places to visit in marple

Things To Do

Marple Aqueduct: The ‘River in the Sky’ that makes for one of the North’s best walks

One of the easiest and most serene little strolls you'll find anywhere in Greater Manchester.

Marple is very much the epitome of where Greater Manchester meets the old-world vibes of the Cheshire countryside in what is, for our money, one of the most idyllic vistas anywhere in the region.

While many Mancs may have never ventured out to the reaches of this Stockport town and its adjacent villages before, Marple is not only home to roughly 13,000 locals but it’s also a regular haunt for walkers, canal enthusiasts and plenty of people just yearning for a little taste of the countryside.

One feature of the town that plays no small part in the influx of tourists and other residents from in and around Manchester is the famous Marple Aqueduct , sometimes known as ‘The Grand Aqueduct’ — and for good reason, as it’s the biggest canal aqueduct anywhere in England.

You might think you have seen many like it in various rural towns over the years but believe us, this is one of those things that you have to see in person to truly appreciate it.

Built all the way back in 1794, Marple Aqueduct measures 800 feet long, over 100 feet tall and its central-most point and contains approximately 8,000 cubic yards of red sandstone and white stone from Chapel Milton near Glossop .

It took seven years to build this incredible piece of masonry and functioning aqueduct — a life sadly lost for each year of construction — and it goes without saying that erecting a structure of this size in an era with much cruder tools and when health and safety weren’t exactly at the forefront of people’s minds.

The men that built that this thing literally put their lives on the line to try and ‘impress the engineering world’, put Marple on the map and carve their own little slice of history .

And they did just that.

One of those people was civil engineer Benjamin Outram, the man who was responsible for many of the North West’s famous waterways, including the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, Ashton and Maccsefield canals and even as far as the Huddersfield Narrow .

In the instance of the Grand Aqueduct, he designed to carry the Peak Forest Canal above the River Goyt which runs for around 15 miles from Dukinfield Junction along the Ashton Canal to the canal’s terminus at Bugsworth Basin.

It had to undergo some repairs down the years, especially after the long winter of 1961 (the year before the so-called ‘Big Freeze’), with significant chunks of stonework falling into the Goyt which cost the local council and British Waterways £350,000 in today’s money to replace them.

Beyond taking in the marvel that is Marple Aqueduct itself, the reason this site is so popular when it comes to Greater Manchester walks, bike rides, picnics and so on is that you can walk the entire length of Marple Canal Flight , which consists of 16 locks and is one the steepest in the UK.

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With plenty of nearby parking, the train station literally a stone’s throw from locks seven and eight, not to mention Lock 16 literally on the doorstep of Marple town centre (the Grand Aqueduct sitting at the other end), you can hop on plenty of points along the canal depending on how long a walk you fancy.

Marple and Stockport at large might have been part of Greater Manchester for nearly half a century now, but for those of you who enjoy scenic walks or simply swant to immerse yourselves in the local heritage and old Cheshire roots, there aren’t many better places to start than this.

You can see our recent Short Stuff episode on Marple’s Grand Aqueduct down below:

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Featured Image — The Manc Group/ The Marple Wesbite

One of Manchester’s newest and most exciting festivals, Beyond The Music, is set to return for its second instalment later this year and the first raft of artists has just been announced.

BTM is a multi-venue live music festival and fundamentally global music conference that spotlights new up-and-coming artists, grassroots gig spaces, as well as key voices in the industry, with an at changing the face of the modern music landscape.

Having first launched in 2023, much of their flagship Manc music festival and conference still felt somewhat like a work in progress, but with the inaugural weekend now under the bag and plenty of time and experience to build upon, year two is looking promising already.

Announcing Aviva Studios as the main hub for this year’s festival, along with a number of beloved Northern Quarter venues this week, you can find the first wave of artists set to play Beyond The Music 2024 down below:

Taking place from 9-12 October, they have already confirmed 70 artists and 20 different stage partners (BBC Introducing, Clash and Unity Radio just to name a few) who will serve as ‘tastemakers’ alongside the multiple venues helping put on what is, without doubt, one of the UK’s most diverse live showcases.

