Relax and enjoy the local area nearby School House!
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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…
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…
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!