Out and about

The PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK offers stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes for you to enjoy and explore, covering 4 different counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire
The small rural parish of Tittesworth sits on the SOUTH WESTERN EDGE OF THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK near the North Staffordshire/ Derbyshire border between the market towns of Leek (5 mins) and the spa town of Buxton (15 mins), Ashbourne and Macclesfield (25 mins) and with one of the most beautiful runs over the hills of the Peak District to Bakewell (35 mins) with its famous Bakewell pudding - so is ideal for exploring the Peak District National Park and wider area.

The area is also known as the 'Staffordshire Peaks' or the 'Staffordshire Moorlands' and has excellent walking and outdoor pursuits including cycling and climbing close by. Tittesworth Reservoir has its own circular nature trail with excellent children's playground , cafe and gift shop and Peak Pursuits watersports centre offer a variety of water sports activities on the reservoir, including kayaking and canoeing

Being situated on the North Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire borders ideally situated for visiting some of the countries TOP ATTRACTIONS:-

The Peak District National Park

  • The PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK offers stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes for you to enjoy and explore, covering 4 different counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire.. 
  • THE FIRST of Britain’s 15 national parks, founded in 1951.
  • area is 555 sq miles (1,438 sq km) in the centre of England. 
  • reaches into five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester - it is the most accessible national park 
  • has 1,600 miles of public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways and tracks) including 64 miles accessible to disabled people.
  • has 65 miles of off-road dedicated cycling and walking trails (often disused rail routes

The Roaches

THE ROACHES are some of the most spectacular gritstone rock formations in the UK.
Very popular for WALKING as well as CLIMBING and are situated on the south western edge of the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire.

From here you get some of the areas most dramatic and scenic landscape and with panoramic views over the tranquil Tittesworth Water and its green valley or on the other side you get beautiful views over purple heather moorlands.
As well as being a popular place for recreation The Roaches is an amazing place for wildlife. In fact, the area is protected both nationally and internationally for its wildlife and rare wild habitats:-

  • Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  • Forms part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area 
  • Consists of numerous internationally important habitats including blanket bog and upland moorland.
  • There are also many specialist breeding and wintering birds such as curlew, red grouse and tree pipit.
  • Voted one of the top ten walks in the country by The Sunday Telegraph
  • Featured on BBC Countryfile TV programme
Find out more:-
The Roaches website includes details of 5 circular short and longer walks

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust now manages The Roaches and this stunning 975 acre landscape of the Peak District 

Alton Towers Theme Park

ALTON TOWERS Theme Resort is Britains premier theme park and is only 25 minutes drive away where you can take on all the thrills of the rides and then return to the peace and quiet of the countryside at night.
  • CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort is home to the very first CBeebies Land with unique themed rides, attractions and live entertainment for children and young families, where CBeebies viewerss can to step right into their world. 
  • Splash Landing Water Park boasts hundreds of fantastic interactive water features, from lazy rivers and crazy cannons, to the sensational speed of the Master Blaster water roller coaster. The Water parks Caribbean lagoon offers gallons of excitement for kids of all ages, and is open all year round
  • Alton Towers Spa - Spoil yourself with a range of personalised spa treatments, from a revitalizing facial to a heavenly massage or aromatic body treatment - separate entrance to the Theme Park.
  • Look out for their special Halloween Scarefest and Fireworks spectacular events - in October and November

Great Countryside ....

Visit and explore the PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK countryside and wider area - Popular areas include nearby The Roaches, Tittesworth Reservoir, Rudyard Lake, Manifold Valley with Manifold cycle/walking track, Dovedale, Ilam, Churnet Valley, Goyt Valley.

National Trust Walks in the area:
Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones: (2.5 miles/4km) Discover the limestone countryside of the southern Peak District, famed for its wildlife and geology. Starting at the tranquil Victorian landscape and woodland of Ilam Park, this easy walk takes you into Dovedale, an iconic and spectacular gorge carved out by the river Dove.

Ilam Park to Wetton : (10 miles/6km) This circular walk from the stone built village of Wetton, in the Peak District National Park, explores Thor's Cave and then continues down to Ilam Park, before returning along the opposite side of the River Manifold.

Historic Houses .....

A fantastic variety of historic houses in the area - some which also have superb gardens - including:-

.... and Great Gardens

Other gardens in the area include:-
  • Biddulph Grange Gardens (Victorian Themed National Trust Garden)
  • Consall Hall Landscaped Gardens with its 6 lakes
  • Trentham Estate Award Winning Gardens
  • Chatsworth Gardens can be entered seperately from the house.
  • Pavilion Gardens in nearby Buxton Spa Town - Eat, Shop, Play - Great days out for all the family -  with fabulous free events too! -  a wonderful historic venue situated in the heart of Buxton. Nestled in 23 acres of recently restored parkland, the main building is a natural base for tourists coming to the town. This idyllic visitor attraction offers an array of family friendly areas, with easy access to facilities to meet all our visitors' needs.
  • Dorothy Clive Gardens
  • Being on the borders also check out the some of the gardens in Cheshire
  • Also check out some of the Staffordshire Gardens open for the National Garden Scheme (including The Alton Towers gardens)

2016 was YEAR OF THE ENGLISH GARDEN!
VisitEngland hand picked 20 of the'the best' and 'most exciting' .... 

