Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Macclesfield is one the most picturesque spots in Cheshire. Nicknamed ‘Silk Town’ by the locals, Macclesfield was once the world’s biggest producer of silk and had as many as 71 mills producing the goods. These days, it is an affluent area with a diverse range of entertainment and activities, including the famous Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre and Macclesfield Town F.C. The choice of places to eat and drink is equally impressive, with some venues rivalling those in the nearby city of Manchester. Our hotels in Macclesfield are perfectly positioned for you to take in all the action, and if you’re wondering what to do in Macclesfield during your stay, then our handy guide has you covered.
Things to do in Macclesfield
Activities
When in Macclesfield, you can take in some of the sprawling Peak District countryside, explore museums and the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory, pay a visit to one of the UK’s finest country homes or sample some award-winning ice cream at a working farm. Find out more about the wide choice of activities in and around the town.
Places to eat
You can indulge in food from all over the world in Macclesfield, with Greek, Thai, Indian and American just some of the wide range of cuisines on offer here. Our guide points you in the direction of the best spots to eat out, including restaurants, cafés and coffee shops.
Shopping
If your visit to Macclesfield coincides with the monthly Treacle Market, then you are in for a treat. Located on the streets surrounding Market Place, the market is named after the centuries-old tale of the wagon which crashed and spilt treacle onto the town’s streets. It is home to over 160 stalls of independent retailers selling fantastic food & drink, clothing, jewellery, home decorations and so much more.
If it’s a shopping centre you are after, then you will find it at Market Place. Grosvenor Shopping Centre is the town’s indoor shopping venue, home to over 30 shops and food outlets, such as Fat Face, TK Maxx, Superdrug and Gregg’s. There is plenty of parking available, and you can shop until 6pm every day except Sundays and bank holidays, when the shops shut at 4pm.
Getting Around
With close proximity to Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield, Macclesfield has strong transport links which make getting around easy. Macclesfield Train Station is situated on the Stafford to Manchester branch of the West Coast Main Line, and offers regular services to nearby stations, such as Manchester, Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent.
Once you are in town, you can get around using the local bus service. Macclesfield Bus Station is located on Queen Victoria Street in the town centre, and runs regular services to the surrounding areas, including Manchester.
Alternatively, you can travel by Uber, the mobile taxi service. If you would prefer to use a local taxi agency instead, then INTIME Taxis are a popular choice in Macclesfield.