Set to platform over 200 artists when the full lineup is confirmed, this is one of the best ways for any budding musical talent based in and around Greater Manchester to try and find a platform, with plenty of out-of-towners sure to join too.

On the conference side of things, under the title, ‘Is It Time For The Music Industry’s Great Rest?’, the groundbreaking look at the inner workings of the music industry will centre around Aviva Studios as already mentioned, with new-look summits and talks programme available to all attendees.

The hope is not just to make this an even bigger and better music festival than last year but to create a unique and global music forum to find solutions to the most pressing issues within the sector. They already made a decent start on it in 2023.

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Commenting on its return, festival partners Clash said of the event, “There is hope and we felt it in Manchester… the beginning of something incredibly special”, and Hunger Magazine added, “It could be the spark that sets the scene alight. Manchester is already a centre of creativity, but the extra push could see it become the centre of the musical universe” – as if it wasn’t already.

To sweeten the deal even more, there’ll be a whole host of afterparties following the horde of gigs being held over the weekend and if you sign up for pre-sale , not only do you get a discount on your entry fee but you’ll also be entered into a prize draw, with drinks vouchers and upgrades up for grabs.

Pre-sale for Beyond The Music 2024 is already live and tickets are now more affordable than ever before, with a standard Delegate Pass (including full festival access) priced at £170, a one-day festival ticket costing only £20 and a full weekend pass to enjoy all three days of music setting you back just £45.

See you there.

Featured Images — Beyond The Music

One of the most beloved musicals of all time is stopping off here in Manchester as part of a major UK tour next year.

Fresh off-the-back of successful run down at The London Palladium, and just a couple of years since it played to packed-out crowds here in 2022, it’s just been announced this week that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be making its way back to Manchester next year, and will be taking over one of our city’s most iconic stages.

The sensational musical production was first staged all the way back in 1968, and is known for being the first major collaboration between theatre legends, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice.

On its way to becoming one of the world’s best-loved family musicals, the multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times – including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, as well as international tours in more than 80 countries worldwide.

THE SMASH-HIT SPECTACLE RETURNS 🌈 We’re delighted to announce that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is coming to the Opera House from 26 Feb – 9 Mar 2025🤩. 🎟️ On sale now to ATG+ members: https://t.co/QPfdf92J9D 🎫 General on sale: Fri 14 Jun, 10am pic.twitter.com/DkpVsVnCxG — Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) June 13, 2024

Unfamiliar with the show ?

Whether you can believe it or not, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat actually started out as a concept album based off a small-scale school show, before it grew into what we know today.

Told entirely through song with the help of the narrator , Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat  follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son, Joseph, who after being sold into hardship by his 11 brothers, tries to ingratiate himself with Egyptian noble, Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife.

While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.

The show features songs that have gone on to become musical theatre stapes, including ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘Close Every Door To Me’, ‘Jacob and Sons’, and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’.

This particular production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat that’s coming to Manchester in 2025 is produced and directed by acclaimed musical theatre duo, Michael Harrison and Laurence Connor.

Speaking ahead of the show’s return to our Manchester Opera House next year, producer Michael Harrison explained: “After two sensational runs at The London Palladium and a celebrated tour, which saw audiences up on their feet when we played in Manchester in 2022, I am delighted to bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat back to the Opera House next year.

“Few shows bring the generations together the way Joseph does, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences new and old to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat  will be on the Manchester Opera House stage from Wednesday 26 February – Sunday 9 March 2025, and tickets are set to go on general sale from as little as £15 each tomorrow (Friday 14 June) at 10am.

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Find out more and grab your tickets when they go on sale here .

Featured Image – Tristram Kenton (via Supplied)

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Five Things to Do in Marple

Five attractions in and around the centre of marple.