Check VisitEngland's Garden List here
"England has some of the finest gardens in the world from dramatic historic landscapes designed by ‘Capability’ Brown to fragrant English rose gardens. 2016 is the year of the English garden so come and join us for a sensory experience as we hand pick 20 of the most exciting..."
Visit the 3 listed in our area:-
  • No 2 - Arley Hall and Gardens, Cheshire

  • No 5 - Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire

  • No 10 - Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Go underground Caverns ....

Great places for exploring if the weather is not so good - but bear in mind on a hot summers day with just a T-shirt on it can be cold down there!  

The closest is at Pooles Cavern and Country Park at Buxton (only 15 minuets drive away).
2013 was the 160th anniversary of Poole's cavern as a Show cave. It was opened in 1853 by the Duke of Devonshire and equipped with walkways for visitors and the latest incandescent gas lighting.

With a beautiful drive over Peak District Countryside to Castleton village there are 3 more caverns at Castleton including World Famous Blue John Cavern, Speedwell and Peak Caverns, Treak Cliff Cavern.

Horse Riding ....

Horse riding or pony treking at nearby Northfield Farm at Flash (just 10 minutes drive). Flash is known as England's highest village - so some spectacular views in this lovely part of the Peak District National Park and moorlands.

For children there is also a Pony Ride at Beaver Hall - Your child will help get the pony ready before going and then help put the pony away. 

A little further afield there is Tissington Trekking Centre on the Tissington Estate near Ashbourne.

Golf ....

There are 2 golf courses in Leek at :-

About a 15 minute drive to Buxton there is a golf course and driving range :-
About 20 minutes drive is:

Cycling

4 cycle trails that are mainly traffic free - with bike hire available


Follow the Cycling Tour of Britain routes ....

CYCLING TOUR OF BRITAIN - passing our doorstep!
13 - 16 Sept 2015
Stage 6 - Stoke on Trent to Nottingham - covers OUR LOCAL AREA!

Friday 11 September will see the Aviva Tour of Britain race through the Peak District National Park, heading east from the Start in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre,
 - through to Leek, and then covering our local Peak District area - up infamous Gun Hill, through Meerbrook Village,over Tittesworth Water to Blackshaw Moor, and the steep climb on the main road up to Buxton via Flash (Englands highest village),
Then onto Bakewell, Matlock to the Finish on Nottingham's Forest Recreation Ground.
A tough day including several famous climbs in the Peak District is in store for the peloton.
You can find an interactive Ordnance Survey map of Stage Six and as the Aviva Tour of Britain approaches you'll be able to find downloadable maps and ETAs, plus the Race Manual by checking back to this page.
Try some of the route challenges yourself anytime during your stay with us - it may be a challenge but the Peak District views area fabulous!

CYCLING TOUR RIDE OF 100 - on our doorstep!!
Sunday 5th October 2015 
- if you cant make this date - then challenge yourself on some of the great routes used around here on our doorstep!

The Friends Life Tour Ride 100 is the official sportive of the Friends Life Tour of Britain.
Re-launched in 2014 to have an annual focus on roads with a Tour heritage.
It is also now the official sportive of former British and World Road Race Champion Mark Cavendish!
Riders have a choice of a 100-mile Pro Ride or the 50-mile Challenge Ride.
Both these circular routes will start and finish from Staffordshire University's Leek Road campus, with some exhibitions of latest bike gear and accessories before and after the ride.
The routes will take in the Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District, including SKODA King of the Mountains climbs like Gun Hill and Hollinsclough Moor, and the roads used by numerous Tour of Britain stages in the area.
Find out more, check the route on an interactive Ordnance Survey map and download the GPX file from the official site:
Tour Ride 100 - Professional Route
Tour Ride 100 - Challenge Route

Water Sports Activities

A family run business with 19 years experience -  based just on the opposite shores of Tittesworth Reservoir to our holiday cottages. 
Water activities include:-
  • General Canoe/Kayak Launch - if you already have your own kit, equipment and a bit of experience
  • Canoe/Kayak Hire - with a range of traditional Open Canoes and Sit On Top Kayaks and all the equipment you need for hire depending on your preference and ability (Sit on tops and Canadian Canoes are suitable for beginners).
  • Stand Up Paddleboards - You can launch your Stand Up Paddle Board from the centre and explore the delights of Tittesworth Water.
  • Taster Sessions in either canoe or kayak.
  • Family Adventure Packages - Half day and full day. 
  • Group activity and team building packages.
  • Kayak Fishing - Fish at Tittesworth from your own kayak or canoe
  • Fishing - They also offer day and season fishing permits from designated area around the lake.
  • Orienteering
  • Sailing and Windsurfing
Please check out their website for opening and activity session times.

