Leek – the Queen of the Moorlands

Shop and eat in the delightful market town of Leek. The largest of Staffordshire Moorlands’ three towns, and known affectionately as Queen of the Moorlands, Leek is brimming with unusual architecture, industrial heritage and fascinating history.  

With its unique speciality shops, arts and antique centres and traditional markets, the town has a vibrant and thriving high street. There are also several award-winning restaurants and tea rooms. 

A proud market town dating back over the centuries, Leek was granted its Royal Market Charter in 1207 by King John. Fast forward more than 800 years and following major investment and refurbishment, Leek Markets are still thriving and fit for the 21st century!

Markets are held in Leek on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  The general outdoor market, each Wednesday hosts a variety of stalls throughout the town centre. Indoors, the Victorian Butter and Trestle Market houses a selection of local traders and food venders every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On every first Sunday in the month, visit the Totally Locally Sunday Supplement Market championing quality locally produced foods and crafts. 

Renowned canal engineer James Brindley spent his formative years in Leek, and it was here that he developed the skills that made him one of the greatest engineers of his age. You’ll find Brindley Mill, built by the man himself in 1752, a working water-powered cornmill and museum dedicated to his life and achievements, is open to visitors on Sundays in the Summer months. 

Leek’s reputation for silk and textile production excellence was recognised by William Morris. The pre-eminent Victorian designer made many visits to Leek in the 1870s. He stayed and worked with Thomas Wardle, a Leek silk dyehouse owner, experimenting with organic dyes on wild silk. Together they pushed the boundaries of textile design and manufacture as their combined skills set a benchmark for British textile achievement. 

Encouraged by Morris, Thomas’s wife Elizabeth Wardle formed the Leek School of Embroidery. Local women produced beautiful and intricately embroidered curtains, hangings, altar cloths, vestments, banners, kneelers and cushions that were clearly influenced by Morris. Some can still be seen in local churches. 

With its distinctive domed cooper roof the Nicholson Institute houses the Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery. Local textile industrialist, Joshua Nicholson commissioned this landmark town centre building (1884) and gifted it to the public. Designed by architect William Sugden in the Queen Anne style it incorporates the ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’ influences. As well as the Art Gallery the building contained library faculties and education reading rooms and is still used for these purposes today. Visitors can enjoy a dynamic programme of exhibitions here throughout the year. 

Leek’s town centre boasts speciality antique shops, local independent retailers and hospitality businesses including restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways as well as Leek Oatcake Shop where you can buy freshly made Staffordshire Oatcakes ready-to-eat with delicious savoury fillings! 

Surrounded by dramatic hilly countryside and gateway to the attractions of the Peak District National Park, Leek is perfectly placed for outdoor activities like, cycling, rock climbing,  water sports and walking. 

From the accessible Manifold Track, a tarmacked former railway track which runs through a picturesque river valley between Waterhouses and Hulme End, and is ideal for cyclists, wheelchair users and families with prams; to the challenging rocky Roaches, you’ll find routes to suit all ages and abilities. 

On the outskirts of the town, you’ll find Ladderedge Country Park a perfect spot to stretch your legs or exercise your dog beside the peaceful Caldon canal. Nearby, other country parks, nature reserves and beauty spots include Rudyard Lake, Tittesworth Water, Consall Nature Park & Coombes Valley Woods (RSPB) and Deep Hayes Country Park. 

A trip to Leek wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the family attractions in the vicinity! Peak Wildlife Park features animals such as lemurs, penguins, wallabies and polar bears including walkthrough exhibits, keeper talks, and animal feeding sessions; and the Churnet Valley Railway at Cheddleton runs heritage steam trains through the stunning river valley beside the Caldon canal for approximately 10 miles. 

Scroll down to see a selection of businesses in and around Leek or visit totallylocallyleek.com for more information about the town.