2nd March 2026
Written by Holly Richardson
Sitting at the edge of the Peak District is the market town of Macclesfield. Stay close by for the weekend and you can discover both sides of this Cheshire town. Or, stop by for the day and decide between a day in the countryside or a day in the town. With a mix of redbrick Victorian buildings, cobbled streets, and modern shops and cafés, it’s worth a visit the town is worth a visit. Whilst venturing just outside the town and you’ll find there’s hills, woodland, and reservoirs, all waiting to be discovered.
Discover the town:
With a growing number of independent shops, well stocked charity shops and some more well-known retailers, if wandering in and out of shops is your thing, there’s plenty for everyone. The town has plenty of reminders of its silk industry, like old mills and warehouses, which sit alongside pubs and cafés, giving visitors both an element of curiosity and sense of its heritage.
Visit the Silk Museum
Housed in the old Park Lane Mill, the museum explains how the silk industry shaped Macclesfield. You can see Victorian looms in action, view historic photographs, and understand why the town became a centre for silk production. Entry is free.
Stroll Treacle Market
Held on the last Sunday of every month, this market features local food, crafts, antiques, and music. It started in 2005 and attracts around 10,000 visitors each month. It’s a straightforward way to experience local life and pick up something unique.
Meander the town centre
The streets are perfect for a casual wander. Independent shops, cafés, and galleries sit alongside older buildings that show off the town’s history. With steep cobbled streets and a pedestrian high street both leading to the market square, which hosts events like outdoor concerts, places to watch the world go by and, if you time it right, a great buzz about the place!
Discover our Robinsons pubs
Macclesfield has plenty of Robinsons pubs to explore, all within walking distance. We’re talking low-key proper pubs, all with a warm welcome. From late night live music to pubs hidden amongst quiet residential streets. George & Dragon, Nags Head, Silk Trader, Three Crowns, The Dolphin, and Lord Byron. These pubs serve cask ales like Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde. They’re reliable, friendly places to stop for a pint or a meal after exploring the town.
Discover the countryside:
Teggs Nose
A short drive or bus ride from the town centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park offers walking trails, viewpoints, and traces of the area’s quarrying past. The summit gives wide views across the Cheshire Plain, and the paths are well marked and suitable for most abilities.
Shutlingsloe
Often called the “Matterhorn of Cheshire” because of its shape, Shutlingsloe is a distinct hill south-east of the town. The walk to the summit is straightforward and takes around an hour from the nearest car park. The top gives wide views across the Cheshire Plain and towards the Peak District.
Macclesfield Forest
Less than five miles from the centre, Macclesfield Forest has marked trails, reservoirs, and woodland. It’s suitable for short strolls or longer loops, and the area provides easy access to wildlife, open views, and quiet corners.
