Relax and enjoy the local area nearby School House!

 

The following information is presented with good intent and to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Obviously, information is subject to change and is outside of our control, so we advise you to check with third parties before making any plans to avoid disappointment.

If you feel we have missed anything or have made any discoveries yourselves that you would be willing to share for the benefit of other guests, we’d be grateful for your input by commenting on our School House Virtual Guest Book.

For any constructive criticism please kindly afford us the opportunity of rectifying any issues by contacting us directly by email.

If you have something great to share with the world please shout it out via our social media, links to all accounts can be found at Follow on our website.

 

LOCAL TAXI COMPANIES

 

Leek – Leek Link – 01538 399999 – leeklinktaxis.co.uk

Oakamoor/Alton – Mum’s Motors – 07851 572200

Cheadle – Premier Taxies – 07793 866639

Cheadle – JJRC Travel – 01538 753217

Ashbourne – Dovelin Cars – 07974 665439 – dovelincars.com

Uttoxeter – Dovelin Cars – 01889 567055 – dovelincars.com

 

CASH MACHINES/ATM’S

There are several locations in Leek with a cash machine/ATM.

The closest is inside “Esso/Poplar Service Station/Spa” in Leek (the first garage you would go past entering Leek on Ashbourne Rd) is around 5 minutes away.

 

The following supermarkets have one…

Sainsburys, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op.

 

And also the following banks…

Barclays on Heywood St

Co-operative, NatWest and Halifax on Derby St

 

There is also a cash machine at Alton Towers if you’re heading over there, it’s outside the entrance by the ticket booths (and more inside the theme park.

 

 

SUPERMARKETS

Your nearest town with supermarkets is Leek, approx. 2 miles away…

Leek…                          

Sainsburys, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Iceland, Farm Foods (also some independent deli’s, a traditional bakery and a chocolatier)

 

Buxton…                        

Waitrose, Morrisons

 

Ashbourne…

M&S, Aldi, Co-op, Sainsburys 

Uttoxeter…

Tesco, Lidl (also there’s a Cinebowl and Ice skating centre in Uttoxeter).

 

 

TOWNS/PUBS/RESTAURANTS/TAKEAWAYS ETC

There are quite a few pubs in the surrounding villages of Alton, and lots of restaurants and numerous takeaways in the market towns of Ashbourne, Uttoxeter and Leek.

 

COTTON

The Star at Cotton – 01538 703655 – thestaratcotton.co.uk

 

ALTON

Bulls Head – 01538 702307 – thebullsheadalton.com

Blacksmith Arms – 01538 702213 – blacksmitharmsalton.com

Alton Bridge – 01538 702338 – altonbridgehotel.co.uk

Talbot Inn – 01538 702767

The Ramblers Retreat – 01538 702730 – ramblersretreat.co.uk

 

KINGSLEY

Thornbury Hall (Pakistani cuisine) – 01538 750831 – thornburyhall.co.uk

 

ELLASTONE

The Duncombe Arms – 01335 324275 – duncombearms.co.uk

 

DENSTONE

The Tavern – 01889 739861 – thetaverndenstone.co.uk

 

CHEADLE

Cheadle Kebab & Pizza – 01538 754666 – cheadlekebabandpizza.co.uk/ordernow

Nam Jai Thai – 01538 752496 – facebook page

Directions for both > goo.gl/maps

LEEK

“The Queen of The Moorlands”, is a delightful traditional market town on the south-western edge of the Peak District, surrounded by rugged countryside including the stunning grit stone rock formations of The Roaches (named from the French word, roches).

Famous for its double sunset and historical buildings dating back to the 11th century, Leek’s long history features famous characters such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, canal engineer James Brindley, Queen Victoria and Victorian designer William Morris, and with its ancient markets, mills, historic churches, distinctive shops and award-winning eateries, there’s much for the visitor to see and do.

Leek Tourist Information Centre can be found at the Nicholson Institute, 1 Stockwell St, Leek ST13 6DW. 01538 483741. 10am–4pm except Sunday (closed).

In recent memory Leek was a national hotspot for antiques dealers using huge mills, formerly for manufacturing silk. Some antiques shops remain alongside reproduction pine workshops, and now the town centre, a refreshing change from modern shopping malls, feature’s many independent shops, café’s, delis and local/traditional/contemporary galleries. Getliffe’s Yard (just off the main street “Derby Street”) retains a lot of the towns charm and is well worth a visit as is the area of Sheep Market (street), St Edward’s Church and St Edward Street.

