Leek is a small town of about 20,000 people situated just outside the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire, Central England. Although traditionally the main industry has been based on textiles, today there are a wide range of employers, ranging from a large Building Society Customer Support Centre, to dozens of small antique shops. In fact, it has been said that Leek is full of six things, these being: Fish & Chip shops (more than a dozen); Antique shops (over 70 different traders); Hairdressers (about 40) ; Public Houses (more than 30); Churches (at least 12); and holes in the road (number changes day to day!) One can hardly go anywhere in the town without coming across at least two or three of those in the above list!
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As noted above, the town is situated just outside one of England’s National Parks, and as such, it is surrounded on all sides by some beautiful countryside. In fact, you only need to walk 15 minutes from anywhere in the town and you can be in the country. Some popular tourist attractions are within easy driving distance (less than one hour), and these include: Peak District National Park (including Dovedale, Manifold Valley, etc.); Alton Towers; Stoke-on-Trent Potteries; Cheddleton Flint Mill; Churnet Valley Railway; Foxfield Railway to name but a few.
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In the town itself, there are many places of interest for the visitor. In addition to the antique shops mentioned earlier, many of the remaining textile mills have Factory Shops where bargains may be had. There is also the Brindley Mill, where James Brindley - father of the Inland Waterways - set up as a millwright. And should you wish to sit down and relax for a cuppa or a cream tea then why not try one of the Tea Rooms in the town - Greystones being a particularly notable one, not least because it is situated in a 17th Century building once believed to have been owned by William Morris of textile fame, but also because the Tea Council of Great Britain have awarded Greystones as Tea Room of the Year for 2000 - a very well-deserved accolade!
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