The Staffordshire Moorlands is as varied as it is beautiful. Every hill, valley and town offers changing landscapes and different things to do.
Its open spaces are perfect for fun-filled outdoor activities to suit all ages. But its history and heritage - with a smattering of influence from famous figures of the past - have also created an area with an unrivalled list of things to do.
Whether you want to experience adrenaline-fuelled fun, indulge in a spot of shopping, take in the sights or take time out to relax, the Staffordshire Moorlands is the place where things happen at a pace to suit you.
Active Adventures
The home of adventurous fun, Madrenaline in Rushton Spencer offers opportunities to hurl down a massive hill in a giant inflatable sphere, hop onto a Segway and test skills on an off-road obstacle course, try an air rifle range, or take the challenge of Combat Archery - a mixture of archery, dodgeball and paintball all in one activity.
For those looking for water-based experiences head to Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre. Perched on the beautiful shores of Tittesworth Reservoir, with stunning views of the Roaches, the reservoir is Staffordshire's second largest at 190 acres and offers a range of land and water activities, including school holiday activities.
Offering some of the most inspiring climbing venues you’ll find anywhere, it is no wonder that the Staffordshire Moorlands is a magnet for climbers. Situated just five minutes from Leek, the Peak Climbing Wall at Leekbrook has some of the best indoor climbing routes in the UK. The centre boasts a state-of-the-art bouldering wall, designed for climbers of all levels, as well as a café and climbing shop.
And if you’ve fallen in love with bouldering indoors and wondering how to head outside and sample real rock, then head to the Peak Climbing School located near the Roaches’ rocky outcrops. The centre boasts some of the best rock climbing the country has to offer and has teaching classrooms, Wi-Fi, toilets, a climbing shop and carpark.
Fancy something a little racier? Try out your trials riding ability or learn new bike skills at Trials Day.com. Set in over 200 acres of working farmland, they’ve been providing trials bike training and experiences for every type of terrain for over 10 years.
The Staffordshire Moorlands has miles of bridle paths and trails you can explore on four feet as well as two. Horse riders aren’t forgotten here! There are also riding schools and centres, offering lessons from beginners to advanced.
Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre in Bradnop can be found on the A523 and also has a Pets Corner & Nature Trail with pigs, donkeys, meerkats, llamas, ducks, ponies, rabbits, and bearded dragons.
On the edge of England’s highest village, Flash, sits Northfield Farm Riding Centre, offering hacking and trekking through some truly spectacular scenery. Options vary from a one-hour circular ride to destination treks to beauty spots including Three Shires Head, Booth Top and Back Forest.
From riding lessons to pony experiences in a calm and nurturing environment, Rudyard Equestrian Centre provides a range of sessions including 1-1 and groups, pony therapy, SEN and more.
Staffordshire Moorlands is unparalleled in its varied attractions, experiences and great value cultural activities. There is literally something for everyone.
No where could offer a more perfect setting for a walking festival. The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival offers a fantastic variety of guided walks across the breath-taking countryside of the Staffordshire Moorlands, tailored to all abilities and interests.
Relax Mind and Body
The more leisurely-minded will love The Mill Wheel Spa, located at the boutique style Three Horseshoes Country Inn. The spa is a true sanctuary in the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside, offering a unique take on the wellness experience, whilst providing relaxation and rejuvenation.
Traditions and Culture
Leek is a great place for shopping independent shops and high street favourites. But the town really comes alive on market days.
Leek Markets have been at the heart of the town’s shopping experience since the first Royal Market charter was issued by King John in 1207, making Wednesday market day – which it is to this day. Peruse the wares of over 40 stalls lining Leek’s streets, selling anything from locally made craft jams to homewares and clothing.
The Victorian Butter Market takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with traditional stalls selling sweets, seasonal flowers, jewellery, and clothing. Saturday is the outdoor Vintage, Craft and Collectors Market, where savvy shoppers can grab a bargain amongst the cornucopia of antiques, collectables, memorabilia, garden accessories, books and much more.
The Totally Locally Leek Sunday Supplement market, held on the first Sunday of every month (not in January) is an award-winning street sensation featuring handmade artisan products and local food. Many of Leek’s independent shops, cafes and pubs open, giving the town a lively vibe.
If you're lucky enough to visit the Peak District between May and September, you'll have a good chance of seeing one of the area’s most quaint and completely unique local customs - well dressings. These floral masterpieces are works of art created by hand using natural materials such as leaves, petals and seeds to ‘dress’ wells and water features.
Endon Well Dressing Festival takes place over the bank holiday weekend in Endon with three days of fun for all the family including Maypole dancing, arts and craft fair and duck race.
Biddulph Moor Well Dressing has become an important village event combining the ancient traditions of well dressing with maypole dancing, a tractor and other rural displays and lively competitions with a rich variety of stalls and refreshments thrown in.
Well dressing is also a key part of Brown Edge Carnival an annual village event which includes a parade of floats and a host of stalls, games, activities and fun, with dressings at Hough Hill Well, Jon’s Pool and Sytch Road Well.
The Staffordshire Moorlands stunning rural landscape forms the perfect backdrop for a number of festivals across the area that make the most of the changing seasons. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter you’ll discover seasonal events that capture the magic of that time of year.
Leek Arts Festival is for culture lovers everywhere, when performing arts, music theatre and exhibitions captivate the crowds and bring the town to life. Cheadle Arts Festival is a focus and showcase for the local arts, celebrating the town’s creativity.