Marple is a lovely corner of North East Cheshire. It is in a semi-rural setting which is handy for Stockport, Manchester, and the Peak District. Our cottages are on the banks of the River Goyt which is a good starting point for exploring the town centre and walks.

1. Chadkirk Trail

Our farm and cottages are a short distance from the Chadkirk Trail. This is a circular walk which takes in the rivers Goyt and Etherow , the Peak Forest Canal, and the most part of Marple. Chadkirk Chapel is a Grade II Listed Building with records going back to 1374. It is of notable interest due to its timber frame and stonework. Along the Chadkirk trail is the…

2. Marple Locks

No trip to Marple is complete without seeing the Marple Locks . All sixteen of them from the junction with the Macclesfield Canal to the aqueduct were restored in 1974 and add character to the town. Along the course of the Peak Forest Canal is Brabyns Park and Roman Lakes.

3. Brabyns Park

One of the joys of Marple is the amount of parks and open spaces, which make the town an attractive place for dog owners. Brabyns Park follows part of the River Goyt and the first eight of Marple’s locks on the Peak Forest Canal. Its expanse of green fields makes for a good picnicking spot. The site of Brabyns Hall, demolished in 1952, is now a car park.

4. Roman Lakes

Towards the southern end of the Peak Forest Canal is Roman Lakes. It provided water for Samuel Oldknow’s mill until 1892, the year it was destroyed by fire. Immediately after, it became a tourist attraction with tearooms and an amusement arcade. Today, there are tearooms, and the lakes are a popular spot with anglers.

5. Regent Cinema

After all that walking, you might wish to take in a film. The Regent Cinema is one of Greater Manchester’s last surviving independent cinemas, and has a good local following. Converted from a place of worship, it became a cinema in 1932. It prides itself on charging realistic prices for cinema tickets and refreshments, a contrast to the multiplex chains a short drive away.

The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

Marple Locks

This 16-lock flight at Marple is a spectacular sight, and one of the steepest flights in Britain. Visit beautiful countryside and nearby Marple Aqueduct for a family day out.

It's an absolutely fascinating part of our industrial heritage. Not only does Marple boast Benjamin Outram's splendid stone Marple Aqueduct, together with its slightly higher railway viaduct neighbour running parallel. But you're sure to bump into Oldknow - the man who made Marple.

Visit our welcome station for more information, located at the top of Marple's famous lock flight, near to the junction with the Macclesfield Canal .

More information about what you can enjoy at Marple Locks

Things to see and do

Planning your visit.

Marple Locks, Church St, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6BN

The towpath is always open.

Once you're parked up, it won't cost you a thing.

There are public toilets in the town centre.

Samuel Oldknow (1756 – 1828) transformed rural Marple and Mellor into a hub of industry

Getting here

Parking is available in the town centre

Marple Station is a 5-minute walk to the towpath itself, and 15 minutes to the bottom lock.

Under Marple Aqueduct (Getty Images)

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This is the place: Marple is the jewel of the Cheshire Alps

• Written by Chris Greenhalgh
• Last updated 10 months ago
• Cheshire , Community , Cornerstone , Property & Planning , Stockport

For many of its residents, Marple is the centre of the universe, and somewhere you don’t need to leave – which is just as well as there’s only one road in and one road out.

That’s a massive part of the charm of the great escape that is Marple.

Marple is a rural town within the metropolitan borough of Stockport , Greater Manchester, which historically adjoins the Cheshire boundary and includes the villages of Marple, Mellor, Hawk Green, High Lane, Marple Bridge, Moor End, Strines and the hamlet of Mill Brow, all of which have some excellent views of Manchester.

Much like the Worsley and Boothstown districts of Salford, the Marple district of Stockport is a part of Greater Manchester, which has prospered thanks to the once-booming cotton industry.