Fishing

Brooklyn Grange Fishery, Thorncliffe. 
Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre - Day and season ticket fishing available at neaby Tittesworth Reservoir. You can fish from designated areas around the lake. Permits available from the Centre.
Basford Coarse Fishery near Cheddleton. 
Rudyard Lake  at Rudyard
Blake Hall Fishery near Cheadle.
Peaks Fly Fishing - for fly fishing lessons OR fly fishing experience days - on private river or local still water. Ideal for family or friend groups - have a fun and exciting session outdoors enjoying beautiful Peak District scenery with your family and enjoy nature, whilst still learning fly fishing and developing an understanding of techniques - IF you catch the fish each group member can take a fish home - then cook on the BBQ at our holiday cottages for your supper!

Swimming

Splash Landings Caribbean themed water park at Alton Towers (can enter separate to Alton Towers) has fantastic water rides including a sensational water roller coaster as well as more sedate lazy rivers.

Waterworld - the UK's no1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park at Festival Park in Stoke.

Local Swimming pools at Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek and Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre - both also have smaller, warmer childrens pools


Spa and pamper days

The Mill Wheel Spa  - just under a mile from our holiday cottages! Perfect for treats and pampering.

The Mill Wheel Spa is at our local country hotel, newly built in 2015 and is open to the public (ie not just for their hotel stays) - and therefore this is a facility that is close to our property which is available for guests to use/experience - they do various packages and prices and if you look on their website it will tell you all about it - if you also want to sign up to their newsletter/mailing list they will let you know about any discounts or special offers.

Other nearby places include:-
Becalmed in Leek- various natural treatments, messages and shop, with hairdressers and also  a floatation room
The Retreat in Leek

Crafts

Knit and Natter, Crochet, Sewing, Pottery Throwing, Decopatch, Pottery Painting, Clay Modelling, Needle Felting, Beading, Jewellery - something for either individual members of family or for a get together with a group of your friends ..... or just pop into the shops, browse, purchase and bring something back to do curled up by our lovely log fire!

Some lovely ideas for the 'gentle' hens parties we sometimes host (some places will make you a bespoke craft afternoon) combined with a peak district walk, maybe a bit of outdoor pursuits and a good meal at the local pub or restaurant.

Manifold Valley Craft Barn - in the heart of the Peak District, about 15 minutes drive away - have previously hosted some of our 'gentle' 'creative' hen parties

Bibelot - Craft Shop with Craft Workshops
Cabbage Rose - St Edwards Street, Leek
Lorna Knight Sewing Academy - Bradnop, Nr Leek
Manifold Craft Barn - Wetton, Nr Leek
Emma Bridgewater - decorating studio, paint your own EB pottery!
Yard Tearooms - Getcliffe Yard in Leek


Private Peak District & countryside tours

3XP Tours (no website link)
Rock Glen, Dam Lane, Biddulph Moor, Staffordshire, ST8 7LB
Tel: 07814 097197

Vintage Adventure Tours - If you’re looking for a special activity to do, then sat high up in a 1929 vintage car, looking over the dry stone walls is the ideal way to travel, at the right pace, to experience their carefully designed tours.  The routes use the minimum of classified roads and will take you to places and along roads that you would never find

Wildlife - RSPB reserve

Coombes Valley RSPB Nature Reserve - please check website for opening times.

A delightful oak woodland to walk through – especially in spring and early summer when lots of migrating birds come to breed at the reserve. Birds you may see on the steep valley sides include flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers. There are a wide variety of butterflies to spot too. 

In winter, redwings, fieldfares and winter finches are regular visitors. There's a nature trail so the reserve is a good place for people of all ages to get closer to nature, although the footpaths are steep in places.

 



Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves - all site locations can be found on their website.

Staffordshire Wildlife owns and manages some 26 nature reserves - those close by include:-

The Roaches: Soaring rock faces and panoramic views make The Roaches, near Leek, one of the most photographed landscapes in Staffordshire. Highlights: Visit at any time of year to enjoy breathtaking scenery and wild open landscapes.
Brown End Quarry: A former limestone quarry now managed as a geological nature reserve near Waterhouses.Highlights: Visit all year round to enjoy the dramatic rock exposures.

Ipstones Edge: A mixture of heathland, moorland and woodland near Ipstones. Highlights: The heathland is at its best in late summer when the hillside is covered in swathes of purple heather.

Castern Wood: Ancient woodland and species rich limestone grassland in the Manifold Valley. Highlights: Visit in late summer to see aromatic wild thyme and yellow rockrose and an abundance of butterflies.

Rod Wood: A 40 acre nature reserve near Cheddleton which consists of some of the finest wildflower meadows in the county. Highlights: Visit in July to see the flowers at their best and look out for orchids.

Thorswood: Flower rich pastures and a spectacular rolling landscape in the Weaver Hills. Highlights: Visit during summer to see orchids and look for hares lying quietly in the grass.

Weag's Barn: Picturesque meadows and woodland near Waterhouses. Highlights: Walk to the derelict barn at the top of the hillside to get spectacular views across the Manifold Valley.