Enjoy the bustle and atmosphere of Leek’s traditional markets. There’s a general weekly outdoor market each Wednesday for bargains, as well as an indoor market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in the restored Victorian Butter Market just off the ancient market place.

Also there are various less frequent markets, such as the antique and collectors’ market held outdoors, and notably The Leek Sunday Supplement, with multi ward-winning fine food and drink from vendors near and far. More information on these can be found at totallylocally.org/leek/sunday-supplement and facebook.com/TheSundaySupplement.

For an overview of Leek’s unique shops visit leek.totallylocally.shop and facebook.com/TotallyLocallyLeek. We recommend browsing…

Miscos                         miscoschocolates.com Probably Definitely the best chocolate since sliced bread.

Live Love Loaf            liveloveloaf.co.uk The best bread since bread itself.

Gallaghers                  gallaghersdeli.com

Scrumbles                  shop.scrumbles.uk

The Gallery                 facebook.com/thegalleryleek

Picture Book              leekbooks.co.uk

Pronto

The Penguin

… but there are many more.

 

If you’re looking for a good breakfast not too far away from Ramshorn, a 10 minute drive in the direction of Leek, we can recommend The Cottage Kitchen Country Café, owned by cottagedelight.co.uk and the café has a good shop selling their products. Located at Winkhill.

Directions > goo.gl/maps

01538 382020

 

Or if you fancy trying traditional fresh Staffordshire Oatcakes, there is a very small, simple, rustic but tasty takeaway in Leek, “Leek Oatcakes”, open early mornings.

Directions > goo.gl/maps

01538 387556.

 

The Flintlock Cheddleton (just outside of Leek, boasting informal fine dining, featuring traceable, sustainable, locally produced food) – 01538 361380 – theflintlockcheddleton.co.uk

The Roebuck (in the centre of Leek, a timber-framed historical inn built in 1626, has excellent food and beer brewed by Titanic Brewery in Stoke-on-Trent) – 01538 385602 – titanicbrewery.co.uk/our-pubs/the-roebuck

The Napoli (wood fired pizza, handmade pasta, great atmosphere) – 01538 528004 – thenapoli.co.uk

Foxelowe Arts Centre – 01538 386112 – foxloweartscentre.org.uk

SpOut Brewhouse – 01538 399083 – spoutbrewhouse.co.uk

Primo Piano (classic, cosy Italian) – 01538 398289 primopianoleek.com

Alberto’s Kitchen (Italian) – 01538 385800 – albertoskitchen.co.uk 

La Casona (Spanish tapas, authentic quality Mediterranean cuisine) – 01538 381264 – facebook page – marcoferrada15@gmail.com

Thai Siam Leek (formerly So Thai, consistently tasty) – 01538 398686 – thaisiam.webs.com

Qarma (Indian) – 01538 387788 – the-qarma.com

Pabna (Indian) – 01538 381156 – pabnaonline.co.uk

The Laurel Inn (Chinese, takeaway only) – 01538 388185 – laurelinn.co.uk/our_menu.php

Georges Tradition (premium fish n chips) – 01538 381940 – georgestradition.co.uk/shop/leek

Mulberry Leaves (Marston’s) – 01538 542057 – mulberryleavespubleek.co.uk 

The Green Dragon (Wetherspoons) (built in 1693) – 01538 392540 – jdwetherspoon.com

 

There are other craft beer bars, traditional pubs and a cocktail bars in Leek, and many more takeaway options such as Domino’s, Subway, several kebab houses, and lots more curry houses and Asian takeaways.

 

 

BUXTON

Although it takes around 35 minutes by car from Ramshorn, the spa town is the highest in the country and if you’ve not been there before, the opportunity shouldn’t be missed (much like Bakewell), also the scenery on the way is spectacular pretty much any way you drive there.

 

For the best views with places to stop along the way, we recommend navigating initially via the A523 to Bottomhouse then turning right towards Onecote uphill on the B5053, taking the next left at the top of the hill along Blakelow Road. After 4 miles, you’ll come to a T junction…

Here you you’ll be met with a view of Tittesworth Water and Upper Hulme (The Roaches, Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks) below and the Cheshire plains (Jodrell bank telescope) in the distance, (even North Wales on a very clear day).

