About & Around
About
The Tea Junction Café sits beside the former Hulme End railway depot in the stunning Manifold Valley – the starting point of the Manifold Way. a delightful friendly stop for visitors exploring this picturesque area of the Peak District National Park.
Housed in a former engine shed of the historic Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, the café offers a unique blend of history and charm, making it an ideal place to relax and refuel after a day exploring this beautiful area.
Created to house the engines which ran through the Manifold Valley, still visible today are the old beams & arches from the 18th century –The tearoom itself with the visitor centre next door – the surrounding area all team with history and its industrial heritage.
Open seven days a week throughout the summer season, serving freshly ground coffee, homemade cakes, a locally sourced food menu & ice cream – a The Tea Junction also contains a small shop with supplies for neighbouring campsites, caravan parks & holiday let’s.
Join us in celebrating the simple joys of life, one delightful sip at a time!
Around
The Manifold Valley has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Thor’s Cave has evidence of human occupation during the Stone Age, with use well into the Iron Age and Roman period – the valley was also home to the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, which ran from 1904 to 1934.
Today, the Manifold Way follows the route of this former railway, offering a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.
As you travel down the valley, you’ll pass by Ecton, home to historic copper mines that were once the deepest in England and a source of great wealth for the Dukes of Devonshire – samples of the copper and zinc ores from Ecton Mine can be found at locations such as Chatsworth House and the British Museum in London.
The village of Hartington is only a stones throw away – with its beautiful mere & famous Cheese Shop.
The River Manifold itself is a curious watercourse that disappears underground through a series of swallets or sinkholes during dry spells, only to resurface miles away near Ilam Hall. This disappearing act adds an air of mystery to the already enchanting surroundings.