Local knowledge

1918 was a big year for Greater Manchester and Marple. It was the end of the First World War and the year in which (some) British women were allowed to vote for the first time.

In Marple, women took action. Women’s lives changed, and women changed Marple.

According to Friends of Marple Station , in the years before the war, women in the town organised themselves, formed networks, campaigned for the vote and worked alongside the radical women of Manchester.

Marple inspired the most famous Agatha Christie character, Miss Marple, and her range of ‘who-done-it novels. Young Agatha would often travel north by train on her own to stay with her family in Cheshire.

You’ll find nods to Miss Marple and the cover art at Marple train station, along with a blue plaque that her grandson unveiled.

According to The Marple Website , the name of Marple is derived from either “ maere hop hyll”, an ancient term meaning “the hill at the boundary valley”, or “ maere pill”, meaning “the stream at the boundary”.

Which makes sense because Marple is well known for its canals and waterways, including the one-and-a-half-mile stretch of the Peak Forest Canal and its famous flight of locks.

Even more ludicrous is the sheer number of hair salons in Marple – over 25 hair and beauty venues for a population of just under 25k people.

As well as salons, Marple is also home to many independent boutique shops, cosy cafes, delis, restaurants and proper traditional pubs.

Community spirit

For residents of Marple, the great outdoors is a mere stroll away.

With miles of canal towpaths, wooded valleys and moorlands providing a mixture of superb scenery and fascinating features, many friendly walking groups can join and tour guides to follow, such as the Marple District Rambling Club over 350 members.

The Mellor March is a family and friends charity pub walk taking place every year on the Sunday of the first Bank Holiday weekend in Ma, running since 1994. This community walk starts at The Devonshire Arms on the border of Mellor village and visits eight pubs, with food and entertainment at Little Mill Inn along the way. You can donate [here] and every penny raised is donated directly to a cancer-related charity.

Marple Carnival is an annual event featuring food stalls and a colourful parade which raises funds for the local community including schools and charities.

Littlewoods Butchers is a little bit of an institution in Marple. All of their meat and poultry is guaranteed 100% British, and at Christmas time you’ll see happy queues of people being handed shorts of sherry while waiting to collect their meat for the festivities.

Best places to eat and drink

There are at least 22 pubs in Marple, and they’re all at the beginning (or the end) of a picturesque walk.

The Crown Hawk Green is a family-run Robinson’s pub with a partitioned dining space. Lynne and her team serve up scrumptious grub sourced from local producers and suppliers including award-winning homemade pies.

Try the cheese, onion and wholegrain mustard pie (£13). It might just change your waistline and your life.

The Midland in Marple Bridge is a Mitchells & Butlers pub boasting its own courtyard overlooking the beautiful River Goyt – perfect for enjoying a spot of alfresco drinking during the summer months. The food is admittedly pretty average pub grub, but the big car park next door makes The Midland a good meeting place or a place to start for pre-drinks before heading round the corner for dinner.

Traders is an independent neighbourhood micropub on Stockport Road serving craft beer, wine and cocktails. Flexing its fabric in the community, the venue regularly invites local foodie traders to collaborate with a pop-up on the patio.

Fold in Marple Bridge is a new but already much-loved neighbourhood independent bistro and bottle shop, serving ‘internationally influenced sharing plates’. Their ‘Chip Shop Croquettes’ filled with monkfish, Champagne curry sauce, smashed peas and malt vinegar ‘dust’ are the signature must-try snack and the ‘Lobster Hotpot’ with ‘hand-rolled’ handkerchief-shaped egg yolk fazzoletti and sourdough crumb will render you speechless.

All Things Nice is a continental cafe and bakery on Marple precinct, serving up freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked bread and banging breakfasts – including probably the best full English breakfast this side of the Pennines – of a morning; small plates and sandwiches of an afternoon; and an all day deli counter selling European charcuterie and artisan cheese.

