with its ancient markets, historic churches, individual shops and Victorian mills.

In years gone by, Leek was an important centre for silk production and manufacturing at which time the town's prosperity was shown by much fine Victorian architecture which is still visible in many areas as you stroll around the town. The design of many of Leek's prominent buildings built between 1849 and 1901 was the responsibility of William and Larner Sugden (father and son).

The influence of William Morris can also be seen in some of the local churches and other buildings in the town and the silk products produced here also reflected his influence with their distinctive designs.

The Brindley museum can be found in Leek where the life and times of the famous canal builder James Brindley, who lived and worked in Leek, are reflected.

If you fancy a change from modern shopping and retail parks then Leek is the place to shop with its traditional markets, individual shops, galleries, art shops, antique outlets,handicrafts, excellent restaurants and cafes offering a worldwide spectrum of cuisine.

A unique event takes place in Leek on the third Saturday in July each year when all the church Sunday Schools gather in the Market Place for an open-air service followed by a march of witness through the town. The Sunday School children are usually accompanied by marching bands from the local scout and guide groups.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND LEEK

Alton Towers ( the UK's No.1 Theme Park), Blackbrook Zoological Park, Foxfield Steam Railway, Churnet Valley Railway, Biddulph Grange Garden, Rudyard Lake, Tittesworth Reservoir, Moorlands Country Park, Brindley Mill, Cheddleton Flint Mill, RSPB Coombes Valley, The World of Spode Visitor Centre, Royal Doulton Visitor Centre, Wedgewood Visitor Centre, Pooles Cavern and Country Park, Silk Museum and Paradise Mill, Deep Haye Country Park, Ladderedge Country Park, Peak District National Park.

Being centrally situated, Leek is easily accessible from most areas:-

Stoke-on-Trent (The Potteries) - 10 miles Buxton - 12 miles

Ashbourne - 16 miles Macclesfield - 12 miles Stafford - 24 miles