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Town and civil parish in Cheshire, England
Photo: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Macclesfield is a market town in Cheshire where the Cheshire plain gives way to the Peak District. It is home to the biennial Barnaby Festival. Macclesfield is the original home of the very popular brand of bread, Hovis. Two members of the late 1970s rock band Joy Division, and its successor the popular 1980s band New Order, are from the town. More notoriously it is also the home of the band The Macc Lads and of Mr Methane, the world's only professional flatulist.
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Stairs between Waters Green and the town centre that are a beloved local landmark.
The grounds are pretty; the ornate stone gates, lodge and chapel are all listed, and there are many veterans of World Wars I and II buried or interred here, including Victoria Cross recipient George Harold Eardley. But the main attraction for visitors is the grave of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, on the walkway next to the trees a short distance from the crematorium and car park. It's very simple, marked with his name, date of death and "Love Will Tear Us Apart", the single that became a hit after his suicide. There's often memorabilia left there, but not so much that it detracts from the experience of contemplating his final resting place whilst listening to 'The Eternal' or another of Joy Division's darker songs.
Its dark stone tower visible from much of the town, and looming over the rail station car park, St Michael's is the building most identified with Macclesfield. A grade II* listed building, the current edifice was built in Victorian Gothic style between 1898 and 1901, replacing the Georgian-style 1740s church (which was built on the site of a 13th-century church) but retaining two late mediaeval chapels. Some gravestones from the 1700s remain but have been relocated, and there are great views to the east from Churchside, the road that runs around the church, and neighbouring Sparrow Park.
the Silk Museum tells the story of silk and its association with Macclesfield. There are also displays of art and other objects that were previously in the former West Park museum. Paradise Mill: contains 26 original Jacquard looms, some of which are still usable, and other machinery used for silk working. Entrance to the mill is by tour only, booking is advised. There are some limitations for visitors with mobility restrictions. There is a tea room and museum shop.
Built in 1814 to provide a purpose-built school for over 2,000 local children, most of whom worked in the mills from the age of 6 onwards. It now serves as a community hub, including Cinemac (see below). It is no longer a museum.
A Grade II* listed building dating from the 17th century. Still in regular use.
Armoury Towers
A former military installation, long since in other use. Privately owned, but accessible (externally).
The small network of roads to the south of Park Lane is an example of early industrial planned housing and is a conservation area.
These are generally terraced houses with the top floor or loft used for loom-weaving. They have distinctive large windows on this floor to maximize the light.
Macclesfield has acquired several pieces of gable-end art, particularly in the Sunderland Street area (the nearest you’ll get to an edgy cultural quarter).
There was a mill here in 1290, but replaced by the present building in the 16th century, and the machinery is Victorian. It's an attractive pink sandstone building, with a ski-slope of a slate roof, backing onto its reservoir. The water-powered three overshot wheels to grind corn, and two are still working.
"The Silkmen" play in the Northern Premier League Two. The stadium, Moss Rose, built in 1891, is one of the oldest in England.
This former railway line has been reclaimed to provide 10 miles (16 km) of greenway for walkers, cyclists and also horse riders for part of the route. Stretching from Macclesfield to Marple (via Bollington & High Lane) it connects with many other footpaths and is reasonably well surfaced for accessible use.
Macclesfield Canal runs between Marple to the north, and Scholar Green to the south, passing through the eastern edge of the town. It forms part of the Cheshire Ring (125 miles/200 km, 110 locks) which passes through some spectacular scenery. The canal is also popular with walkers and the occasional cyclist as it runs in parallel with the Middlewood Way; ideal for round trips.
Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society
A small but well-attended theatre offering several shows each year. Also home to the Macclesfield Majestic (musical) Theatre Group.
Macclesfield’s answer to the lack of a “proper” cinema. Housed on the second floor of the Old Sunday School, it’s essentially a converted hall with a single screen, 230 cinema seats and digital projection equipment, to allow the latest films and live events (e.g. from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, ballet) to be shown. Access is by stairs or lift, and a hearing loop is available. Refreshments may be purchased, including tea, coffee, prosecco, wine, beer and spirits, and may be taken into the auditorium. Ticket prices are very reasonable. The nearest alternative cinemas are 8 miles (12 km) away in Wilmslow & 12 miles (18 km) away in Stockport.