Harston Wood: A flower filled ancient woodland in the Churnet Valley. Highlights: Woodland wildflowers in spring, with wild garlic carpeting the woodland floor.

Side Farm Meadows: 10 acres of attractive wildflower meadows and a trickling waterfall near Oakamoor.Highlights: In mid summer catch knapweed and ox-eye daisy in flower and dragonflies buzzing around the small pond

The Potteries

Stoke-on-Trent has been shaped by the pottery industry for over 300 years and is affectionately known the world over as 'The Potteries'

Visit Stoke on Trent, the world capital of pottery with museums & factory tours & over 20 factory outlets including Burleigh & Middleport Factory, Emma Bridgewater, Moorcroft, Wedgewood, Spode, Portmeireon, Royal Worcester, Denby Factory Outlet, Hudson and Middleton

Enjoy the complete ceramics experience and the Ceramics Trail. You can also discover the history and heritage of the Potteries at award-winning museums and visitor centres, see world renowned collections, go on a factory tour and meet the skilled workers and learn about the skills and craftsmanship that go into producing this famous pottery. Have a go at creating your own masterpiece with the many hands-on opportunities available, and shop till you drop or pick up a bargain with the many pottery factory shops in the City.

For other things to see and do in Stoke on Trent:-

The Staffordshire Hoard of Gold


The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found with ermenant display of items at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke with events

The  National Memorial Arboretum

National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's Centre of Remembrance and set in 150 acres of trees, gardens and wildflower meadows

 Science and Space

Joderall Bank Discovery Centre and Observatory with its world famous giant Lovel Telescope and from where BBC programme Star Gazing Live came from. 

 Places to Eat

There are some good local village pubs serving home cooked food and real ale.

  • Three Horse Shoes Inn Country Inn and Spa -  at Blackshaw Moor - family owned, offers bar carvery and finer dining in the Stables restaurant - and just half a mile along the main road from us.  Also serve afternoon tea
  • The Lazy Trout Pub - in our local village Meerbrook sits at the opposite end of the Reservoir to us .... so great for a (roughly) half way stop on a walk around Tittesworth Nature Trail. You can also find our Troutsdale Farm Heritage Breed Lamb on the menu when seasonally available.  They now also serve breakfasts.
  • Ye Olde Rock Inn - at nearby Upper Hulme sits near the Roaches and you can also try their 'Hot Rock' Steaks!
  • The Reform Inn - in local village Thorncliffe, family run pub blending country charm with a modern flair.
  • The Abbey Inn - at Abbey Green, Leek
  • The Roaches Tea Room - just near The Roaches 
  • Cottage Kitchen Country Cafe - Leek Based Cottage Delight has opened its first cafe - at Winkhill, on the Ashbourne Road out of Leek (about 15 mins drive - on the route to Alton Towers or Ashbourne)
  • 2 private chefs have previous cooked for guests - please contact us for their details.
There are also various pub, restaurants, tea rooms and cafe in nearby Leek and Buxton.

Tea Rooms and Cafes

There are various tea rooms & Cafes  in the area-

Private Chef

Eat in ..... enjoy time together .... and let someone else do the cooking (and washing up!). The following people have catered in our cottages before for previous guests.


Local Shops and Shopping - Leek

Leek - gateway to the South West Peak District National Park - is only about 5 minutes drive away from the holiday cottages.  

This historic market town on the edge of the Peak District National Park won THE DAILY TELEGRAPH'S 'HIGH STREET OF THE YEAR' RUNNER UP.

With a 900 year old market charter and market place, it includes chemists, butchers, greengrocers, bakery, Post Office, variety of restaurants and takeaways as well as many independent shops, with local market days and fine food fair. 

There are also main supermarkets, Morrisons, Waitrose, Sainsburys, small Aldi and Asda. 

Visit Leek website lists events, attractions, food and drink places, shopping, outdoor activities

Check out Leek Video which includes our local area Peak District countryside and The Roaches.

Also Checkout the vibrant 'Totally Locally Leek' Facebook page to discover more about some of our great independent shops or the Leek Website as well as their Sunday Supplement Markets they organise.

Leek Market Place combines independent shops, an attractive outdoor cobbled market place, vibrant indoor Butter Market and a bustling table top Trestle Market, offering something for everyone. 

Getliffes Yard in Leek - Restored 19th Century Getliffes Yard is a vibrant community of shops, businesses and cafes. Original cobblestones below a magnificent glass dome offers a relaxed atmosphere.

Find out more with the Leek Architectural Trail

Local Shops and Shopping - Buxton

The Spa town of Buxton is just 15 minutes drive away over some beautiful Peak District Countryside. With independant shops and a shopping centre, Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion gardens to mention just a few things

Buxton's  Historic Spa town is only only about 15 minutes drives from Troutsdale Farm Cottages - we are just off the main Leek to Buxton main road - so simply turn left at the end of our drive and you will find yourself in Buxton - and it is a beautiful drive over Peak District Countryside too! 
There is a wide range of independent and unique shops in Buxton complementing a number of national retailing brands with it's classical architecture, charming arcades and pedestrianised streets .

