Where the Peaks meet the Plains
The borough of Macclesfield, also known as the Peaks and Plains of Cheshire, embraces 202 square miles in the northeast corner of Cheshire. It is bounded on the east by the Peak District National Park, which spills over, into a particularly attractive part of the borough and to the west by the Cheshire Plain with it's associated tranquility. The Peaks and Plains have much to offer visitors, whether it is for a day visit, a weekend break or a weeks holiday.

The borough has a range of unique attractions from Jodrell Bank with its giant radio telescope, arboretum and award-winning Environmental Discovery Centre, to Quarry Bank Mill, a spectacular cotton mill and museum housing the world's most powerful water wheel. The old and the new - a little something for everybody. There are nine stately homes and gardens, each very different and well worth a visit. Macclesfield plays host to the magnificent RHS show at Tatton Park each year, which demonstrates what a glorious location it is. Why not include the show in your visit to the area? Combine the wonderful assortment of gardens with a trip to one of the borough's many specialist and award winning nurseries. One of these, Brookside Garden Centre, houses its own miniature railway and is packed with memorabilia as well as a wide selection of plants and gifts. Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens, high in the Pennine Hills, hosts a collection of over 500 different species of plant. Don't forget the Stately Homes themselves. Gawsworth Hall, a Black and White half timbered building, once home to Shakespeare's Dark Lady and now the venue for a beautiful outdoor theatre in summer months, Arley Hall, a house of great character and charm surrounded by some of the most spectacular gardens in England and Capesthorne Hall, magnificently furnished with fine paintings and sculptures, small theatre and chapel. These are a few of the many wonderful treasures waiting for you.

Population 152,300