An alternative place to see a film for free if it's a Thursday or Sunday. (But it is a courtesy to buy, at least, a drink). Interesting mix of independent, world cinema, eclectic mix of lo-fi cinema and cult classics. Cinevangelist on alternate Sundays has the twist that they don't tell you the film title but they do supply the title of a comparable film. Horror film on one Saturday a month. Check website for listings. The cinema is upstairs but downstairs is a great pub.
West Park (next to Sainsburys superstore) has a large children’s play area, a skateboard circuit and a bowling green. South Park has a small lake, a bandstand, skate/BMX bowl plaza, bowling green, 18-hole pitch & putt course, tennis and netball courts. Victoria Park (east of the Silk Road) has a bowling green, bandstand and small football pitch.
Linear country park between Macclesfield & Prestbury following the course of the River Bollin. A large area of the park is wild flower rich grassland that is grazed by Bollin Valley's Longhorn cattle.
A varied programme of acoustic music including Folk, classical, ethnic & other types.
Bar on Chestergate with popular Button Live Lounge with up coming singer-songwriters playing short sets from 8PM on Tuesday. Live music on Sunday from 2:30PM.
Music on Friday & Saturday. Various bands and vocalists.
Music from 9:30PM on Friday & Saturday.
Small restaurant emulating Venetian atmosphere and cuisine
Local bakery with many sweet and cakes in centre of town is a popular tea spot
Small restaurant serving traditional British cuisine for lunch and dinner on Macclesfield's major shopping street
Small but well-regarded Thai place in south town centre
Macclesfield's most prominent Indian restaurant, with take-away available
Coffeehouse, opened 2013, serving breakfast sandwiches and lunch.
Pub with food offering. Owned by local Bollington Brewery whose beers are available on the bar.
Indoor & outdoor food court served by nine independent kitchens & bars in a historic cinema building. Beers from Manchester's Blackjack brewery. Tables are shared and not bookable.
Cafe with vegan options
500-year-old manor house, nicely converted into a rambling pub/restaurant.
Grade II listed charming pub, sympathetically renovated in 2021. Unusual & attractive glazed serving hatch by entrance. Real Ales and a large selection of other drinks available. Food available until one hour before closing every day.
Conversion of former shop premises with original windows and parquet flooring contrasting with the modern look of the wood and copper bar. Beers are from the RedWillow brewery about half a mile away. Food available W-Su of varying style.
Traditional 1830s pub with jazz and blues music, fire downstairs; plasma and Space Invaders upstairs.
Taproom situated in the Bollington Brewery just outside Macclesfield town centre (moved from Bollington in 2024). The building is an old bakery and there are a few original features. Indian street food from Pukht. See website for current opening hours.
The town's oldest pub serves a menu with many burger, steak and curry options plus dessert. Claims to be the most haunted pub into the UK.
Country pub on the edge of Macclesfield Forest and next to the Ridgegate Reservoir. Popular with walkers and cyclists. Large selection of whiskies.
Popular 480 year old traditional dining pub. A warren of rooms of different sizes. Local cask beers & food available. Large outdoor area.
Macclesfield branch of the budget hotel chain. Opposite the train station. Calls incur a 13 pence per minute service charge, plus your phone provider's per-minute access charge.
Boutique hotel on Chestergate
Budget chain hotel on the outskirts of town.
Budget hotel close to Bollington.
Decadent 18th-century country house, 6 miles north-west of the town.
The best-known shopping destination in Macclesfield is this furniture maker's shop, started by two Italian immigrants in the mid-19th century. Even if you're not in the market, consider going by just to see out the shop itself, a listed building with a cast-iron and glass front inspired by London's Crystal Palace. The furniture is pretty expensive but there’s a nice café (daily 10AM-4PM).
By bus
Macclesfield Bus Station Macclesfield is connected to several surrounding towns by bus.
By car
The nearest motorway is the M6. From the north, take Junction 19, and travel through Knutsford. From the south, use Junction 17 and follow the signs for Congleton until Macclesfield is signposted.
By plane
Manchester Airport (MAN) is 12 mi away. By taxi the fare is typically about £35 if pre-booked.
The town centre is easily traversable by foot. Buses to suburbs and nearby towns depart from the bus station on Queen Victoria Street.
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