Macclesfield, or ‘Macc’ as the locals refer to it, beautifully blends mill and market town heritage alongside its rural surroundings.
Small in size but with a big community spirit, Macclesfield welcomes its guests with a cheery attitude. Once you’ve explored the town’s charms, you can take your hire car to venture into the countryside or go in search of the action in nearby cities.
The silk road
Once famous for its silk mills, Macclesfield’s rich industrial heritage is still acknowledged today in several museums and historic buildings.
The town’s Silk Museum fully immerses visitors in its affluent past, showcasing the intriguing tale of the town’s people and community against its silk industry.
On top of this, you can also embark on a tour around Paradise Mill, featuring authentic Jacquard silk handlooms. Your guide will demonstrate the archaic machinery in action through the various processes. Afterwards, you’ll be taken inside the silk shop where you can purchase a Macclesfield Silk to fondly remember your trip.
Great outdoors
Macclesfield is situated just moments away from the outstanding Peak District. Whether you plan on visiting the various villages dotted along the national park, want to embark on a guided walk through the scenic landscape or are simply driving through, you’ll be met with stunning views every step of the way.
Just 20 minutes or so from your base sits Poole's Cavern, an underground wonder that contains limestone that dates back more than two million years. Dive deep and discover the formation of unique crystals stalactites, which glisten under the dim lightening.
Afterwards, emerge on top inside the idyllic Buxton Country Park. This vast greenery is the perfect spot for a picnic. You can also venture into the surrounding woodlands to discover Solomon’s Temple, a Victorian viewing tower which overlooks the Peaks.
Just beside this is the splendour of Pavilion Gardens, a recently-restored Victorian centre. Inside you’ll find a local gallery displaying fine artwork from the High Peak Artists group, featuring everything from paintings and photography to ceramics and glass. Outside, there’s over 20-acres of gardens, lakes and trails to enjoy – as well as dozens of events hosted throughout the year.
Theatre of Dreams
Football fan or not, you can appreciate the energy and buzz which encapsulates nearby Manchester when either (or both) of their two famous Premier League teams are in action. United and City take precedence in the city, and are true assets of its culture and heritage.
You can visit both stadiums, even when a match isn’t in play. Old Trafford, nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, is United’s home – situated in the western part of the city. Meanwhile, Etihad Stadium lies in the east.
At both, you can embark on a behind-the-scenes tour to walk in the footsteps of the famous players who have plied their trade here over the years. Go behind the scenes to the teams’ dressing rooms, warm up areas and even walk through the player tunnel towards the pitch.
From famous football to phenomenal scenery, experience everything this area of England has to offer with a hire car inMacclesfield.
