Leek is the principal town of the Staffordshire Moorlands and is locally known as 'The Queen of the Moorlands'. It stands on a hill in a large bend in the River Churnet.

The town is an ancient market town and was a centre of silk weaving but this industry has now completely disappeared.

The old town contains many fine buildings and is a good centre for exploring the west side of the Peak District, such as The Roaches.