Rudyard Lake Sailing Club

White sails cutting across dark water mark this proper sailing club perched on the shores of Rudyard Lake, just outside Leek. The club has been running dinghy sailing and racing here for decades, making good use of the consistent winds that funnel down this Staffordshire valley. You'll often spot Lasers, Wayfarers and other small craft tacking back and forth across the three-mile stretch of water that Kipling's parents helped make famous.

Sailing enthusiasts will find this a cracking spot for a day on the water - the club welcomes visiting sailors and runs training courses through the warmer months. Families might enjoy watching the racing from the shoreline, though it's not really set up as a spectator attraction. The lake itself offers decent walking along the dam and surrounding paths.

Timing matters here. Weekend afternoons see the most activity when club racing gets underway, while weekday mornings can feel rather quiet. The setting is lovely enough, with the Peak District's edges rising beyond the far shore, but unless you're actually sailing it's probably worth combining with the steam railway that runs along the opposite bank.

For those staying at nearby parks like Rudyard Vale Caravan Park or the sites around Leek, it makes a decent stop if you're already exploring the lake area. Just don't expect major facilities - this is very much a working sailing club rather than a tourist draw.