Cheadle, Staffordshire Group Travel and Coach Driver Information Pack www.cheadlestaffordshire.co.uk 1
Cheadle Gateway to the Churnet Valley & Home of Pugin s Gem Located in the North of Staffordshire, on the edge of the Peak District, Cheadle is a busy, picturesque market town only a short distance from Alton Towers, Britain's favourite theme park. The glory of this market town is 'Pugin's Gem' the Roman Catholic church of St Giles, commissioned in 1841, and designed by AWN Pugin. It is considered to be the finest Victorian Gothic church in the country and a must to visit. There are numerous other buildings in the area by this architect of Big Ben and Birmingham Cathedral making Cheadle the centre of Pugin-land. The town has many independent shops including traditional butcher, baker, jeweller, crafts and oatcake shop. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian Hall, the friendly indoor market provides a wide range of quality products. Small Indietype shops and coffee houses make Cheadle a perfect stop off when visiting the nearby Peak District. In amongst rolling countryside, Cheadle is the gateway to the beautiful Churnet Valley with its amazing canal, river walks and steam railway. Nature lovers are well catered for in the valley with RSPB Combes Valley, NT Hawksmoor nature reserve, and Consall country park all open to the public. Discover some of the history of this area by taking the selfguided Cheadle town trail or book on the more extensive guided Cheadle historical tour. 2
Cheadle Discovery and Visitor Centre Located in the beautiful Lulworth House on the High Street, the Discovery Centre is the ideal place to start your visit to Cheadle. The centre, run by volunteers, acts as a community hub for Cheadle s heritage, culture and arts and provides regular displays and exhibitions. Learn about the renowned architect AWN Pugin and the Hardman Company, who implemented many of his designs, in a dedicated room within the centre before taking the historic trail around the town which includes the magnificent Pugin s Gem. Designed by AWN Pugin, 'Pugin's Gem' is the Roman Catholic church of St Giles. Featured in many TV programs including Antiques Road Trip, it is considered to be the finest Victorian Gothic church in the country and a must-see sight during your visit to Cheadle. Auctioneer Charles Hanson during the Antiques Road Trip filming Centre Opening Times Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10-4 pm (Special opening times can be arranged for pre-booked parties) Tel: 01538 753519 (Alan Wigley) E-mail: contact@discovercheadle.co.uk 3
Cheadle Historic Trail Why not explore Cheadle s fascinating past by taking a walk along our short Discover the Secret Trail. Here you will be able to explore the High Street, find out why St Giles likes blacksmiths and discover the magnificent "Pugin's Gem", the highlight of this walk. The Discover the Secret Trail, provides 5 stopping points identified on the map below. At each point you will find an Interpretation Trail Information Panel, similar to the one displayed. These panels are designed to be informative as well as highlight historic aspects that are a must view on your walk. The trail starts with the first panel at the top of the short stay car park located in the centre of the town. The trail leads you along the high street, on to St Giles the Abbot Church at the edge of town, and finally to the spires of Pugin s Gem, St Giles RC church. The easy walk (with no steep banks) takes approximately 45 minutes and allows ample opportunity to sit and relax or call into one of the many coffee shops. The trail ends back in the car park with the final panel located in a seated area next to the globe. Enjoy discovering the secrets of Cheadle. 4
St Giles' Catholic Church, (Pugin s Gem) Cheadle Serving the parish of Cheadle, St Giles' is considered to be the finest of all the churches built by the celebrated nineteenth century architect and designer, A.W.N. Pugin. It was financed entirely by John Talbot, sixteenth Earl of Shrewsbury, who lived nearby at Alton Towers. Begun in 1841 and completed in 1846, St Giles' is of unique importance in the history of the Gothic and Catholic Revival. The church boasts a 200 ft spire and the interior is covered in elaborate and spectacular decoration. The church is normally open to the public every day between 11am and 3.30 pm. However, special visiting times can be arranged by appointment. Please be respectful during service times. The Discovery Visitor Centre - a heritage hub in the centre of the town is the ideal place to start your tour of the church and town. The volunteers have a wealth of information about Pugin and can also provide the more independent visitor with an audio guide (hire charge). Once in the church make sure you insert 1 in the slot to light up the church to admire it in all its glory. 5
