Attractions and Places To See around Leek - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Leek offer a mix of historical landmarks, natural reserves, and cultural sites. The region features well-preserved architecture and significant religious buildings. Visitors can explore extensive cycling routes and serene natural areas. This area provides diverse opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Leek
- The most popular attractions is Fochteloërveen Cycle Route, a cycle_way that features one of the best-preserved bog areas in the Netherlands. This nature reserve offers beautiful unpaved roads ideal for cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Oostum Church, a religious_building. This 13th-century church is idyllically situated on a mound and features a peculiar tower and preserved wall painting fragments.
- Visitors also love Martini Tower, a man_made_monument. This 96.8-meter-high tower is the tallest in Groningen and offers views from its summit.
- Leek is known for its historical architecture, religious sites, and extensive cycling routes. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to natural reserves.
- The attractions around Leek are appreciated by the komoot community, with 367 upvotes and 224 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Martini Tower
Highlight • Monument
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Fochteloërveen Cycle Route
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Grote Markt, Groningen
Highlight • Settlement
(groningen-info.de/markt-in-groningen/)
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Akerk (Church of Our Lady, Groningen)
Highlight • Religious Site
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Oostum Church
Highlight • Religious Site
Oostum was ecclesiastically combined with Garnwerd for centuries. Because most churchgoers went to Garnwerd and most services were held there, maintenance was increasingly seen as an expensive expense by the church council at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1841, the church council wanted to demolish the church, but the people of Oostum successfully resisted this: the municipality of Ezinge requested the Provincial Board of Supervision of Church Property to oblige the church council to properly maintain the church. However, little maintenance was carried out and in 1857 the church council tried to obtain permission from the Provincial Executive to demolish the church. The people of Oostum again resisted. The Board of Supervision then discovered that the obligatory necessary maintenance had not been carried out by the church the year before (although restoration work had been carried out on the church in Garnwerd), while this had been done according to the annual report and accused the church council of misuse of property. It demanded that the necessary maintenance be carried out after all. A structural inspection also showed that the building was not in as bad a condition as the church council had previously wanted us to believe. A member of the church council resigned, the building was restored and further plans for the demolition of the church were not made.
The roof covering is striking. It consists partly of semi-circular tiles (monks and nuns) that alternately lie with the convex and concave sides facing upwards.
The pulpit with a mannerist baptismal fence dates from 1663. The pew, with the family crest of Lewe van Aduard, was made in the first half of the 18th century.
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Tips from the Community
One of the special dates for the flower market is Good Friday. While Good Friday in Germany marks the beginning of Easter in a more contemplative way, it is not officially a holiday in the Netherlands. All shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and stores are open, and you can go shopping as usual. Somewhere on the Grote Markt, there is always a "bloemendepot" where you can leave your freshly purchased plants for free between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. This way, you don't have to lug them around all day and can shop or relax in peace. (Source: https://groningen-info.de/blumenmarkt-am-karfreitag/)
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Beautiful church in Groningen. One of the many highlights of this great city.
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a surreal image of an industrial installation under construction, placed in the middle of the nature reserve Fochteloërveen. The contrast between the natural environment and the industrial elements creates a fascinating and alienating atmosphere.
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One of the landmarks of Groningen
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Grote Markt in Groningen, a very large square with lots of restaurants, the new Forum is very close by. New and old architecture make up the cityscape.
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Bell tower of the Grote Kirk in the city centre
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Leek?
Leek town centre itself boasts well-preserved architecture, influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, with unique specialty shops and traditional markets. You can visit the Nicholson Institute, which houses a museum and art gallery, and the nearby Nicholson War Memorial. Don't miss the historic St Edward the Confessor Parish Church, featuring stained glass by Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones, or Brindley Mill, a working water-powered corn mill built by canal engineer James Brindley.
Are there any scenic railway experiences near Leek?
Yes, the Churnet Valley Railway offers a charming heritage steam journey through a scenic river valley. It provides views of forests, nature parks, and historic sites along its 10-mile route from Cheddleton, giving a unique perspective of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Where can I find dramatic natural landscapes for hiking and climbing near Leek?
The Roaches, a dramatic gritstone ridge within the Peak District, is ideal for hikers and climbers. It offers rugged beauty, challenging terrain, and stunning views across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and even to Snowdon on a clear day. You can also explore Lud's Church, a mysterious, moss-covered chasm formed by a landslip in the Roaches gritstone.
What water-based activities are available around Leek?
Rudyard Lake is a picturesque spot for fishing, boating, canoeing, and walking, with woodlands surrounding its two-mile length. The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway also runs along its eastern shores. Tittesworth Water is another popular and accessible attraction offering walks and various activities for visitors.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Leek area?
Absolutely. Peak Wildlife Park is a great family attraction featuring a variety of animals like lemurs, penguins, and wallabies, with walk-through exhibits and keeper talks. Tittesworth Water also offers activities suitable for all ages, including accessible walks.
Where can I enjoy peaceful walks and nature observation near Leek?
Ladderedge Country Park, on the outskirts of Leek, is perfect for peaceful walks beside the Caldon Canal. Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve offers walks and trails through a wooded valley known for its diverse wildlife. Deep Hayes Country Park features woodlands, meadows, pools, and pathways, complete with a visitor center and bird hide.
What unique natural formations can be seen near Leek?
Keep an eye out for The Winking Man Rock, a distinctive face-like natural rock formation on the A53 between Leek and Buxton. Additionally, Three Shires Heads is an area of natural beauty featuring a Grade II-listed packhorse bridge and waterfalls, marking the border of Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire.
Are there any nature reserves focusing on local wildlife and habitats?
Yes, Black Brook Nature Reserve, one of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's largest reserves, protects crucial moorland habitats vital for endangered upland birds and rare plants. Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve is also excellent for observing diverse woodland wildlife.
What is the best time of year to visit Leek and its attractions?
Leek and the surrounding Staffordshire Moorlands are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports at Rudyard Lake or Tittesworth Water. Autumn offers stunning foliage, especially in the wooded areas. Even in winter, the dramatic landscapes of The Roaches can be captivating, though some paths might be challenging.
Can I find traditional markets and unique shopping experiences in Leek?
Leek has a Royal Market Charter dating back to 1207. You can experience its traditional Wednesday outdoor market, the indoor Butter and Trestle Market, and a monthly Sunday Supplement Market. The town centre also features unique specialty shops and antique centers, reflecting its rich history and the Arts and Crafts Movement influence.
Are there any specific folklore or unique phenomena associated with attractions near Leek?
Yes, Doxey Pool on top of The Roaches is associated with local folklore about a mermaid named Jenny Greenteeth. Additionally, around the summer solstice, a unique 'double sunset' phenomenon can be observed from the churchyard of St Edward the Confessor Parish Church due to the alignment of a local hill.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Leek's attractions?
The region around Leek, being on the edge of the Peak District, offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For example, explore routes like the 'Borg Nienoord – De Onlanden Nature Reserve loop' for road cycling, or 'ATB Route Marum: Trimunt' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Leek, MTB Trails around Leek, and Gravel biking around Leek guides.
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