Meerbrook, Leek, Staffs, ST13 8SP
Local Information and Places to Visit
Curlew Cottage is located close to the village of Maerbrook and is within walking distance of three pubs, The Lazy Trout, The Horseshoes Inn and Ye Olde Rock inn at Upper Hulme. All three can be reached on foot by public footpaths or roads. Closeby we have Tittesworth Water (see below) and the Staffordshire Roaches again both within walking distance. Both can be seen from the cottage.
Closeby is the town of Leek, here there is the Supermarkets, Post Office and shops.
A little further afield are the towns of Buxton, Congleton, Macclesfield and Ashbourne each possessing its own unique attractions, places to visit and shops.
Manchester is only an hour and a half away, or quicker if you hop on the train at Macclesfield.
The surrounding area has many varied walks from easy going to strenous and the view from some of our local walks are quite rewarding with views as far as Manchester, Stoke and even Liverpool and Snowdonia on clear days.
Places to Visit
Alton Towers is the world famous theme park with numerous white knuckle rides and other attractions set in wonderful settings of grounds and gardens. The theme park has world famous rides, such as Air, Oblivion, Submission, Nemesis and Rita Queen of speed. Alton Towers also has a waterpark which is open all year round and fun for all the family.
Alton Towers is only 30 minutes drive from Cerlew cottage.
Victorian garden created by James Bateman as an extension of his beliefs and scientific interests, with plant collection coming from all over the world. A visit takes you on a global journey from an Italian terrace to an Egyptian pyramid, via a Himalayan glen and Chinese-inspired garden.
This man made lake lies largly hidden in a fold surrounded by thickly wooded hillsides, a haven of peace and tranquility less than a mile from the A523 that links Leek to Macclesfield. (a little over 5 Miles from Curlew Cottage) The two and a half mile long lake was created more than two centuries ago to supply water for the then expanding canal system of the West Midlands and today it is a popular day out, offering walking, boating, sailing and fishing for visitors.
Tittesworth Water is located withing walking distance of Curlew cottage and is an ideal place to visit as part of a day out in the Peak District. There s something very special about a reservoir hidden away on the edges of one of England s most spectacular National Parks. Open everyday except for Christmas Day, Tittesworth water offer a range of attractions for those who love the great outdoors. A Visitor Centre and restaurant, as well as a number of enjoyable walks including views of The Roaches and strolls across the top of the dam. Tittesworth Water is also a bird spotters paradise
Go Ape, Pooles Cavern and Buxton Country park 
Take a Journey beneath the earth into Pooles Cavern with expert guides and explore the vast Limestone caverns, see how crystal Stalactites and Stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years and see the incredible underground world as never before.
Or explore above ground in the beautiful country park woodlands or complete your day with a stroll to Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple viewpoint with superb views of the Peak District. Or for the more adventurous perhaps a more extreme experience on the forest High wire adventure course at GO APE . Taste the Peak in the Cavern café with meals or snacks, cakes and coffee served all day.
The Potteries
Wedgewood Museum and factory tour
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Etruria Industrial Museum
With so much to do in the Potteries museums in Stoke-on-Trent we have provided a list of attractions above, clicking on them will take you to the relevant website. Our recommendations if you cant visit all are Gladstone Pottery and the Wedgewood Museum and factory tour or if money is tight or you want a walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal then might we suggest the Etruria Industrial Museam. The Potteries and Stoke-on-Trent are only 30 minutes away by car.
Gaze at the drunkenly reeling South Range, cross the moat and marvel at the cobbled courtyard before you enter a Hall full of surprises. The skill of the craftsmen fascinates as you climb the stairs to the Long Gallery – imagine life here in Tudor times. The various delights of this unique property include some remarkable wall-paintings and a pretty Knot Garden. Colourful tales of both the Moreton family and this iconic building are revealed to you by our tour guides. Delicious home-baked local food and a visit to the shop complete your day.
On the edge of the Peak District, nestling within sweeping moorland, Lyme Park is a magnificent estate. Its wild remoteness and powerful beauty contrast with one of the most famous country-house images in England – the backdrop to where Darcy meets Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. Discover a colourful family history – from rescuing the Black Prince, sailing into exile with the Duke of Windsor, to the writing of the hit series Upstairs Downstairs. Enjoy hearing visitors play the piano as you discover impressive tapestries, clocks and beautifully furnished rooms, or escape to the park and feel miles from anywhere.
Concorde at Manchester Airport
Concorde G-BOAC (affectionately known as ‘Alpha Charlie’) became the second aircraft to join the British Airways Concorde fleet on 13 February 1976. Although G-BOAC was the second Concorde to be delivered, she is considered to be the flagship of the fleet as she carries the registration plate BOAC - which were the initials of British Airways forerunner, British Overseas Airways Corporation (which merged with British European Airways to form British Airways). She is now homed at the Aviation viewing park at Manchester airport and on visits to the viewing park you can take a tour on Concorde, both inside and underneath the worlds only supersonic airliner. Booking is essential as places are limited and at certain times of the year tours only take place at weekends.
For more information on what to do and places to visit why not take a look at some of our local attraction websites:
Places to visit in Staffordshire
Thanks to Mike Porter for the images