Buxton is one of most popular tourist destinations in the Peak District famed for its natural spring water and Georgian architecture. It was the fifth Duke of Devonshire who put Buxton on the map with development in 1780s - the centrepiece being the Georgian Crescent (soon to be a 5* Spa loctation). Visitors to Buxton can fill their own bottles from the permanent flow at St Anne's Well in front of the Crescent. Also The University of Derby's Buxton campus is set under the Devonshire Dome which is the largest unsupported dome in the country with a diameter of 174ft and is open to visitors. There is something for everyone to do here! Please visit their official website www.visitpeakdistrict.com for more information.

There are four distinct shopping areas in Buxton and you will find something to inspire you the whole year round. 
The Cavendish Arcade - Discover Buxton’s oldest shopping centre,  within the historic thermal baths. Filled with a fantastic array of local independent stores. Including home ware, giftware, several fashion stores and food, it is a must for both visitors and locals.

The Springs Shopping Centre & High Street  - along the main shopping street, Spring Gardens, has with a variety of stores, ranging from Waitrose to Dorothy Perkins to WHSmith, there’s something for everyone in this popular retail destination. The centre is open seven days a week and has car parking spaces for 450 vehicles. 
High Street, Market Place and Higher Buxton - Many independent and traditional shops line the High Street and Market Place in Higher Buxton. Find one of the counties best second-hand bookshops, a traditional butchers and music shops. Definitely worth the trip up the hill!

The Arches  - is an artisan market, nestled within the historic arches of Hogshaw Mill. Family and dog friendly with a quintessentially quirky collection of stalls and pop up shops. Open Thursday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm
Buxton Farmer's Market - held in the beautiful Octagon Hall at the Pavillion Gardens once a month - also hold various and Craft/makers markets and events at the Pavilion Gardens

For further information see the VisitBuxton,  ExploreBuxton, Buxton Guide, Discover Buxton Websites

Buxton Cinema -  a new 360 seater cinema in the Pavilion Arts Centre where the latest blockbusters will be shown

Other Shopping

The historic market towns of  Ashbourne, Bakewell and Macclesfield are all nearby.
Bakewell Market - Bakewell stall market occupies two sites and has 162 regular stalls. The stall market dates from the 1920's although markets and fairs have been held in Bakewell since the 1300's when Henry III granted William Gernon, Lord of Bakewell the right to hold a fifteen day fair in May.


Peak Shopping Village  - A relaxed shopping experience with in the stunning countryside of Derbyshire and the Peak District - with national named retailers such as Mountain Warehouse, Pavers Shoes, Cotton Traders and Field and Trek mingle with stores such as Authentic Furniture, The Wool Room and The Gift Company. Enjoy great value and choice in fashion and accessories, home ware and gifts, outdoor clothing and equipment and much more.
Just a short distance from the market town of Bakewell or Haddon Hall, and just two miles from Chatsworth House and Garden

Ice cream places:-


Farmer's Markets and Fine Food Fairs

FARMER'S MARKETS AND FIND FOOD FAIRS - Produce and crafts that are grown, reared, cooked, pickled, smoked, brewed or made locally are for sale:-

Monthly:-
Leek Farmer's Market - generally held third Saturday of every month

Buxton Farmers' Market - generally held first Thursday of every month inside the Octagon Hall at the Pavillion Gardens in Buxon.

Bakewell Farmer's Market - Generally held on the last Saturday of every month (sometimes early for Christmas, and sometime not January - please check)- also check their Facebook page.
Held at the Agricultural Business Centre it is now not only widely recognised as home to one of the UK's top five livestock markets – and it has the second largest farmers' market in the country, with only Winchester boasting a larger number of stall holders - regularly attracting more than 5,000 visitors and is so popular that many of the 70 stall holders are selling out before closing time – and there is a waiting list of more than 50 traders.


Rhode Hall Farmer's Market - first Saturday of every month (except January)

Treacle Market Macclesfield - last sunday of every month (except December)   - A Bustling Arts, Antiques, Crafts, Food and Drink Market, held on the cobbles of the historic Marketplace in Macclesfield. With around 140 stalls of exceptional food and drink, unique crafts and vintage finds.

Uttoxeter Race Course

Uttoxeter Race Course - firmly established as one of the leading National Hunt tracks in the Midlands, offering quality racing throughout the year. Set in 110 acres of Staffordshire countryside,  Enjoy a thrilling day out at the races with a first-class hospitality and dining experience. There really is something for everyone with racing hosted on Ladies Day, Music Live and four Family Fun Racedays.  Go and experience the excitement and anticipation as the horses thunder past, at the second longest steeple chase in the country!

 

Historic Castles

Tutbury Castle - Occupied since the Stone Age, the castle is first recorded in 1071, as one of the new castles built to stamp the authority of the Norman conquerors across the Midlands. Since then, the castle has played an important part in English history on many occasions, in warfare and in peace. 
The castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, who was held here on four occasions. It was here that she became involved in the plot that ultimately led to her bloody execution at Fotheringhay. With historical re-enactment, archaeological excavation, an authentic Tudor garden and mediaeval herbery, the ‘haunted’ Great Hall and King’s Bedroom, and of course the tearoom, there’s something for everyone.

