Tucked away in the Greater Manchester borough of Stockport, Marple Bridge feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Only a short train journey from Manchester on the Hope Valley line, this picturesque spot, with its own waterway, traditional architecture, and bustling high street is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Situated a stone’s throw from the neighbouring town of Marple, which is said to have inspired Agatha Christie's most famous sleuth, Miss Marple, and was once coined “the jewel of the Cheshire Alps” by local artist Eric Jackson, Marple Bridge sits at the western edge of the Peak District and is regarded as one of the best spots in the region to explore the great outdoors from.
With the tree-lined valley of the River Goyt running through the village, it makes sense that the picture-perfect spot was designated as a conservation area in 1974, with nearby Brabyns park incorporated in 2006. Made up of beautifully maintained stone buildings, a scenic bridge that crosses the water, and a variety of quaint houses and shops, it feels like the perfect antidote to city living.
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On its doorstep you’ll find meandering canal towpaths, sprawling parks and vast woodland, which despite their popularity remain relatively untouched. Just minutes away from the hub of the village is Brabyns Park, Marple’s largest park and home to a historic Georgian Iron Bridge, which was first built in 1813. A little further up the road, visitors can also head to The Roman Lakes - a hidden lakeside beauty spot nestled in the Stockport countryside.
Tucked away down a quiet country lane in the picturesque Goyt valley, this beautiful spot has a rich heritage stretching back to the 18th century when the water was used to power Mellor Mill. Surrounded by woodland and gardens, the lakes feature a children’s play area, picnic tables and a vintage-style tearoom that hosts tea dances.
For those keen to immerse themselves in nature, a brisk walk away, there’s also Etherow Country Park situated between Marple and Romiley. Boasting 200 acres of green space and made up of lakes, woodland and marshland, much like Roman Lakes it has a long and storied history and was one of England’s first country parks in the 1960s.
It is also within the country park that you’ll find Whitebottom Farm, where once a year Moovin Festival - a music lovers’ mix of bass, funk, soul, reggae and much more - takes over. Having started from humble beginnings, the music festival has grown massively over the last few years, with many looking forward to the August bank holiday weekend event.
As well as a great line-up, which features many local acts, the festival boasts incredible views in an eco-friendly setting, plus there’s food vendors, yoga classes, holistic treatments, morning gong baths and other roving performances.
Its desirable position on the edge of the Peak District and number of green spaces in walking distance, are just some of the reasons why many head to Marple Bridge. Another draw is its strong sense of community, which is embodied by its many local businesses.
Flanked by its popular public houses, The Norfolk Arms, Midland Hotel and Royal Scot, as well as a small but refined choice of cafes, restaurants and delis, the village really does punch well above its weight when it comes to its food and drink scene.
A recent addition to its scene is Fold, a friendly, neighbourhood bistro and bottle shop with community at its heart. Offering up a menu of delicious ‘British seasonal sharing plates’ with a ‘touch of North West nostalgia throughout’, the bistro is big on championing local suppliers - its lamb hotpot features a Boddington’s gravy emulsion, while it’s squid Bolognese is sprinkled with Grandma Singletons cheddar - and integrating itself with the local community.
“When I sent the proposal to the landlord and their family, they felt like The Fold was what they felt had been missing from Marple Bridge, but was still in keeping with what people around here wanted,” explains co-owner Sean Finnegan. “We were welcomed to the community from our inception, our neighbours are brilliant - anything you need, any help just ask. Our neighbours are testament to that spirit."
Next door you’ll find Marple Bridge Institution, Libby’s Bread and Wine, an artisan bakery and café, which transforms into a pizza and wine bar by night. It first opened in 2008 as a simple bakery, growing gradually and becoming the multifaceted Libby’s many locals know today. Packed out on weekends especially, its brunch menu, featuring breakfast classics as well as brioche French toast and a hash brown, fried egg and cheese barm, has people queuing out the door.
Across the road, there’s also Dutsons, a delicatessen and kitchen run by local brothers Paul and Matthew Dutson. Established in 2012, it was always their dream to open a business together, and one which supports other local businesses. Freshly made bread is baked locally at Cowburns Bakery in High Lane while the beers, wines and spirits are a showcase of Greater Manchester brands.
“We grew up here and our parents’ house is just down the road, " says Paul Dutson. “I went off to university in Newcastle and went to London to work for Majestic wines and Matt worked at The Lowry Hotel, but we were drawn back to Marple Bridge because it’s beautiful and such a wonderful place to be.
Every day, regulars pop in to pick up one of its many freshly prepared deli items including bacon and sausage barms and specials like parsnip and sage rolls and cheese and tomato dough balls. Weekend visitors meanwhile, like to peruse its shelves, stacked full of artisan products such as specialty biscuits and Dutsons’ original roast coffee beans.
“We are very fortunate to have such a good local customer base, we have people here on weekends for bits or bobs but around 80 percent are regulars and nice to see the same faces every day. I think we’re quite accessible in that you can pop on the train from central Manchester and be here in 20 minutes, but in a way I think we’re still a bit of a hidden gem.”
Town Street is also made up of bridal boutiques, hairdressers, beauty stores and shops for flowers and gifts. Round the corner on Lower Fold, Annie Garside has run Red Bird Gifts for just over a year. I lived in Marple Bridge and now I live in Mellor and I just always wanted to open a gift shop and thought the area could do with one,” she reflects.
“It’s really come on as a place since since the mid-2000s, there’s nice coffee shops, florists and hairdressers, and it's also become quite touristy. Plugging a gap in the market, Annie sells a range of gifts for all ages, as well as cards and homeware.
“I’ve had a really good reception, by word-of-mouth more than anything really and I know a lot of people in the area. Since Covid people seem less keen to shop online as well, and there’s quite a strong ethic around here supporting local businesses.
“I’ve lived and worked in London and before I moved here I used to come and visit and I would think what a gorgeous place Marple Bridge is. I mean it’s very picturesque and you’re right on the edge of the Peak District yet you’re really near Manchester for your culture, but it’s like a little pocket I hadn’t heard of.”
Despite no direct train from Marple train station to Stockport, there are two trains from Manchester Piccadilly every hour, making the hidden corner of Stockport very accessible. With its spectacular views, beautiful parks and vibrant high street it’s little wonder why its so popular with locals and city-dwellers alike.
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