Directions to this T junction can be found here > goo.gl/maps

 

From there you have two choices…

Either turn right and after 200 yards, on the left there is a lay by and bench to stop at to admire the view better, then continue past The Mermaid Inn (then past Mermaid Pool, labelled Blake Mere on maps, which is said to be bottomless and home to Jenny Greenteeth! Also rumoured to be linked to Doxey Pool on The Roaches via a subterranean passage) to eventually meet up with the main road from Leek to Buxton (A53), turn right and continue.

Directions to The Mermaid Pool > goo.gl/maps

 

Or, from the T junction turn left and go steeply downhill towards Thorncliffe taking the right turn just before going into the village itself (Thorncliffe Lane, opposite the red phone box). Carry on until you meet the main road from Leek to Buxton (A53 where you should turn right). Once on the main road you’ll see a very highly rated restaurant, “The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa

 

Beyond here is a steep uphill taking you past Ramshaw Rocks… the benefit of going this way is that you might get the chance to see “The Winking Man” (rock formation, not the pub at the top of the hill!). The wink itself is easier to spot in the winter as you drive by from Leek to Buxton when the trees on the side of the road have no leaves.

Directions to parking for a walk near to The Winking Man > goo.gl/maps

Location of The Winking Man > goo.gl/maps

 

Buxton is another 15 minutes north along the A53 and once in Buxton there’s plenty to see and do. We recommend wandering around the park area, especially the “Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre”. Then walking past The Old Hall Hotel on the corner of the road (The Square/The Crescent) leading into the town centre, you can sample some natural spring mineral water (free, take some bottles) at “St Anne’s Well”, then continue to wander past the historic “Buxton Crescent” and have a browse around “The Cavendish Arcade” shopping centre.

Buxton also has a train station linked to Manchester should you like to really branch out further afield.

 

When you’ve had enough there are plenty of places to rest and eat. A handful of those at the top of the list are (but not limited to):

 

Coda Vinyl Café – 01298 938228 – codacafe.co.uk

Columbine Restaurant – 01298 78752 – columbinerestaurant.co.uk

Ithaca Greek Taverna – 01298 72203 – buxtonrestaurant.co.uk

The Herb Garden (Vegetarian) – 07515 926945 – fb.com/theherbgardenvegetarianbistro

St Moritz (Swiss/Italian) – 01298 22225 – stmoritzbuxton.co.uk

53 Degrees North (Pub) – 01298 79119 – fb.com/53degreesnorthbuxton

Simply Thai – 01298 24471 – simplythaibuxton.co.uk

The Lone Star (Mexican) – 01298 73301 – lonestarbuxton.co.uk

 

For further information…                 

visitbuxton.co.uk

 

 

ASHBOURNE

Closer and smaller than Leek and Buxton but still with character is Ashbourne; famous for its crazy annual Royal Shrovetide Football event, and packed with historical buildings and independent shops.

 

Café Impromptu (French/British) – 07733 242255 – fb.com/cafeimpromptu

Bramhall’s Deli & Café – 01335 342631 –bramhallsdeli.co.uk

Friends Licensed Café – 01335 343823 – friendscafeashbourne.co.uk

The Basment (Thai) – 01335 300305 – thebasementrestaurant.com

Anayas Bombay Streets (Indian) – 01335 300021 – anayas.co.uk

The Lighthouse Restaurant – 01335 330658 – the-lighthouse-restaurant.co.uk

(In Boylestone, south of Ashbourne)

 

For further information…                 

visitashbourne.co.uk

UTTOXETER

White Hart Hotel (Gastro) – 01889 562707 whitehartuk.com

BEAR – 01889 569360 – bemorebear.co

The Vintage Tea Emporium – 01889 358572 – vintageteaemporium.co.uk

Mario’s Café (Italian) – 01889 569977 – marios-uttoxeter.co.uk

Divine Indian Restaurant – 01889 568020 – thedivineindianrestaurant.co.uk

Heart of Siam (Thai) – 01889 566288 – heartofsiamuttoxeter.co.uk

Kohi Noor (South Indian) – 01889 562153 – facebook page

Mr Woo’s (Chinese) – 01889 565676 – mrwoorestaurant.co.ukdapp

The Water Bridge Table Table – 01889 561800 – tabletable.co.uk

Dapple Grey (Marston’s) – 01889 562117 – dapplegreypub.co.uk

Frankie & Benny’s, Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, Greggs, Starbucks, KF, Papa Johns, Domino’s

