Holiday rentals in Staffordshire Moorlands District

Located in the foothills of the Pennines around 30 kilometres east of Stoke-on-Trent and less than a 1.5-hour drive from Manchester and Sheffield, Staffordshire Moorlands District in the West Midlands is surrounded by beautiful valleys, rolling green hills, and rugged cliffs. It is home to the towns of Leek, Cheadle, and Biddulph, in addition to the largest theme park in the United Kingdom.

In Cheadle, you can explore the Churnet Valley, where you’ll find the 18th-century Caldon Canal, a historic and vital waterway for the industries based in the area, and the famous Churnet Valley steam railway. Leek is a former textile market town with a cobblestone main square and architectural treasures, including those from the Arts and Crafts movement in the mid-19th century. Biddulph is considered the Garden Town of Staffordshire and is a sea of colour from spring until autumn.

The picturesque landscape surrounding these lovely towns makes Staffordshire Moorlands a popular spot for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and sailing. And if you’re hoping to find even more great recreation spots, you can always head just a bit north to the Peak District National Park, one of the UK’s most beloved outdoor destinations with dramatic scenery and expansive views.

As Staffordshire Moorlands is well known for its outdoor activities, some of the best times to visit are during the spring, summer, and autumn. The summer months have the sunniest and warmest weather and the most daylight hours, which is essential if you plan on going for long hikes. Naturally, summer tends to be busy, especially during the weekend. If you prefer to skip the crowds, spring and autumn are still warm, but the number of visitors thins out.

The Staffordshire History Festival takes place in September and October, celebrating the county’s rich history with a host of events, exhibitions, quizzes, talks, and crafting activities. During the winter, things get pretty quiet, and it can be chilly, giving you an excellent opportunity to explore some of the local pubs and shops.

Peak District National Park

Extending across nearly 1,500 square kilometres, the Peak District National Park features tranquil lakes with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding trees and hills, limestone valleys, and emerald-green moorlands dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Top-rated for cycling, trail walking, and horse riding, the Peak District National Park lies just north of Leek.

The Roaches

This prominent gritstone ridge sits high above the town of Leek. At 505 metres high, the Roaches provide a sweeping view over the Staffordshire Peak District; on a clear day, you may even be able to spot Snowdon in Wales. This spot is particularly popular for hiking, and it’s easy to reach via a four-kilometre loop trail.

Biddulph Grange Garden

This beautifully landscaped garden visually whisks you off to destinations around the world. The gardens lie behind a stately brick Victorian mansion, and as you explore, you may find yourself in China with arched bridges, Ancient Egypt complete with sphinxes, or even on an ornate Italian terrace. The themed gardens are skilfully separated from each other using plants and stones, making you feel like you are stepping into faraway lands as you meander.