MUCH of the beauty and attraction of Whaley Bridge is to do with water. The River Goyt rushes through the town, on its journey to join up with the Mersey, and crossed by the bridge which gives the town its name. The Toddbrook reservoir, often seen in summer with small yachts, is in an exceptionally beautiful setting.

But many feel that the real glory of Whaley Bridge is the canal basin. The town stands at the end of the Peak Forest Canal, which cuts through the narrow valley. Many visitors come by water, and there is a thriving barge-restaurant based at the canal head.

The whole area round the basin is very historic, with a large conservation area. There are plans for the regeneration of the basin and its surrounds, including the Grade II* listed building, the transfer shed. The basin provides the setting for one of the biggest local events, W3 - the Whaley Water Weekend, usually in June, followed immediately by the well dressing and the annual Rose Queen Carnival. Whaley Bridge has a good selection of shops, sometimes described as "alternative shopping" to supermarkets in the area. There are innumerable pubs, and a good selection of restaurants.

The Mechanics' Institute is very much a central force in Whaley Bridge. In addition to being the office and meeting centre for the Town Council, it is also an information centre and reading room. The building is a venue for countless local events, and the Saturday coffee mornings have become legendary. More about the Mechanics Institute

Below the Mechanics Institute is the Public Library.  Opening Hours can be found here.

We have three primary schools in the parish: -

Whaley Bridge County Primary,

Taxal and Fernilee Church of England Primary

Furness Vale Primary.

There are comprehensive schools at nearby Chapel and New Mills, and private schools at Macclesfield, Stockport and Manchester.

Elsewhere on this website you will find details of the many local organisations, some thriving, some ticking over. These include Footsteps, Whaley Bridge's unique local community centre, with a cyber cafe, which visitors may use. (Keep in touch with your emails, while enjoying your Whaley break!)

The Sports Centre, opened in Jubilee Year and managed by the Town Council, is a major asset to Whaley Bridge.