Stafford Castle - After recent restoration work and a programme of archaeological investigation Stafford Castle is considered one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country. A programme of archaeological excavations has gradually revealed many of its secrets. Visitors can follow an informative trail of interpretation panels to discover the castle's history. Today, the remains of the castle, together with the surrounding grounds, give visitors a fascinating insight to the 900 year history of this important site.

Outdoor pursuits and activities

Rock Climbing:
Watersports: & Peak Pursuits on Tittesworth Res(canoeing, kayaking, climbing, abseiling archery, orienteering)
Hang Gliding/Para gliding:
Caving/Pot holing
Pony trekking/horseriding
Orienteering:
Birdwatching: – RSPB combes valley nature park, Periguin falcons on Roaches, Curlew pewits little owls etc
Peak District Helicopter Rides
Clay Pigeon shooting
Narrow Boat rides – Endon/Denford
Hot Air Balloon Rides ( at HopeValley & Shugborough)
Hill Rolling - Spheremania at Rushton Spencer - Fling yourself down a hill in a large Zorb ball.
Go Carting
For Paintball, Quad Biking and Woodland Laser Tag at Wild Park Derbyshire

 

Local Canals and walks

Staffordshire being at the heart of the inland waterways network with more miles of canals than any other Shire county.
Perfect for leisurely days out by the water with a picnic, enjoying the peace and wildlife, or taking in a welcoming canalside pub.
Better still, why not take a narrow boat trip? 

Leek and Caldon Canal
Cauldon Canal
Froghall Wharf
Consal Forge

Museums and Visitor Centres

Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery - Leek - ating back to the 1880’s the Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery dominates the skyline of Leek and today is home to a collection of oil paintings, ceramics, local history and a fine selection of the famous Leek Embroideries.
Etruria Industrial Museum - Stoke on Trent
Silk Museum - Macclesfield
National Trust Museum of Childhood - Sudbury, Derbyshire

 

Historic Churches

St Matthews, Meerbrook - local village church.
St Giles Church, Cheadle  -  'Pugins Gem'
St John the Baptisit Church, Tideswell - also known as 'Cathedral of the Peaks -  a superb 14th-century church, known as the Cathedral of the Peak, still with its original 14th-century chancel screen. 

Theatres & Cinemas

Buxton Opera House - beautiful Edwardian theatre and one of the country's finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design.  One of Britain's leading receiving theatres, with around 450 performances each year including dance, comedy, children's shows, drama, musical concerts, pantomime and opera as well as a lively Fringe Theatre and Community and Education Programme. The theatre is also home to the renowned Buxton International Festival. 

Pavillion Arts Centre, Buxton - Buxton's, second theatre venue opened and is housed in the Pavilion Gardens complex behind the Opera House. The Pavilion Arts Centre has two spaces, a 360-seat Main Room and 93-seat Studio Theatre. The Main Room has its own spacious bar and box office which is open for an hour before each performance.

Buxton Cinema -  The 360 seat Buxton Cinema in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Expect all the latest blockbusters right on your doorstep, at a fraction of the cost of the standard multiplex.

New Vic Theatre - Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Regent Theatre - Stoke on Trent - a restored Art Deco theatre offering various shows of grand opera, national ballet, drama and West End Musicals.
Victoria Hall -  Stoke on Trent - a revamped concert hall located in Hanley, and at the heart of the Cultural Quarter.

Pipes in the Peaks - the unique home of the Ex-Regal/ABC Derby Compton Cinema Organ in the beautiful Peak District, Dovedale

Odeon Cinema - Stoke on Trent
Cineworld - Stoke on Trent

Festivals and shows

  • Ashbourne Shrove Tide
  • RHS Flower Show  Chatsworth - June 5- 9 2019
  • Leek Arts Festival - May
  • Leek Show - July
  • Ashbourne Show
  • Staffordshire County Show May/June
  • Manifold Show - August
  • Cheshire Royal Show
  • Buxton International Festival - July
  • The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival - Buxton - 25-29 July 2019
  • Ilam Sheep Dog Trials - August
  • Macclesfield Sheep Dog Trials - July
  • Chatsworth Country Fair - August

Animals, wildlife, zoos

Peak Wildlife Park - 

Large walk throughs allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!). Their regular keeper gives talks and on site facilities provide everything you need for an entertaining, exciting and educational day out

** NEW FOR 2023 - see the Polar Bears! - one of only 2 places in the UK where you can see polar bears - and they have 3! - just 15 minutes drive away!


Beaver Hall Equestian Centre and Farm Park - Bradnop -  small Pets Corner where you can meet their friendly farm animals including goats, pigs, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, hens , bearded dragons & our exotic meerkat friends.


