Market towns are a huge part of English culture, and Staffordshire has fantastic examples. The area has many lovely market towns with unique characteristics and so much history.
Staffordshire is a county in the heart of England. Home to the famous Alton Towers theme park, attracting millions of visitors annually. The county is also known for its pottery industry, with world-renowned brands such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton originating from the area. Staffordshire also has thriving market towns. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at a selection of market towns in Staffordshire. All boast beautiful architecture, traditional marketplaces and friendly communities. They are well worth a visit.
Cheadle
Cheadle is a lovely market town. It boasts many historical buildings and features from the Georgian and Victorian eras, with medieval roots. One of the most significant structures is the Roman Catholic church of St Giles, also known as ‘Pugin’s Gem’. It was commissioned in 1841 and designed by AWN Pugin, considered the finest Victorian Gothic church in the country.
Cheadle has many lovely independent shops, including a traditional butcher, baker, jeweller, bespoke gift shops, wool and craft shops. Many cafes and restaurants offer a proper, friendly welcome. While you’re here, savour a Staffordshire oatcake! The Victorian Market Hall and Greyhound Walk house a traditional market on Fridays.
Cheadle is surrounded by countryside and the beautiful Churnet Valley. It has canal and river walks, a steam railway, and National Trust Hawksmoor ancient woodland and Consall Nature Park, all open to the public. Nature lovers can also visit Cecilly Brook. Which is a linear Local Nature Reserve stretching for 1.25km. It is also one of the most critical sites in Staffordshire for water vole. The reserve has wildflower meadows, ancient hedgerows, and a well-maintained pathway accessible to all.
Leek
Leek is a town with lots of history and plenty of beautiful architecture. You can stroll around its stone-cobbled market square and see buildings associated with William Morris and stained glass designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones in the Parish Church of St Edward the Confessor. The town also has an area called ‘Petty France’, where French prisoners of war who were brought to the town in the 19th century lived and were later buried.
Leek is a historic market town known for its unusual shops, antiques, good food and award-winning teashops. The town centre has many independent shops. This includes former silk mills that house antique and reproduction pine centres and traditional and contemporary furnishings. You can find delicious local produce at traditional butchers, bakers, greengrocers, delicatessens and cafes. The town also offers a variety of markets, both indoors and outdoors.
Stafford
Stafford is home to the largest Elizabethan townhouse in England, The Ancient High House, and the impressive Stafford Castle with its beautiful views.
Head to the high street stores and independent shops in Stafford or visit the artisan monthly markets in Stone. The foodies amongst you will love the regular farmer’s markets, the Stone Food and Drink Festival and the Stafford Cheese and Ale Festival.
Take in some culture with performances at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, and enjoy the critically acclaimed Stafford Festival Shakespeare at Stafford Castle. Or visit award-winning gardens at Trentham. For a more active experience, take your bike on one of the off-road cycle trails or use the waterways to wind your way through historic sites.
The farmers market in Stafford takes place on the second Saturday of each month and is typically located in the Market Square. Various goods are available for purchase. This includes cakes, wines, jams and preserves, scotch eggs, pastries, street food, crafts, jewellery, candles, wax melts, and numerous other items.
Tamworth
Tamworth is a quaint market town located in Staffordshire, England. Its rich history dates back to Saxon, when it served as the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia during the 8th and 9th centuries. Today, Tamworth is home to several attractions, including the historic Tamworth Moat House, the medieval Church of St Editha, and the Snowdome, an indoor ski slope.
Visitors can explore the area’s history by visiting Tamworth Castle, an impressive motte and bailey castle with four historic cannons. Nature enthusiasts can also spend time at the town’s two local nature reserves, Hodle Lane and Kettlebrook.
The Tamworth Street market occurs every Tuesday and Saturday on Market Street, George Street, St Editha’s Square, and Colehill. With over 100 stalls on most market days, visitors can enjoy various products from various vendors.
We hope you have found this article helpful! These towns are home to various unique businesses and attractions, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists. With their incredible architecture and rich heritage, Market towns in Staffordshire remain an essential part of the region’s cultural identity.