6 Reasons to Visit Leek

We give you six great reasons to come stay in and visit Leek...

Although unknown to many, Leek is a hidden gem on the entrance to the Peak District. It's character and charm has something for everyone and there is so much culture and experiences to be found. Whilst there are so many reasons to visit Leek, here we give our top six reasons why we think you should stay with us in Leek for that perfect Town and Country combination stay...

Experiences

With Rocks, Hills, Rivers, Lakes, Canals, Wilderness and Caves plus lots of beauty spots all in the area surrounding Leek, there are a lot of opportunities for adventure.  We can arrange most activities for you through Stonesthrow Adventure or you can just pack your paddleboard or climbing gear and do it yourself...

THE PEAK DISTRICT

With the entrance to the Peak District just 2 miles away, Leek gives fantastic access to everything the White Peak has to offer.  Just a short drive (or walk if you're keen) is the Roaches (above) Lud's Church, Three Shires Head, Clough Hill (Dragon's Back) and the Hanging Stone.  The Towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Castleton and Matlock are all driving distance as is the Dark Peak.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

With Alton Towers just 12 miles or 20 minutes drive away and staying in Leek enables you to have the best of the park but still be surrounded by all our local amenities. It also enables a combination stay doing other things over the weekend. There is also Peak Wildlife Park which enables really close contact with animals. Cheddleton Flint Mill and Brindley Mill and Museum both give a picture of the past. Churnet Valley Steam Railway run lots of themed events and trains run regularly around the area. Blaze Ice Cream Farm and Poules Cavern

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Brough Park Leisure Centre offers lots of sporting opportunities and a swimming pool - other swimming fun pools nearby include Alton Towers Waterpark and Dimensions Leisure Centre which has a slide and lazy river. The Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery is just opposite the House and The Gallery features a mixed programme of community based exhibitions and local history.

CYCLING

There are many cycle trails in and around Leek, there are two Cycle Hire Places in Waterhouses and one in Hulme end nearby. We do not have bespoke cycle storage but you are welcome to leave Bicycles in the locked Courtyard or Kitchen as you prefer.

FISHING

There are many places to fish locally including Rudyard Lake, Leek and Cauldon Canal and other private places. Leek & Moorlands Fishing Club https://www.leekandmoorlandsfishingclub.com can give you more details of their venues.

GOLF

There are two Golf Clubs in Leek - Westwood Golf Club and Leek Golf Club and then Greenway Hall in the nearby Stockton Brook, all invite day guests. There are also other golf clubs and driving ranges in the surrounding area.

At one point Leek apparently had more pubs in relation to the number of people than anywhere else.  I'm sure I counted 60 at one point!  These days we are all about quality than quantity and it really works as we have some amazing places to eat drink and relax.  Many of them have won national awards too.  Whether it is bougie cocktails, craft beers, home comforts, pool or darts with the locals or gourmet food there is something for everyone.  With a great live music scene and some great festivals and events there is lots of fun to be had.  

Leek Markets also provide a great atmosphere, 1st Sunday of the month is the hugely popular ‘Totally Locally’ Sunday Supplement Market – championing shopping locally and supporting our high streets.

The 3rd Saturday of the month is Leek’s Farmers and Craft Market.
Market days are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays Leeks Charter Market (founded in 1207) hosts a variety of stalls throughout the Town Centre. The traditional indoor markets have over 40 stalls in the Butter Market and adjoining Trestle Market halls.
On Friday Archer Fairs holds a Vintage, Craft and Collectors Market in the Trestle Market Hall.
Saturday there is an Outdoor Vintage and Collectors Market held in the Market Place

Culture

With our Arts Centre standing proudly at the Head of the Market Square the influence that the Arts has on Leek is very clear.  The Nicholson Art Gallery and Museum is also just a few doors down.  There are also a number of private art shops and also local sellers in the Markets.

The whole month of May is dedicated to Leek Arts' Festival and there are small and large events taking place all across the Town...  https://leekartsfestival.co.uk/

Of course you also have the Buxton Opera House a short drive away.

Leek has a brilliant Architectural Trail and a short walk around Leek’s main streets soon reveals the Victorian influence particularly under the design of the Sugdens, a local firm of architects who designed many buildings in the town in the Arts & Crafts style. William Morris, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, lived and worked in Leek for long periods between 1875 and 1877. Much of his time here was spent investigating new techniques of dyeing with Thomas Wardle and he also encouraged Elizabeth (Thomas Wardle’s wife) to found the Leek School of Embroidery.  Leek is famous for the silk and cotton mills that once dominated the town and many of them can still be seen in various stages of repair.  Leek also has some really lovely Mock Tudor buildings and very noteable is the Nicholson War Memorial at the end of the main high street.  Some lovely churches all around the town ensure a great architectural vista from any angle and it is definitely worth a wander around...

In latter days Leek has become a very well known hub for antiques.  With easily more than ten different antiques shops in the Town, the Vintage Craft and Collectors Markets, many pop up places and new shops opening all the time, Leek provides all the opportunity to find those special pieces.  Whether you are an avid collector or love a mooch about then you'll love it here.

Whilst I'd be here for days to try and include everything, hopefully this gives you a flavour of what Leek has to offer.  You can easily fill a week or two with just one of these areas, but add in two or three and you have a really packed agenda with lots to see and do.  Whilst there are always opportunities to spend money, most of these things can be budget friendly if you want them to be and many of them are free.

For more details and for recommendations on some of the places to visit please download our guide Explore leek like a local by clicking on the link...