Chatsworth Farm Park and Adventure Playground - Discover thier working farmyard with animal handling and milking demonstrations, plus a woodland playground with a rope park and trampoline, slides, water and sand play


Monkey Forest   - Trentham - Walk with monkeys…

Trentham Monkey Forest is unique in the UK, the only place you can walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques! Set in a beautiful Staffordshire woodland, the forest is home to 140 free-roaming monkeys – the endangered Barbary macaque. Wander along the 3/4 of a mile visitor pathway and watch the monkey antics unfold in front of you.


Chester Zoo - a little further off  - but not too far if you have come from down south or up north! and if you have enjoyed watching them on the Television Programme it is not that far .... and we have had some guests ask about it.



Childrens Play Centres

Leaps and Bounds Indoor Play Centre - Leek - an exciting fun packed indoor adventure play and party centre for children up to 9 years old (height limit 4’9″). We offer a small, clean, safe, friendly, and stimulating environment for children to play, let off steam, meet other children and at the same time, get great healthy exercise, guaranteed to wear them out! 

Tittesworth Reservoir Children's Outdoor Play Area - fantastic outdoor play area suitable for 2-15 year olds, whilst the sand pit is especially popular! There are plenty of idyllic spots for picnics. BBQ's are allowed in their designated BBQ area.

Take the secret tunnel from the farmyard to the playground for exciting adventures.  There's a giant rope park, climbing walls, a trampoline, huge slides, zip wire and swings to burn off their energy. There's an Archimedes screw to fetch water from the stream, as well as a huge sand play area and mechanical diggers.

Walking

Walking:  
From the Doorstep: 
Our tarmac drive - is just under 1/2 a mile - perfect for a simple stroll, as well as childrens bikes and pushchairs too (there are couple of cattle grids)

 Field footpaths  from the cottages - which can be seen on an Ordanance Survey Map  'White Peak' (not Google maps on a phone - as it generally NOT details enough!):-
These field footpaths also are part of the following waymarked ordnance survey map routes which you can follow:
  •  'Churnet Valley Way'
  •  'Staffordshire Moorlands 'Leek to Peak walk'  - A circular walk - going around nearby Tittesworth Water(NB on public  field footpaths, not on the actual Tittesworth Water Nature Trail)  - which goes from Leek to Meerbrook and Troutsdale Farm to Leek  - this walk can also link into  another of the serious 'Leek Landscapes'
  • Both of which can also link into the Nature Trail around Tittesworth Reservoir or other footpaths in the area, including up to The Roaches or into Leek etc
Just some of our top walk suggestions:-
  • Nearby Tittesworth Water  - with its circular nature trail (long, short and less abled routes) visitor centre, cafe, excellent childrens play area, toilets, fishing, water sports, birdwatching.
  • The Roaches - one of the top ten places to walk in the country - with 5 circular walks, or make up your own, or even walk along the ridge line and over to the 'Hanging Stone', Luds Church, or Danebridge/Wincle area with The Ship Inn, Wincle Brewery or Danebridge Fishery 
  • Rudyard  Victorian Lake - walk along one side along a flat path or go all the way around via footpaths too - with a little Steam Railway, fishing, sailing, canoeing, rowing, boat trips and cafe.
  • Manifold Valley - walk or bike along the old disused railway - line - get on at Waterhouses (where you can also hire bikes), Wetton (sort of central) with its National Trust Tea Room, or at the other end at Hulme End with its visitor centre.  You can also walk a National Trust Walk from Wetton, explore Thors Cave (David Attenboroughs favourite place as child) and then over to Ilam Park before returning up the other side of the Manifold Valley.  Also check out the BBC Countryfile Manifold Valley Walk
  • Ilam and the Dovedale Stepping Stones - a favourite with our children and all ages - but can get very busy at peak holiday dates like Bank Holidays.
  • Dovedale - only 15 minutes drive way and such stunning special limestone countryside of the Peak District.
  • Goyt Valley
  • Dimmingsdale
  • Macclesfield Forest
  • Danebridge 
Walking Trails: - traffic free/long distance, Footpaths, Guided walks, Pennine Way, Staffordshire Way, White Peaks Way, Peak District walking festival

 Off Road Trials:- Manifold Trail, High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail, Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail

Guided Walks:-
Want to get out and explore our beautiful countryside - but perhaps abit unsure about following footpaths or where to go then try :- 
Self Guided Trails/walks:-
  • Peak District Village Trails
  • Leek Architectural Trail - A short walk around Leek’s main streets reveals the Victorian influence particularly under the design of the Sugdens, a local firm of architects who designed many buildings in the town in the Arts & Crafts style.  This walk will take about 1.5 hours - also included are several diversions if you want to extend your walk.
  • Peak District Audio Trails - some of the first downloadable MP3 audio guides for countryside sites in the UK.  A series of 15 trails from across the Peak District National Park and further north into the South Pennines will take you on a self-guided tour of some of the finest walks in the area.  Download the audio trails onto your smartphone or mp3 player, along with a map of the route showing stopping points to listen to each track.
Deep Hayes Country Park

Canal Walks

 

Cycling

View a map of the 4  White Peak Trails in the area here

Manifold Valley Track - 9 miles (14.5 km) track along the old disused railway  - from Waterhouses to Hulme End - NCN route 54 (National Cycle Centre) - also listed on the Peak District National Parks Site

