As a place to live Macclesfield has a lot to offer. A vibrant Market Town perfectly nestled in between the Cheshire Plains and the hills of The Peak District, Macclesfield was ranked in the top 20 happiest places to live last year according to Which.
But what makes Macclesfield such a popular and cheerful place to live? Any why is it a good choice for those looking for a place to call home?
Here at Northwood Macclesfield we list our top 10 favourite things about living in Macclesfield.
1 – Macclesfield Forest – Once upon a time much of the area was part of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield. Now only a small area remains owned by United Utilities. There are two reservoirs, a nature reserve and miles of forest tracks to explore on foot, by bike or even on horseback, leading out in to the Peak District. At opposite ends of the forest are Shuttlingsloe (the 3rd highest peak in Cheshire) and Teggs Nose (where you will find Teggs Nose Country Park).
2 – Treacle Market – On the last Sunday of every month the infamous Treacle Market is held in the town centre centred around Market Place and along Mill Street and Chestergate. With over 150 stalls of crafts, food and drink and local produce, many of the bars and cafes are also open creating a great day out for the local and surrounding communities.
3 – The Castle Quarter – Way way back in the 1300’s John de Macclesfield constructed Macclesfield Castle which had fallen into ruins by the 1500’s and now no longer stands. The Castle Quarter, the oldest part of the town centre, is a quaint area of cobbled streets where you will find a range of thriving independent businesses including the very popular Cherry Blossom Café, Salt Bar and Tempranillo as well as The Castle, a grade 2 listed pub with bags of character and cosy open fires in the winter.
4 – South Park, West Park & Victoria Park – Macclesfield boasts not only 1 but 3 large public parks. South Park to the South of the town, West Park to the West and Victoria Park to the East off Buxton Road. At all 3 parks you will find kids play areas and plenty of space for dog walks or to relax and watch the world go by. South Park also hosts a Park Run every Saturday.
5 – The Station – Maybe not the prettiest landmark in the town, but being on the mainline Macclesfield has got to be one of the most accessible towns in the area. Manchester Piccadilly can be reached in just 22 minutes, on the faster service, and London Euston in 1hr 50mins. Services to other major towns and cities such as Stockport, Stoke and Birmingham are also available so getting out and about for work or for leasure is easy from Macclesfield.
6 – Macclesfield Canal – One of the last canals to be constructed it was engineered by Thomas Telford and runs from Marple to Hall Green (near Kidsgrove). The canal is another lovely place for walks passing through nearby Bollington and Macclesfield linking to other walking routes leading further afield. Narrow boats can be hired from Bollington for day trips up and down the canal.
7 – Gawsworth Hall – A short distance out of the town towards Congleton you will find Gawsworth, a pretty village home to Gawsworth Hall which has an interesting history dating back to the 13th centuary. The Hall, adjacent to Gawsworth Church, overlooks a large village pond and is home to a summer open air concert programme. The village is a lovely place to visit anytime of the year with a stop off at the Harrington Arms.
8 – Cinemac & MADS – Cinemac as you might guess is our local independent cinema. Based at the Heritage Centre they have a variety of shows including live theatre and all the new box office hits. If theatre is your preference, MADS (Macclesfield Amateur Dramatics Society) have a lovely theatre on Lord Street and have a programme running all year round.
9 – White Nancy – Located in nearby Bollington, White Nancy is a structure that was built to commemorate the victory at the battle of Waterloo. Now a prominent landmark in the area that can be seen from far afield, the views from Kerridge Hill stretch across the Cheshire Plain and over Manchester City Centre.
10 – Local Breweries – If a good pint is your ‘cup of tea’ then you aren’t short of options in Macclesfield with a range of locally brewed beers from Red Willow, Storm Brewing Co, Bollington Brewery, Happy Valley Brewery & Wincle Brewing Co, most of which have bars and pubs across the area to sample their latest batch!
Looking to move to the area? Give us a call to discuss your requirements – Northwood Macclesfield, your local property experts!
