Macclesfield was once the centre of the English silk weaving industry and is commonly referred to as the ‘Silk Town’.

Textile heritage is still evident in the urban fabric of this modern Cheshire town, but today you’ll find a number of contemporary eateries, bars, vibrant night life and modern cultural centres to keep you entertained.

If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, there are several shopping options in the town, including numerous local high street stores and the large Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Take a stroll down the quaint cobbles of Church Street for a varied mix of independent shops to browse at your leisure.

If all of that shopping has worked up an appetite, The Picturedrome is a brilliant place to visit. A new pop-up food hall, which opened to the public in 2019, The Picturedrome was previously a cinema. Today it has been reimagined into a vibrant food market, hosting seven food outlets which are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger cravings!

Interested in the arts and culture? The town is also home to Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, a charity run by volunteers, which offers a place to make art and socialise with local people. You will also find a number of small independent galleries to enjoy at your convenience.

Thistledowns has a variety of excellent schools and colleges to support your young ones. There are roughly 20 schools to choose from in Macclesfield featuring a range of primary, secondary, academy and independent schools. Tytherington School is a mere 5 minute drive from Thistledowns and amongst the best rated in the area.

For local supermarkets, there are several choices in and around Macclesfield including two Tesco Superstores, Sainsbury’s and Aldi’s for your convenience. Being situated at Thistledowns gives you everything you need on your doorstep, with all essential amenities accessible in short journeys.

When you do want to travel, Thistledowns is a great base from which to get around the North of England.

Roughly 35 minutes’ drive from the M6 Motorway, you are provided with easy access to major cities and holiday destinations in Northern and Central England. Make a short journey North to access the Lake District, the West Lancashire coast and large cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.

Macclesfield Railway Station is the main line station, offering regular services to Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and even London is a mere hour and a half journey. The town is also serviced by a number of local bus routes connecting to the surrounding areas. If you’re travelling abroad, the large international airport of Manchester is very close for a quick getaway!

For fitness and nature enthusiasts, Macclesfield sits on the outskirts of the Peak District; a beautiful national park, home to steep limestone valleys and rugged moorland. Although renowned primarily, for its scenic walks, the Peaks offers a variety of alternative outdoor activities. From climbing to cycling to horse riding, the Peaks has something to suit every type of adventurer!

Other local attractions include Lyme Park, a large country estate featuring an Elizabethan mansion and formal gardens. Managed by the National Trust, the house includes a deer park which is certain to spark the imagination of young ones.

If you’re keen to admire the stunning local views, take short drive from Thistledowns to the White Nancy landmark in Bollington. Its a short and steep walk up to this interesting structure, but once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with extensive views across the Cheshire plain.