 

 

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE                                         

 

Of course there is a plethora of information online with many guides such as…

peakdistrict.org   peakdistrict.gov.uk   visitpeakdistrict.com

 

We recommend the following…

Dimmingsdale and Cotton Dell forestryengland.uk/dimmingsdale

Croxden Abbey ruins english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/croxden-abbey

Peak Wildlife Park (penguins, meerkats, lemurs, otters and all sorts!) peakwildlifepark.co.uk

RSPB Coombs Valley Nature Reserve rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/coombes-valley

Churnet Valley Railway (preserved heritage railway with steam trains) churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk 

Tittesworth Water (walks, play area, watersports, birdwatching) stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/our-visitor-sites/come-visit-us/tittesworth-water

The Roaches (spectacular views, rare wild wallaby spotting and peregrine falcons) goo.gl/maps

Lud’s Church (famous for the story of the Green Knight) goo.gl/maps

Three Shires Head waterfalls goo.gl/maps

Chrome Hill (“The Dragon’s Back”) goo.gl/maps

Hartington (famous for Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton, walks, Tissington Trail, and cheese)

Thors Cave goo.gl/maps (Cycle from either end of the Manifold track or park at Wetton Mill goo.gl/maps or here is closer goo.gl/maps)

Rudyard Lake (where Rudyard Kipling’s parents met, with a small steam train, watersports, walks, and boat tours) rudyardlake.com

Buxton spa town (the highest town in England, famous for it’s water and opera house) visitbuxton.co.uk

Pooles Cavern in Buxton poolescavern.co.uk

Tagg Lane Dairy Artisan Gelateria tagglanedairy.com

Monsal Head goo.gl/maps

Chee Dale stepping stones (accessible via Monsal Trail) goo.gl/maps

Ilam nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak

Dovedale stepping stones with fossils (car park only accepts cash) goo.gl/maps

Bakewell (famous for it’s tarts and great for eating chips whilst spotting huge trout from the bridge over the River Wye)

Chatsworth House chatsworth.org

Haddon Hall haddonhall.co.uk

Cubar Edge goo.gl/maps

Hobs Hurst’s House english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hob-hursts-house

Nine Ladies Stone Circle english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/nine-ladies-stone-circle

Arbor Low english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/arbor-low-stone-circle-and-gib-hill-barrow

Bamford Edge & Ladybower Reservoir (famous for the Dambusters, also see Derwent Reservoir and Derwent Dam to the north) goo.gl/maps

Kinder Scout & Kinder Downfall (highest point in the Peak District, famous for the mass trespass of 1932 and the right to roam)

B29 crash site goo.gl/maps

Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk

Castleton goo.gl/maps

Mam Tor & Winnats Pass goo.gl/maps

Blue John Cavern bluejohn-cavern.co.uk

Speedwell Cavern & Peak Cavern (underground boat ride!) speedwellcavern.co.uk

Lathkill Dale peakdistrictonline.co.uk/lathkill-dale (A good place to start is Conksbury Bridge goo.gl/maps or Monyash village)

Eyam (discover the villagers’ story of self-sacrifice during the plague at eyam-museum.org.uk)

Matlock Bath, Heights of Abraham, Gulliver’s Kingdom thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-matlock-bath-derbyshire-england

Lumsdale waterfalls letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/lumsdale-falls-walk-bentley-brook-2-5-miles

Carsington Water (kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding) carsingtonwater.com

Cannock Chase (mountain biking, walking, Go Ape) forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest

Madrenaline Activity Centre madrenaline.co.uk

Waterworld Tropical Aqua Fun Park in Stoke-on-Trent waterworld.co.uk

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery (home of the Staffordshire Hoard) stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag

Trentham Estate (monkey forest, gardens, play area, shops, restaurants, garden centre) trentham.co.uk

Hoar Cross Hall (spa for a day of indulgence) baronseden.com/hoar-cross-hall

Uttoxeter Race Course uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk

And of course, Alton Towers altontowers.com

(Don’t miss Splash Landings and Extraordinary Golf which are not inside the theme park and can be paid for separately).

 

The list is truly endless and Google.co.uk is your friend!