Lakes Road, Marple Bridge, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK6 7DH
The Garden House Marple
Petting farm
Place photograph
5.1
Wildland
Half day
Time
Donation
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.1A community charity farm beside the River Goyt, where a visit can combine time with farm animals and a riverside walk. Its setting near Marple’s connecting trails makes it a gentler outdoor outing than a farm visit alone.
The appeal is the combination: a community-run farm with animals, an orchard and play areas, alongside a riverside walk that connects with the wider paths around Marple. It offers an easy way to pair a family-friendly visit with time outdoors.
Family-buzz · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapLakes Road, Marple Bridge, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK6 7DH
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The experience
Meet the farm animals, explore the site’s reported orchard and play areas, and, if you want a longer outing, continue on the riverside walk. The main attractions are described as free, with a suggested donation; confirm current details before setting out.
Things to do
Meet the farm animals
Explore the farm and look out for animals reported at the site, including pigs, goats, ponies, poultry and rabbits. The animals present may vary.
Check before visiting
Walk beside the river
Follow the riverside walk leading towards Marple Bridge. The official site says the walk also provides access from the nearby Midland car park.
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Explore the orchard and play areas
The visitor information describes an orchard and children’s play areas as part of the attraction.
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Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick farm visit
- 01
Visit the farm and spend time looking at the animals.
- 02
Check out the site’s reported orchard and play areas.
- 03
Check current opening and donation details before setting off.
Half day · Half day
Farm and riverside half day
- 01
Visit the farm and explore the animals and site.
- 02
Take the riverside walk towards Marple Bridge.
- 03
Continue to the town centre or connect with nearby trails if you want a longer walk.
Verified history
The supplied sources describe The Garden House as a charity farm with a community and supported-placement role. They do not provide a fuller history of the site.
Hidden details
A route in from Marple station — The official directions describe an approximately 10-minute walk from Marple station, via the Midland pub car park and riverside walk.
Dog access has limits — Dogs are welcome on a short, non-extendable lead, but some areas are off-limits because animals roam free.
When to go
· During listed opening hours; confirm hours before travelling.
The supplied sources do not identify a particular season as best. Visitors recommend wellies in wet weather.
Paths may be muddy after rain; visitors recommend bringing wellies in wet weather.
Worth pairing with
Marple Bridge
The official site says the riverside walk leads towards Marple Bridge, making it a natural extension to the visit.
Marple town centre
The official site describes the town centre as about a 15-minute walk away.
What to look for
Look out for the variety of farm animals, including pigs, goats, ponies, poultry and rabbits, and make time for the riverside walk. The exact animals on site may vary.
Best time to go
Suitable to consider year-round; in wet weather, visitors recommend bringing wellies.
The source lists opening hours as Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, and Monday closed. Confirm hours before travelling. After wet weather, visitors recommend wellies.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Walkers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10am-4pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4pm
- Thursday: 10am-4pm
- Friday: 10am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-4pm
- Sunday: 10am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A public visitor attraction with a farm, riverside walk and countryside trails. The official site describes an on-site car park for visitors; it also recommends nearby public parking and walking down to the site. Check current access before travelling.
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Parking
The official site describes an on-site car park for visitors and recommends nearby public car parks as an alternative. Do not park on Lakes Road, which is an access road. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
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Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
A café is reported at the site; check current availability before visiting.
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Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a short, non-extendable lead while on site, must not be left unattended, and cannot access all areas because some animals roam free. Take dog waste home or use the nearest public bin.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. The official site identifies Blue Badge parking beside the main entrance gate. Check directly for details about access around the rest of the site.
Check before visiting
Cost
Donation
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around The Garden House Marple
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
