Macclesfield is a great location to move to, as featured in last month’s article, 6 reasons to move to Macclesfield. But there are also some stunning surrounding villages, each with their own attractions.

Let’s take a look at the reasons you might consider moving to some of them:

Bollington

A small, friendly town, with a population of 7944, three miles north of Macclesfield, Bollington enjoys the best of both worlds. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery and is only 18 miles to the south east of Manchester, so makes a reasonably easy commute. There are no direct rail links but good bus routes to Macclesfield and Stockport.  

Bollington is a happy kind of place. In fact, in 1832 the mill owner, Samuel Greg, named his mill, Goldenthal,which means Happy Valley in German. The name stuck and is still used by residents today (minus the grisly happenings of the similarly named Sally Wainwright TV series!).   

Situated on the Cheshire boundary of the Peak District National Park, you’ll find beautiful  countryside whichever way you look. Look out for the local landmark the White Nancy, a white obelisk erected by the Gaskell family as a monument to the Battle of Waterloo. 

The whole area is great for walking whether you head out along the canal, wander down  the Middlewood Way, a converted railway track, or head for the hills.   

What’s it got to offer?

The wonderful community spirit of the town is particularly apparent when volunteers come together to plan the Bollington Festival every four or five years with its impressive array of events including poetry, drama, music, literature and debate, complete with Big Top. There’s also an annual Walking Festival with scenic walks around the area for all abilities.    

As for local amenities, there are four primary schools, several parks, a library, an arts centre, a recreation ground, a leisure centre with swimming pool, and a cricket pitch plus several independent shops.

Back in 1900, Bollington had no fewer than 27 licensed premises. With no mains water supply in those days, drinking alcohol was seen as a way to avoid infection.This number has dropped since then but rest assured there are still plenty of great places for a drink and a chat. 

What about properties?

So, what can you expect if you’re looking to find a home in Bollington? Choose from characterful terraced cottages that start around £220,000, spacious apartments in one of the converted cotton mills at approx £325,000 or a luxury 5 bed detached house at £650,000 plus. 

Sutton/Langley       

Sutton Lane Ends or Sutton is a semi-rural village about one mile south of Macclesfield. In 2020 it had an estimated population of 936, with the entire parish being 2,464. The parish includes the villages of Langley and Oakgrove and the hamlets of Gurnett, Jarman and Lyme Green..

It enjoys an idyllic position, close to Macclesfield Forest and with the rivers Bollin and Rosendale also running through it. And if you take a walk along the nearby canal, take note of the beautifully constructed ‘snake bridge’. 

Points of interest

Tegg’s Nose Country Park is fantastic for walking and enjoying the stunning views. Take in the wonderful patchwork quilt of fields below, dotted with little, white sheep. Or sit on a handy bench and enjoy the sight of the reservoirs glinting below. The area makes a great natural adventure playground for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and abseilers not to mention children (and adults) sledging in the winter. 

As with many villages, there’s a strong community spirit with all manner of interesting events, including a country fete, sheepdog trials and a fell run up the aforementioned, Tegg’s Nose – not for the faint hearted!

It also has some famous connections as the talented wildlife painter, Charles Tunnicliffe, OBE, was renowned for his pictures of birds.    

Sutton is well served by a thriving general store and coffee shop, a primary school (Hollinhey Primary School), a garden centre and several country pubs. It also has an Anglican church, Sutton St. James and a Methodist church in Langley. 

What about properties?

Sutton and Langley offer a range of interesting properties. If you’re a couple you might consider   a two bedroomed Victorian terrace cottages, starting around £290,000. For families there are  4 or 5 bedroomed detached properties on established estates and new developments, with prices ranging from £569,00 to £739,000. Many back onto green fields with countryside views.     

Rainow

Three miles to the north east of Macclesfield and in the valley of River Dean, you’ll find the picturesque village of Rainow, nestling in the Cheshire countryside. On a clear day you’ll even get a glimpse of the Welsh hills. 

Closest railway stations are at Macclesfield, Middlewood and Disley. Bus routes take you to Macclesfield, Stockport and Manchester Airport.     

Rainow is a brilliant spot for those who love the great outdoors as it’s perfect for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. With some spectacular scenery, it boasts Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire as well as Windgather Rocks and Lamaload Reservoir. The 35 mile long Gritstone Trail, from Disley to Kidsgrove, also runs through the village along the Kerridge Ridge.

Local events

There’s a village school and a lively community spirit with local residents organising various events such as a fell race, an annual church fete and a Scarecrow Festival. Last year’s theme was pub names and establishments such as The Robin Hood and The Poachers gave plenty of inspiration. Keep on the right side of your enemies though or you could find yourself in  the old old village stocks!

Take a walk across the flagged path from Bollington to Rainow. It’s believed it’s called a bridal way rather than a bridle way as before the church was built in Bollington brides had to walk to Rainow Church to get married. No doubt their dresses got a little muddy on the way” 

What about properties?

From stone built cottages starting around £279,000 to 4 bedroom detached family homes on the Millers Meadow estate at about £375,000, there’s a range of attractive properties in Rainow. Plus, you could always come across something with real character such as a converted, former chapel. – but for that you’ll be paying more around the £795,000 mark.

Wherever you end up, enjoy your house hunting in these beautiful surrounding areas of Macclesfield.