A child-friendly route in the White Peak District.  
Starting at Waterhouses Old Station Car Park or Hulme End Visitor Centre, it is a gentle amble through the picturesque valleys of the Hamps and Manifold rivers, passing beneath the famous Thor's Cave gaping over the trail from its position up in the limestone spur. This section, with its rocky outcrops and surrounding wooded slopes, is the most dramatic of the trail.
The 100m long Swainsley Tunnel is illuninated.  
It was the first railway path in Britain to be converted for public use after the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway shut in 1934 after a mere 30 years of service.
National Trust Tea room at Wetton Mill along the trail or refreshments at Hulme End village with visitor centre, village shop and pub The Manifold. Waterhouses has Ye Olde Crown Inn, or the Red Lion Inn a mile up the road serves traditional home cooking.
Bike Hire available at Waterside Cottages (formerly Brown End Farm Cycle Hire), Waterhouses - Check out the Manifold Track Map. 
NB. A section between Swainsley and Wetton Mill is used by traffic (single track) and contains a tunnel 100m long at Swainsley; this is illuminated but still quite dark with small passing places to avoid vehicles
 
To see on the way:
Thor's Cave was occupied from the end of the Palaeolithic period to Roman times. It's a steep climb, but the views are worth it.
Wetton Mill is an old corn mill on the Manifold that closed in 1857 and you can still see remnants of its operation: the limestone outhouses of the mill, the bridge built in 1805 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire and the dammed section of the river that was the millpond. There are great views from here and you can splash about in the river too  - now a Tea Room.
The Brown End Quarry nature reserve at Waterhouses is a former limestone quarry, now a site of special scientific interest. The vertical exposures were once part of the sea bed, with rocks 350 million years old.

High Peak Trail - only about 15 minutes drive from our holiday cottages to get  -  is 17½ miles long between Dowlow (at the  South Buxton end – just 6 miles short of the town) and High Peak Junction (close to Cromford). 
View a map of the trail here

Tissington Trail -  joins the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay and runs 13 miles south to Ashbourne. 

Cycle the magnificent Monsal Trail from Blackwell Mill Wyedale near Buxton to Bakewell - 8.5 miles of traffic-free cycle route.
The Monsal trail is a disused railway line closed in 1968 & recently converted in 2010-2011 into a new traffic free cycle track, allowing people to cycle from Blackwell Mill, near Buxton to Bakewell. The trail follows the river Wye, & takes you through several newly opened lit tunnels, between steep gorges, surrounding limestone hills & across the spectacular Monsal Dale viaduct making this an exceptional cycling experience.
Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire and Tuck Shop with 'Gel Seat' bikes, Electric bikes, child seats, tagalongs and trailers
Hassop Station with it's cafe, books, cycle hire and shop on the Monsal Trail -
This spacious, elegant Old Station building has a sun terrace fronting the Monsal Trail for balmy sunny days and outside dining. They also have a large outdoor covered seating area with Wendy Houses and playframe to keep the little ones entertained.

We can also boast a large outdoor covered seating area with Wendy Houses to keep the little ones entertained, and any dog walkers dry! They also offer take away food, drinks and icecreams for you to enjoy as you explore the trail.

Black Harry Trails - Horse-riding and mountain-biking routes in the Peak District National Park
See the map

For further cycle information in the Peak District see here

Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway  - follows a redendant railway line -  links two of the prettiest Churnet Valley villages, passing through 'Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland' and taking in the stunning architecture of Alton Castle and beautiful Dimmingsdale

Rudyard Victorian Lake - The former railway line has been converted to a pedestrian/jogging/cycling route so you have a traffic free way of getting to the Lake from the edge of Leek.

There are also various National Cycle Routes in the area of Leek, Buxton  or wider area  - please see their site.

Carsington Water - Enjoy the area’s picturesque trails on thier top brand mountain bikes. You can enjoy the short, family friendly, 3 mile route or the full 8 mile reservoir circuit now all off road. Alternatively you can increase your route a little further and take in Hopton and Carsington Village. Their tracks are regularly maintained and improved by Severn Trent Water and link to the Tissington and High Peak trails giving you even more opportunities to take in the fabulous scenery within the Derbyshire Dales.

Macclesfield Forest - Cyclist can take advantage of the concessionary bridlepaths in the forest which offer great views of the forest and the surrounding areas including the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain


Leek Cyclists’ Club is the 3rd oldest cycling club in the country, founded in 1876, and still going strong. They hold rides on various days/evenings through the summer for all abilities and as well as a  longer ride

Cycle Hire:-
Mountain Biking:-
  • Nearby Macclesfield Forest offers routes where cyclist and horse riders can take advantage of the concessionary bridlepaths in the forest which offer great views of the forest and the surrounding areas including the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain.
  • Chase Trails available in the Cannock Chase area of South Staffordshire.
  • NB. Mountain bikes are not legal on footpaths and should only be used along bridleways, by-ways, cycle trails and roads both classified and unclassifiedater


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