Market at Cheadle A traditional weekly indoor market is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the restored Victorian Market Hall and occasionally in the adjoining outdoor market place. Key Festivals & Events March Arts Festival April May Continental market July August Cheadle Beer Festival, Party in the Park September October November Xmas lights event and street entertainment Group Visitor Information Coach Parking and Drop Off Point The main bus stop on the High St is a suitable place for coaches to drop their passengers and by prior arrangement there is free parking for coaches at the nearby Leisure centre (a few minutes walk away from the centre) Contact: South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Allen Street, Cheadle ST10 1HJ. T: 01538 753883 For parties of 20 or more visiting our town, we provide the coach driver with a free 10.00 meal voucher. Please contact the Discovery Centre for details. For more information why not download the Cheadle Town Map on the last page of this information pack which shows car parks, toilets and places of interest: http://www.cheadlestaffordshire.co.uk/visitors/pages/ experience-cheadle/map-of-cheadle/info_10.html Toilets Public toilets, serviced twice daily, are located at the centre of the main Tape Street car park. 6
Tourist Information The nearest Tourist Information point in Cheadle, which provides tourism leaflets is the Cheadle Discovery and Visitor Centre. Tel: 01538 753519 (Alan Wigley) E-mail: contact@discovercheadle.co.uk The nearest Tourist Information Centre which provides full tourist information services is the Nicholson Institute, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DW Tel: 01538 483741 E-mail: tourism.services@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk Places of Interest and leisure in and near Cheadle St Giles RC Church (Pugins Gem) St Giles Parish Church The Roundhouse The Bourne Fountain Tudor Houses Elvis Presley Official fan club Cheadle Leisure Centre- sports complex including swimming pool within walking distance of the centre Cheadle Memorial Recreation Ground, Tean Road Memorial Park, bowls and children s playground within walking distance of the centre. Huntley Wood, Outdoor event venue. Churnet Valley Railway Alton Towers Alton Castle Short drive to Stoke-on-Trent for pottery factory tours Available Leaflets/ Booklets Cheadle Town Trail 50p Circular walks in the parish of Cheadle 2 Churnet Valley and Cheadle 2 St Giles RC church- a Pugin Guide 2 Hospital of St John and Alton Castle- a Pugin Guide 2 St Wilfreds Cotton- a Pugin Guide 2 Alton Towers a Pugin Guide 2 All these and more are available from the Cheadle Discovery and Visitor Centre. 7
Accommodation Cheadle has a range of accommodation including 1 hotel (small) and numerous B&B s and camp sites in the area. For more information see www.enjoystaffordshire.com Local Travel Travelling in and around Cheadle is possible by using public transport including buses, Taxi's, or if you wish to explore a little further also by train. Bus Service Cheadle is well served by bus at least 2 per hour service during the day to nearby Hanley and Uttoxeter. A 2 hourly service also runs to Leek. The main bus stop is located on Cheadle High Street. To view the latest timetable for all local buses, please click here. There is also a Public Transport info line that can be reached on 0870 6082608. Train The Churnet Valley heritage train service which departs from nearby Froghall is an excellent way of seeing the beautiful Churnet valley and is especially suited to the less mobile visitor. For more information and to view the timetable please click here. There is a main line train service to Manchester, Birmingham and London from Stoke-on Trent and the nearest connecting station is Blythe Bridge a 10 min car journey from Cheadle. Blythe Bridge Rail Station is an unmanned station located on the Crewe to Derby Line and therefore provides quick and easy access to Derby and Stoke for onward travel. Petrol Stations There are numerous petrol stations located around the area of Cheadle, but there is only 1 petrol station located near to the centre. This is located in the Brookhouses area on the A523 to the west of the town. 8
Map of Cheadle Town Centre 9