Welcome to Leek, a delightful historic market town full of great character and great characters. Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park, Leek is surrounded by beautiful, rugged countryside. The town has a long history - featuring such famous characters as Bonnie Prince Charlie, canal engineer James Brindley, Queen Victoria and Victorian designer William Morris. With its ancient markets, Victorian mills, historic churches, distinctive shops and award-winning eateries, there is much for the visitor to see and do.Markets and ShoppingEnjoy the bustle and atmosphere of our traditional markets, or wander through the unspoilt town centre discovering unique speciality shops, a refreshing change from the modern shopping mall.
General outdoor market, Wednesdays, for bargains and local character.
- Indoor market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the restored Victorian Butter Market.
- Antique & Collectors Market is held outdoors each Saturday.
Arts and AntiquesExplore huge Victorian mills, formerly silk mills but now housing antique and reproduction pine centres. Around the town browse the numerous speciality antique shops. Admire local artists' work; from traditional to contemporary, on display and for sale in one of the first class art galleries. Join in the annual May Leek Arts Festival, a showcase of creativity from local initiatives to internationally renowned artists.Fine FoodsLeek has a wealth of choice of places to eat, from butty bars to coffee shops and real ale pubs to ethnic restaurants, as well as award-winning teashops and restaurants. Visit the monthly Fine Food Festival Market (Speciality Market of the Year 2007). It's held every 3rd Saturday of the month in Leek's ancient Market Place with more than 30 stalls selling locally produced fare direct from the producer, plus exotic delicacies from further afield.Explore the town's numerous independent food shops including traditional butchers, bakers and green grocers, delicatessen, oatcakes, wine, whisky and beers.Visit, or contact, Leek's award-winning Tourist Information Centre to find out more, or request a copy of the Leek Visitor Guide.
Festivals
The Three Shires Textile Festival is named after a well known beauty spot in the Peak District called Three Shires Head where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet and events will take place in all three counties.The 2-week programme (4th - 19th July 2009) of exhibitions, talks, tours, textile craft fairs, fabric sales and workshops includes two major textile exhibitions at the Silk Museum in Macclesfield; exhibitions and events in Leek to mark the centenary of Thomas Wardle's death; a textile fair at Quarry Bank Mill in Styal; a special exhibition of historic May Queen dresses dating back to the 19th century in Knutsford; textile conservation workshops in Congleton and Leek; church open days to view the work of the Leek Embroidery School and other ecclesiastical textiles of significance; contemporary textile arts exhibitions; hands-on workshops and an art competition as well as many other exhibitions and events.
Leek Town Council
Community Website -http://www.leekonline.co.uk/ Leek town centre mapNearby visitor attractions
Leek