Libby’s Bread and Wine is a relaxed independent eatery which has made quite a name for itself in just five years since opening in Marple Bridge. This atmospheric place is evocative of a bustling Barcelona cafe bar and has its very own bakery serving freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes from 7am and cooked breakfast from 8am, before it opens up as a buzzing bar restaurant from 5:30pm serving small plates and pizza.

Order three or four small plates per person – and remember that sharing is caring. After sampling one of their pizzas or fresh cheese and tomato garlic bread, try the bravas potatoes, hot and sticky pork belly, spiced breast of lamb, and the chilli and garlic prawns washed down with one of their recommended seasonal wines and/or an espresso martini. Did someone say choc and pecan cheesecake?

You could count the number of Cambodian restaurants in the UK on one hand – but you’ll find one in Marple: Angkor Soul on Stockport Road, which opened in 2017. And, according to The Observer ’s restaurant critic Jay Rayner , it’s “a little diamond,” serving “vivid, extremely fresh Cambodian home cooking.”

You’ll find Thai, Vietnamese and French influences in the food itself, with plenty of vegan dishes as well as the kind of “spiced broths you could get lost in”. Popular dishes include slow-cooked fragrant curries, street food noodle dishes and Cambodia’s national dish of fish curry cooked in a banana leaf with coconut milk, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Food critic Jay put it perfectly: “It lives up to its name. It has soul”.

Dutsons Delicatessen and Kitchen in Marple Bridge is a family-owned deli shop. The shelves are lined with lots of different artisan products from local, national and international suppliers, including a fantastic selection of wine. You can also create your own special hamper full of unusual produce, which makes a great gift.

Hare & Hounds Mill Brow is cosy dog-friendly Robinson’s pub off the beaten track at the highest point of Mill Brow. This hidden gem is the perfect watering hole to stumble into after a countryside walk. Try a pint of Robinson’s Unicorn bitter or Cascade Golden IPA in front of the open fire while you explore the food menu. Every Wednesday and Thursday evening and Friday lunchtime, the pub offers a brilliant value set menu including an appetiser. Don’t miss sticky toffee pudding or Cheshire Farm ice cream in any weather.

La Dolce Vita has been Marple’s staple Italian restaurant for about 30 years and is the outstanding restaurant in an overstocked area. Serving very decent Italian food and open seven days a week, this place has hosted countless birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations over the years.

The Fisherman’s Table is the first fish and seafood restaurant to open in Marple. Each day, along with their sister company Marple Fisaround the precinct corner, owner fishmonger Jamie Barrett sources the most sustainable fish and seafood from Fleetwood.

Try the Whitby crab risotto, and you won’t be disappointed. Take your own bottle of wine on Mondays – why not support another local and buy it from Dutson’s wine shop.

Parks and leisure

Marple various leisure facilities, including many marvellous parks, a library, a theatre, an old cinema, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

Brabyns Park is a former private 90-acre estate formerly owned by a woman named Fanny Marion Hudson who died at age 90 – which is now the largest park in Marple. You can walk past the Goyt River and maybe see a kingfisher, or through the fields where you can see swallows flying around.

Etherow Country Park was one of Britain’s first country parks, including a lovely park, dam, woods and a boating lake. In the summer you can watch boating, fishing and see the model boat race on the water.

Marple Library is situated in Memorial Park and was constructed in 1974. It may not be the best-looking building in the world but the library is accessible to all and makes a difference in the community by inviting locals to volunteer and join one of many reading groups. You can find a dedicated range of book titles which help boost your mood and resources promoting self-help and wellbeing.

Marple Memorial Park was built on land donated by the Carver Barlow families in memory of the men of Marple who fell in World War One. The park was formally opened in the summer of 1922 with a dedication ceremony and pageant attended by thousands.

The Middlewood Way is an 11-mile reclaimed former railway line between Macclesfield and Marple offering a variety of eco-friendly recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, horse riding, birdwatching and picnicking, with fine views over Cheshire.

