This hidden riverside village is one of Greater Manchester’s best kept secrets

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,