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Macclesfield Forest

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
Creative Tourist

One of the enduring attractions of Macclesfield is its surrounding landscape and huge variety of green spaces. Nestled on the edge of the Peak District National Park, there are no shortage of walks nearby, but Macclesfield Forest stands out for its abundance of wildlife and the spectacular views over the forest’s two large reservoirs and out towards Shining Tor, Cheshire’s highest point.

Established in the remnants of a Norman hunting forest and managed by United Utilities, there are plenty of paths and trails leading up, down and around. Indeed, whether you choose to walk, run, cycle or even hop on a horse, Macclesfield Forest makes for a good, challenging work out with enough variety in the terrain to keep things interesting. The forest itself is largely made up of pine trees, although there are projects underway to replant areas with more native broad leaved species.

Macclesfield Forest stands out for its abundance of wildlife and the spectacular views

Look out for the aforementioned Shining Tor, as well as views of Cheshire’s second highest point, Shutlingsloe — known as the ‘Cheshire Matterhorn’, thanks to its resemblance to the famous Swiss mountain. Also worth finding is St Stephen’s Church, known commonly as ‘Forest Chapel’. Originally built in 1673, but reconstructed in 1834, this landmark is known for its traditional rush-bearing ceremony, performed each August.

Visitors to Macclesfield Forest will also find the Peak District’s largest heronry, with springtime walkers provided an opportunity to spot the birds tending to their young high above the bluebells. A herd of elusive red deer, along with badgers, weasels and other assorted species combine to make this an animal spotters paradise.

In terms of getting there, free parking is available at designated areas, but there is also a pay and display car park at the visitor centre, where you will also find toilets, the Nice Nosh food stall serving local produce, an information point and picnic areas. Things are tricker if you don’t drive, but bus services will take you as far as Langley Village, while rail gets you to Macclesfield itself.

MacclesfieldMacclesfieldSK11 0NE View map
Telephone: 01260252832 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Macclesfield Forest

Music
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Where to go near Macclesfield Forest

Macclesfield
Theatre
Mads Theatre

A theatre that can trace its origins back to 1947, Macclesfield Amateur Dramatics Society (or MADS) is dedicated to serving the town and its people.

Cheshire
Place of worship
Macclesfield United Reformed Church

Grade II Listed building, used for events and worship, which is mainly traditional in format, with choir and organ music. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.

Macclesfield
Museum
Paradise Mill

Paradise Mill is a museum devoted to early-20th-century silk weaving, featuring working handlooms in their original setting.

Macclesfield
Museum
The Silk Museum

Housed in a 19th-century art school, The Silk Museum takes visitors through Macclesfield’s history as a silk town with a range of exhibits and events.

Macclesfield
Bar or Pub
No.8 Dukes

Situated just off the beaten track, Dukes Court is the heart of Macclesfield’s nightlife serving innovative cocktails and old favourites.

Macclesfield
Restaurant
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Cheshire
Cinema
Cinemac Cinema

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Macclesfield
Bar or Pub
Fiveclouds Tap & Bottle

Fiveclouds Tap and Bottle is a small beer-focused bar and tap room for Fiveclouds Brew Co. Dedicated to serving artisan beers on tap and in bottles.

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