The Carver Theatre, founded in 1906 as the Marple Drama Society, is small but perfectly formed, including a licensed bar. Performances are well-chosen and performed by enthusiastic and talented amateur actors, some of whom could give up their day jobs.

Marple has its very own miniature railway. Dragon Miniature Railway is a small volunteer-based organisation running a 7.25″ gauge miniature railway on the grounds of Marple Garden Centre. Roy Cropper’s dream, the railway includes steep gradients, sharp curves, a tunnel and a bridge. Their fleet of hard-working locomotives will haul your train past these and other features around the line.

Marple is one of the very few small towns to have its own independent cinema still. Early in 1932, a plan was approved for the conversion of the Union Rooms on Stockport Road, and three adjoining houses into a cinema. Regent Cinema was last renovated in the late sixties and the slightly faulty screens are all part of the charm.

Transport links

The location and provision of excellent road and rail networks is another reason people choose to live in Marple.

Marple is about 10 miles from Manchester city centre and is served by two railway stations, Marple Station and Rose Hill Station. With Manchester just a stone’s throw away and London about a two hour train journey, the appeal is great for many.

Marple isn’t just a convenient home for commuters. It’s a family-friendly town and has many good fee-paying and state schools to choose from, many of which are highly rated by Ofsted, including Ludworth Primary and Marple Hall, a mixed-gender high school whose students are expected to show the Marple Hall Spirit – determination, honesty, readiness, respect, and spark.

Marple is a great place to call home and perfectly positioned between the city and country, Marple is an attractive option for those who fancy the small-town life. The ideal place for nature lovers, it’s home to eight villages and parks, but you’re also right on the dot for the commuter life.

According to Rightmove , properties in Marple had an overall average price of £388,457 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Marple during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £539,735. Terraced properties sold for an average of £270,972, with semi-detached properties fetching £369,715.

You can bag a three-bedroom semi-detached house for between £300-350k in Marple, which is comparable with house prices in Chorlton and Didsbury but cheaper than most areas of neighbouring Cheshire.

This is the Place   is the name of a poem by  Tony Walsh  commissioned by   Forever Manchester , our beneficiary principle charity supporting community activity across Greater Manchester. And they can’t do it without our help. Donate  what you can because investing in your local community to help it thrive can be a hugely rewarding experience. There’s a unique sense of satisfaction in knowing that you are making a real difference in the lives of others, especially those close to home.

• This article was first published on 19 July 2020 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
• This article was last updated 10 months ago.

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The Garden House

Charity and Community farm

The Garden House Marple Social Farm and Community Garden

Welcome to The Garden House

‘Enhancing the wellbeing and empowerment of individuals and the wider community through heritage and the natural environment’

The Garden House is a registered charity and community farm in Marple, Stockport providing a calm place of wellbeing for families, individuals, groups and organisations.

We’re home to a variety of animals including; Pigs, Alpacas, Rabbits, Goats, Shetland Ponies, Donkeys and Guinea Pigs. Our sensory garden and riverside walk offer a tranquil space to enjoy nature.

Public entry is by a recommended minimum donation of £5 per person. You can make a donation on entry by cash or on your phone. Under 3s go free.  Booking is required for any visiting group of 6 or more. Please enquire here

We’re open 10-4 Tuesday to Sunday and CLOSED every Monday, including Bank Holiday Mondays, for essential maintenance.

The day to day running of the farm and the  Riverside Cafe and Icy Bar is led by a dedicated team of volunteers. 

We welcome organisations and groups who support children and young adults with a range of physical and mental health challenges and we can provide opportunity for a low cost one-off group visit or regular placements.

We promote sustainability, active lives through nature, and raise awareness of mental health and animal welfare.

The Garden House (Marple) Charity is a  registered charity in England and Wales (1182133)

Company number: 1137746, copyright © 2020 the garden house - all rights reserved..

Telephone- 0161 427 8712

Email- [email protected]

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