The Wonderful Staffordshire Peak District

The Staffordshire Moorlands encompass the southern portion of the Peak District National Park and then continue southwards to the edge of the Potteries at Stoke on Trent. For many years visitors have been delighted and surprised by the area. As long ago as the 17th century, a Dr Plot visited the area “My mind was heightened to see such vast rocks and such really stupendous prospects which I had never seen before”. More recently, John Higgins says “I often take walkers over The Roaches, and it matters not what time of year or which season: I never fail to be taken in by the scenery and totally immersed in the natural beauty. Views unfold that are unrivalled anywhere else in England….”

The Roaches Rocks, Upper Hulme, Staffordshire Moorlands,

Buy the “White Peak OS Map” to tempt yourself for what’s in store on your arrival.

Staffordshire Moorlands view – a short walk from Hamps Hall and Hamps Barn

The view west from Toft Hall garden across the Cheshire plain to Wales

From 17th century, the town developed as an industrial centre based on textiles, particularly silk and dyeing, with many large multi-storey mills of which several are still used today - although not necessarily for their original industry.

However, there are still textile manufacturers in the town and several "factory shops" selling famous brand names direct to the public. The open market, held every Wednesday in the Market Place which is still covered with cobbles, was first established by Royal Charter in 1208. On Saturday this area becomes bustling with antiques stalls. Adjacent is the Butter Market which today houses stalls selling a variety of goods and local farm produce.

Leek Market Square

The firm was responsible for the design of a wide variety of buildings in the town; residences for the gentry, shops, factories, schools and other public buildings of which the most prominent is probably the Nicholson Institute and the adjoining School of Art built between 1880 and 1900. The Brindley Mill in Mill Street houses a museum to this supposedly illiterate engineer who was responsible for the construction of many local canals and the first Harecastle canal tunnel at Kidsgrove north of Stoke-on-Trent. These canals were responsible for much of the development of North Staffordshire as they enabled the cheap and convenient transportation of raw materials and manufactured goods.
One of his major achievements in this area was the construction of the Cauldon Canal which linked the Churnet valley with "The Potteries" and via the Trent & Mersey canal to the world beyond.

One of many wonderful places to visit in Leek

Arts and Craft Tapestry in St Edwards Church, Leek part of the William Morris trail

No description of Leek could be complete without mentioning the antique shops which seem to flourish in the town. On Saturdays there is even an antiques and crafts market. From Leek, taking the A53 Buxton road, you will find "Ramshaw Rocks" and "The Roaches", outcrops of dark millstone grit popular with climbers but pleasant countryside for any lovers of the outdoors.

The black rocks have caused this area of high moorland to be named the "dark peak" as distinct from the "white peak", limestone areas further east and south.

Continuing on this road will bring you to the turning to Flash, "Highest Village in England - 1,158 feet above sea level" and to Three Shires Head where the county boundaries of Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire all meet.

Further east are the lovely valleys of the River Manifold and Dovedale

Alton Towers
Alton
Staffordshire
ST10 4DB

Tel: 08705 20 40 60
Web: www.altontowers.com
Take an unforgettable journey into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Alton Towers. An amazing adventure that'll take you for the first time ever into the heart of the splendiferous Factory itself and on a ride inside the wondrous Great Glass Elevator. Make a break of it and stay at one of our uniquely themed hotels including Cariba Creek indoor waterpark and our luxurious Spa.
Open: Daily from approx Easter until the end of the Autumn half term holiday (Park may be closed for special events), 9.30am until one hour after rides and attractions close. For information on prices and opening please call 08705 20 40 60 or visit www.altontowers.com

Cheddleton Valley Railway
The Station
Station Road
Cheddleton
Staffordshire Moorlands
ST13 7EE

Tel: 01538 360522
Fax: 01538 361848
Web: www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk

A truly beautiful heritage railway deep in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Enjoy a 10.5 mile return Steam train ride between Cheddleton and Froghall incorporating the Splendour of Consall Forge and the Churnet Valley.  Three are special events at Christmas on other occassions.
Open: Trains every Sat, Sun - March til end October, Steam trains every Saturday & Sunday, Wednesday in June, July, August and October. Half term and every day throughout August. Please phone to check before travelling.

Tel/fax: 01538 308293
Email: enquiries@blackbrookzoologicalpark.co.uk
Web: www.blackbrookzoologicalpark.co.uk
A day with a difference both indoors and outdoors at the zoological park of The Moorlands. Birds, mammals, reptiles, aquarium, children’s pets and farm. Talks, displays, picnicking, play areas, shop, and excellent disabled access.  New - visit the Penguins!
Open: Daily, 10:30am - 5:30pm.
Winter: 10.30am - Dusk

Thors Cave in the Manifold Valley

Tel: 01782 517999
Fax: 01782 510624
A mid 19th Century garden designed by James Bateman, featuring the Egyptian Court, Chinese Garden and Temple, Pinetum, Fernery, Rock Gardens and tree lined avenues.
Open: Call to check opening times.

Further Afield...
The Staffordshire Moorlands borders the Derbyshire Peak District to the north and The Potteries to the south. Both are also interesting places to visit and accessible within a very short drive.

Tel: 01782 646646
Email: enquiry@trenthamleisure.co.uk
Web: www.trentham.co.uk

Tel: 01782 205747
Fax: 01782 201815
The UK’s No.1 Aqua Park. Attractions include 30 exciting flume rides and slides including the mighty ‘Nucleus’ - indoor water roller coaster. Twister - a white knuckle ride, 5 seconds of thrills and spills, children’s pool and slides, outdoor pool and barbecue. The Aqua Splash Jungle House consisting of 12 unique features and rides is ideal for the young ones. Watersedge diner and fully licensed bar.

New for 2006 season - Family entertainment centre including a 'new concept' children's gym.

Tissington Well Dressing

Buxton Spa


Buxton’s famous Opera House

Grindon village (3 miles from Hamps hall and Hamps Barn)