Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

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
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Tatton Park
TourKnutsford
Secrets of Knutsford

From wild buildings to wilder characters, explore hidden histories and architectural oddities in the Cheshire town of Knutsford.

from £20.00
Southern Cemetary Chorlton by Tom Jeffs
Until
TourChorlton
Southern Cemetery Tour

Within Chorlton’s Southern Cemetery lie fascinating stories, beautiful architectural details, and the inspiration behind one of The Smith’s best songs.

from £20.00
Horse and Jockey Chorlton
Walking TourManchester
The Secrets of Chorlton

From a hamlet on a road to nowhere to one of Manchester’s most desirable suburbs. What’s the story behind Chorlton-cum-Hardy?

from £20.00
See all events

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
Tempranillo

Tempranillo reflects the soul of Spain, inspired by the new wave of deli-wine bars and, more importantly, the bars and eateries of Madrid.
Mash Guru

Mash Guru is a bar with attitude, eclectic, electric and unexpected on every front. A blend of New York Speakeasy, Berlin underground and 70s Porn Lounge, shaken not stirred.

Cheshire
Cinema
Cinemac Cinema

Cinemac Cinema in Macclesfield is a cinema and live-performance venue which hosts a regular variety of cinema, comedy, theatre and more.

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.

See all places

Cheshire District Guides

Crewe Hall
Things to do in Crewe

A selection of cultural venues, rural sights, bars, pubs and eateries, gathered to showcase the highlights of Crewe’s budding local scene.
Things to do in Macclesfield: Macclesfield Treacle Market
Things to do in Macclesfield

Sat on the edge of the Peak District National Park, this former silk town combines contemporary culture, food, and drink with spectacular landscapes.
Things to Do in Chester

Chester is both historic and modern. Bustling and peaceful. Packed with enough historical landmarks and culture to keep you busy, but small enough to still get everywhere on foot.
Chester Townhouse hotel
Hotels in Chester

To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to hotels in Chester.

Restaurants in Chester

One of the most beautiful city’s in the North, Chester is a wonderful historic city, with a wealth of high-end restaurants.

Culture Guides

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.