Cheadle

The historic market town of Cheadle is surrounded by picturesque hills, lying in a vale between the River Tean and one of its tributaries at the edge of the wooded Churnet Valley. The town dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. By 1250 the town was growing and a charter was granted for a market that continues weekly even now, on Fridays. The influence of the Tudors is still evident in the High Street and there are further attractive, historic buildings and churches to admire and explore. Until recently, Cheadle drew its prosperity from the coal seam that runs beneath it but the collieries in the nearby hills are all closed now due to the decline in the industry.

In close proximity to Alton Towers, many visitors come for the amusement and attractions; although others come for the history, heritage and character of the town itself. Much of the beauty here can be attributed to William Morris and visitors can discover a great deal about Cheadle on a guided walk or self-guided tour along the William Morris town trail. The incredible Catholic Church is also worth a visit as it is considered to be one of the finest examples of its type in the England. The work of the well known Victorian architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, who is responsible for the Gothic designs on the Houses of Parliament, St. Giles is indeed a masterpiece, aptly referred to as "Pugin's Gem"