Leek is a historic market town with a well-deserved reputation for curious independent shops, a wide range of markets, good food and award-winning teashops. The town has connections to William Morris, James Brindley, Thomas Wardle and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A short walk around Leek’s town centre reveals a Victorian design influence, particularly that of the Sugden’s - a local family firm of architects, who designed many of the buildings in the town in the Arts and Crafts style.
Leek’s iconic Grade II* Nicholson Institute* is an impressive example of its Arts and Crafts heritage with a Renaissance style tower and copper dome, a fine example of a Sugden building in the Queen Anne style.
Completed in 1884 and funded by local industrialist and silk mill owner Joshua Nicholson, the Institute offered the people of Leek an opportunity to learn and expand their cultural horizons.
The Nicholson Art Gallery hosts a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year, and the Nicholson Museum collects and displays items relating to the history of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
The collection includes paintings, textiles, ceramics and items representing everyday Moorlands’ life.
The work of the Leek Embroidery Society is featured, as are silk moths gifted by local textile manufacturer Thomas Wardle who worked closely with William Morris on his frequent visits to Leek. There is even a taxidermy wallaby, once part of a small number that escaped from a private zoo and made their home nearby.
(*Currently closed for major refurbishment)
Many of the town highlights include buildings associated with the 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 buried in the parish graveyard.
The unspoilt town centre has a wealth of curious independent shops and antique centres, traditional butchers, bakers, greengrocers and delicatessens. And, when it comes to wining and dining, delicious local produce can be found in abundance at, and award-winning cafes, real ale pubs and restaurants. Take time out to visit one of the many bustling public houses, which host local bands. The town even boasts its own Real Ale Trail.
Or discover The Foxlowe - Leek’s Arts Centre, housing a café, bar, art gallery with performance space for live music, drama, comedy, talks and a cinema.
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.
Start the day by enjoying the bustle and atmosphere of Leek’s outdoor market whilst you search for bargains on a Wednesday, and there’s an indoor market too every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Every Saturday the famed Archer Fairs Vintage, Craft and Collectors Market is held on the traditional cobbled Market Place, where you will find over 40 stalls selling a variety of antiques, collectables, memorabilia, garden accessories, jewellery, books and much more. Inside, the 20th Century Trestle Market holds 24 stalls selling shoes, socks vintage clothes, toys and jewellery.
Every first Sunday of the month (except January) is the popular ‘Totally Locally’ Sunday Supplement Market, championing local produce, shopping locally and supporting Leek’s high streets. This is a fantastic market with a wide range of craft and food stalls. It is often accompanied with live entertainment, music, and events for children such as face painting.
For further information take a look at the Leek Architectural Trail map.
