Disley, Newtown and Lyme Handley, lie in the north east corner of Cheshire, between the Cheshire plain and the lower slopes of the Pennines and the Peak District. The community is situated about 10 miles from Macclesfield, 11 miles from Buxton, 7 miles from Stockport, 13 miles from Manchester and 45 miles from Chester.
The main river of the district is the River Goyt, which rises in the Peak District near Buxton and eventually joins with the River Etherow to form the River Mersey. Looking across the Goyt valley, to the south east, can be seen the Kinder Plateau. Looking to the west, on a clear day, across the Cheshire Plain, it is possible to see the Welsh Mountains, whilst to the north, it is possible to see Rivington Pike in Lancashire. In the south east, looking across Lyme Park, Alderley Edge can be seen.
Newtown is a separate community that lies about 1 mile south of Disley and is mainly residential today although in the past, it had a large print works where Peveril Gardens now stands. Lyme Handley is the most rural of the three communities encompassing Lyme Park. The population of Disley is around 5000.
The village has old stone built cottages going back to the 17th and 18th centuries, Victorian and Edwardian villas and houses, inter-war development as well as more recent housing which provides homes for over 2000 families.
The village shops supply the day-to-day needs of the residents. In addition, there is a railway station with services to Manchester and Buxton, a bus service that links the village not only with Buxton, Nottingham, Stockport and Manchester, but also with Manchester International Airport. There are four places of worship, meeting the needs of five different denominations and a village primary school providing for the educational needs of the resident children.
Disley village relies on its neighbours for most of its employment, although there are two factories within the boundaries of the parish as well as several garages, offices of professional firms and restaurants. Many of the residents commute into the surrounding towns to work.
The location of Disley means that it is in easy reach of the Peak District as well as the national motorway network. For those who want to walk, there are many pleasant walks in Lyme Park itself, along the Goyt Valley or in the foothills of the Pennines. A map of the footpaths has been published and is available from the Parish Council Offices.
Disley’s gardeners complain as much as most about the weather yet each year they show what can be achieved in the area with their magnificent displays at the annual Disley Horticultural Society show, which is held in a large marquee at Disley Amalgamated Club. Throughout the year, Disley’s gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes are a colourful reminder of their handiwork.
There are regular meetings of societies and clubs in the village every week. On Saturday mornings, coffee mornings are held in the Community Centre, organised by various groups and societies. On the last Friday of each month a Long Table Lunch is held in St Mary’s School Rooms.
