With the River Goyt running through its centre, the village of Marple Bridge is one of Greater Manchester’s most idyllic spots. Tucked away in the Greater Manchester borough of Stockport , it is only a short train ride from the city centre, but feels far removed from the hustle and bustle. Situated on the Hope Valley Line, which links Manchester to Sheffield, those visiting for the day, or heading into the Peaks for the weekend, are quickly greeted by a system of waterways, pretty stone buildings and a bustling high street full of independent shops and restaurants.
Situated just down the road 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 edge of the Peak District and is regarded as one of the best spots from which to explore the wider area. READ MORE: Pretty town minutes from Manchester is 'like being in Spain' While Marple Bridge is connected via the Peak Forest Canal and road network, the opening of Marple railway station in 1865 saw visitors pour into the area in greater numbers. Back then, many who stopped in the village for a break from urban living would pour into local shops, farms and cottages selling goods including teas, flowers and souvenirs.
Sitting at the western edge of the Peak District, the picturesque village of Marple Bridge has long been regarded as one of the best spots .