When the Mancunian sun makes an appearance, the urge to escape the city for a day is hard to ignore. If you’re looking for a change of scenery that combines fresh air, great food, and waterside walks, a day trip is in order.
Just a 25-minute train ride from Manchester Piccadilly, the town of Marple offers a chance to swap concrete for countryside without spending hours on the move. It’s an ideal destination for a day of exploring, meeting farm animals, and sampling some local food and drink.
Pastries, petting farms & riverside drinks
Start your trip by exploring Marple’s food scene. All Things Nice is a local bakery and café with a sun-trap outdoor seating area. Pick up pastries like a chocolate hazelnut croissant or a pistachio one to go with your coffee, or for a deli experience, Tawny Stores is another popular spot, though be aware it’s only open from Thursday to Sunday.
After a bite to eat, head for the greener side of town: The Garden House is a community petting farm with entry by donation, where you can see fluffy white ponies, a snoozing pig, and goats and donkeys enjoying the sunshine.
As the afternoon sets in, Libby’s Bread & Wine is the place for an Aperol Spritz on its terrace. The outdoor space offers peaceful views overlooking the River Goyt, making it a relaxing spot before your final activity of the day.
A walk to England’s tallest aqueduct
To round off your visit to Marple, a walk along its well-known canal paths is essential. The flat towpath offers a gentle stroll that leads directly to the town’s most impressive landmark: the Marple Aqueduct.
This major feat of engineering is a remarkable sight, standing at almost 100 feet high, and is reported to be the tallest aqueduct in England. The walk combines a bit of local heritage with natural surroundings before you head back to the train station – and we couldn’t think of a more perfect day out.
How to get to Marple
You can simply hop on the train form Manchester Piccadilly, and within around 25 minutes step onto the platform at Marple.