Things to do in Leek, Staffordshire: markets, lakes and Peak District walks

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Explore Leek, Staffordshire, a charming market town on the edge of the Peak District; enjoy independent shops, vibrant markets, nearby lakes, wildlife, and scenic walks.

Leek in Staffordshire is a charming market town on the edge of the Peak District. The largest of Staffordshire Moorlands three towns, and with cobbled streets, and independent shops, Leek is brimming with unusual architecture and fascinating history.  

Whether you are looking for independent shops and cafes, a bustling market, and nearby outdoor walks, and nature reserves, there is plenty to do in and around Leek. With a mix of scenery heritage and cosy town vibes, here is a list of some of the best things to do in and around Leek.

1. Browse the market and shops

Leek has a vibrant high street, with some great independent shops, restaurants and cafes, and traditional markets. Getliffe’s Yard is a favourite for independent shops and eateries

Markets are held in Leek on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The general outdoor market 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. On every first Sunday in the month, visit the Totally Locally Sunday Supplement Market championing quality locally produced foods and crafts. 

2. Stroll around Rudyard Lake

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Rudyard Lake covers some 168 acres and is over 2.5 miles long. Wander by the Canal and River Trust it welcomes over over 500,000 visitors to her shores each year.

There are a number of carparks. Rudyard Hotel is £3 a day and this is refundable if you visit the hotel for drinks or food. North End and Station is free. But please note that the Sailing Club is members only parking.

It’s about a 5.5 mile walk around the lake.  The east side of the lake is the old railway line and has a wide relatively flat path.  The west side of the lake has narrower paths in places and I would say is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs in certain places.

You can also paddle board on the lake but you must purchase a day ticket online prior to your visit (priced at £12 per day).  This ticket also includes parking at the Dam Head car park.

Rudyard Lake offers a wonderful Staffordshire dog walk. Dogs are welcome at Rudyard Lake, and dogs on leads are allowed in the outside seating area of the café and also in Rudyard Hotel.

3. Stroll or SUP Tittesworth Reservoir

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A 7 minute drive from Leek, on the edge of the spectacular Peak District National Park, Tittesworth offers plenty of activities for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

There is plenty to see and do including watersports aplenty, walking and wildlife watching. There is also a great outdoor play area for children and a pram-friendly walk, plus seasonal events over Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

There are a number of trails to choose from, from Churnet Trail (0.5 miles), Fosters Trail (2 miles), Crabapple Trail (2.75 miles), and Reservoir Trail (4.5 miles). Dogs are also welcome.

There is an onsite restaurant offering amazing views over the water and a number of picnic spots if you prefer to pack a picnic and enjoy the views.

The water sports centre offers courses for all abilities. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) hire includes your board, paddle and buoyancy aid and is priced from £15 per board per hour, or you can launch your own canoe, kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) from £14.

4. Peak Wildlife Park

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Peak Wildlife Park is a zoological attraction in Winkhill, Staffordshire, and is located on the edge of the Peak District. It offers immersive, walk-through experiences with exotic and endangered animals from around the world, emphasizing conservation, education, and family-friendly engagement.

The park officially opened in 2015, featuring a range of animals such as lemurs, penguins, and wallabies. Since then, the park has continued to expand, with new species and exhibits being introduced including the newest additions, Marmalade and Clementine, the Peak Wildlife Park’s very own capybaras.

What is really special is the park offers walk-through experiences, offering guests the opportunity to come face to face with the most iconic of species, including capybaras, penguins, red squirells, and wallabies.You can also book individual animal experiences too.

Tickets are cheaper if purchased online, and are from £21.95 for adults, and £17.95 for children, under 2s are free.

5. The Churnet Valley Railway

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Churnet Valley Railway offers nostalgic steam train rides, unique dining experiences and family adventures through the Staffordshire Moorlands, just a stone’s throw from the outskirts of the Peak District. There are a number of dining experiences including Breakfast trains, Sunday Lunch trains, and Staffordshire Cream Tree Trains.

Look out for Seasonal Events including the Polar Express at Christmas and Mad Hatters Tea Party at Easter. There are also themed nights, including Murder mystery nights.

Churnet Valley also offer affordable family days out with their popular kids go free offer. This offer runs on every public holiday running day throughout the 2026 season (pre booking only and for up to four children aged 0–15 to travel free with each full-fare paying adult).

6. Consall Nature Park

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Consall Woods is a wonderful place to explore. Set in a steep side valley with River Churnet running through it is a picturesque spot This once industrial valley has again taken on nature’s mantle and is now a wonderfully rich mixture of wood pasture, pools and mature woodland, nestled alongside the River Churnet.

Set in a steep-sided valley with the River Churnet running through, it’s a picturesque spot where you can observe wildlife including Great Spotted Woodpeckes, Flycatchers and Redstarts in the Summer.

Stretching over 479 acres, there’s so much to explore at Consall Wood. You’ll find a range of trails to suit different abilities, with conveniently-located benches so you can stop and rest or have a snack while taking in views across the valley.

Parking is available, and toilets are located at the rear of the old visitor centre. Dogs on leads are welcome on the public footpaths around the nature reserve.

7. The Roaches

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The Roaches, a walkers and climbers paradise with impressive gritstone edges and craggy rocks.

It groups together two main gritstone outcrops, ‘Ramshaw Rocks’ famous for the ‘Winking Man’ rock formation and ‘Hen Cloud’ offering stunning panoramic views. The views are spectacular and there are plenty of options for walking trails or organised climbs too.

There are number of walks ranging four walks at The Roaches which range from a short 1 mile walk to a more challenging 6 3/4 mile walk. The shorter Roaches walk is great for kids as there are numerous rocks and boulders to climb and some great myths and legends to talk about as you walk. Do you know about the story of Doxey Pool? Legend says that lurking beneath the surface is an evil mermaid or ‘Blue Nymph’ called Jenny Greenteeth. Legend has it that she hides in the water and those that enter the pool for them never to be seen again.

Where to eat in and around Leek

There are plenty of places to grab a drink or bite to eat in and around Leek.

Hotel Rudyard offers sandwiches, mains and roasts after a lovely walk around Rudyard Lake. The White Hart Tearoom is Leek’s oldest tea shop in a Grade II listed building, Three Horse Shoes Inn, Blackshaw Moor offers a great spa, and restaurant plus rooms if you wish to stay over and The Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant offers home cooked food with views over Tittesworth.

There are also some lovely cafés including Kates, Spout Brew House, No. 5 Café and Coffee Beans Cafe to name just a few.

Our 1 day in Leek itinerary

If you are heading to Leek for the day, why not head to Leek Town for a spot of shopping, wander around Getliffes Yard to browse the independent shops and eateries. Don’t forget market days in Leek for a little more shopping for quality locally produced foods and crafts.  Then if you need to refuel, stop by at Spot Brew House for a coffee and a bite to eat (located here).

Then it’s time for some nature and a bit of fresh air and epic views. Pop in the car to Rudyard Lake only a few minutes drive from Leek centre. Park at Hotel Rudyard for £3 (refundable if you have a drink or bite to eat in the hotel), then take the circular walk around the lake (2hr 30 to complete)..

Finally end the day at Hotel Rudyard for a delicious roast and a refreshing drink (check out the menu here).