The Township of Kidsgrove comprises Kidsgrove itself, a former coal and iron mining community dating back to the late 1700’s, the busy A.34 and the smaller villages of Harriseahead, Newchapel and Mow Cop which have much in common with the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Kidsgrove, with a population of 24,380, forms a natural centre for these smaller communities: here are Town Library, main Post Office, Station and Health Centre, though visitors should note that this is ¾ of a mile from the town centre. The Tesco Supermarket in Liverpool Road offers 24 hour shopping and petrol. Market Street has a wide variety of smaller shops offering convenient shopping. There is an Indian and Chinese Restaurant and numerous take-away establishments.
Many visitors arrive in the district by canal. The Macclesfield Canal particularly offers pleasant countryside, nearby Little Moreton Hall and the lure of a climb to Mow Cop Castle an 18th century folly, with fine views over Cheshire and Staffordshire. This village and those of Harriseahead and Newchapel, have strong Methodist connections; Newchapel houses the Natural Science Centre with planetarium and renewable energy displays and the nearby Church is where early Engineer, James Brindley is buried. More. . .