Car Hire Macclesfield

Whether you’re here for leisure or business, and searching for countryside bliss or city adventure, Macclesfield is conveniently placed, with easy access to both.

Nestled in the county of Cheshire, in the north-west of England, attractions such as Chester Zoo and Gulliver's World Theme Park are just over an hour away by car. You can also reach the idyllic hills of the Peak District in mere minutes from its prime location.

Manchester is around an hour north of Macclesfield too, and has something to suit everyone – from football fanatics to history buffs. You can also access the M56, which runs east to west of Cheshire, to visit the Roman city of Chester. Or take the M6 north west to reach the vibrancy of Liverpool 

For extended daytrips, enjoy a picturesque drive through the Peak District. You can stop off at a variety of different villages along the way, to reach the other side, where the steel city of Sheffield sits.

As a small market town, driving in Macclesfield is relatively easy, even during peak times. There’s also a variety of parking spaces to be found in and around the city, from longer stays to quick half an hour pitstops.

Additionally, driving in the UK doesn’t vary too much from back home. You’ll drive on the left side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. However, one big difference is the speed limits, which are displayed in miles per hour.

When driving around Macclesfield, or any other town or city in the UK, the speed limit is usually 30mph (48km/h) unless otherwise signed, though some zones may have lower limits of 20mph (32km/h) around schools and residential areas.

Once you’re out of the built-up areas, speed limits on many rural single carriageways are 60mph (96km/h), and on dual carriageways and motorways are typically 70mph (112km/h), but always check signs as these can vary

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.