The Garden House Marple
📍 Stockport, North West
Peaceful charity farm by the River Goyt with pigs, alpacas, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Features a sensory garden, riverside walk, playground with swings and slides, and the on-site Riverside Café.
Visited again last week. I absolutely love this place. Hidden gem. Great place to bring teenagers who prefer quiet, young adults who may be anxious and not enjoy the crowds. Can walk around as many times as like and discover all animals. Gorgeous pigs, donkeys, goats and chickens enjoying themselves. There are ping pong tables for a quick out side game, children's play equipment. A river to walk along. A cafe to sit have a snack and drink. Squirrels running up and down the trees. Some animals look like they are rescue animals and are obviously being taken care of by the farm.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families who want close, calm animal encounters without the crowds of commercial farm parks. Teenagers, anxious children, and toddlers all respond well to the unhurried, hands-on setting. Paths can be muddy after rain — sturdy footwear is essential. Plan for a half-day visit and pair it with the riverside walk for the most rewarding trip.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →985 Google reviews
Mikeandbecks Jozefczyk
a year ago
“Visited again last week. I absolutely love this place. Hidden gem. Great place to bring teenagers who prefer quiet, young adults who may be anxious and not enjoy the crowds. Can walk around as many times as like and discover all animals. Gorgeous pigs, donkeys, goats and chickens enjoying themselves. There are ping pong tables for a quick out side game, children's play equipment. A river to walk along. A cafe to sit have a snack and drink. Squirrels running up and down the trees. Some animals look like they are rescue animals and are obviously being taken care of by the farm.”
Jacqueline Hughes
7 months ago
“WOW 1st visit to this amazing place. My young grandson LOVED getting up and close to the animals especially the pigs 🐷 Will definitely be a regular. Fantastic value for money. Lovely surroundings. Enjoyed the riverside walk and the smells from the sensory garden. Park is amazing. Lovely cafe, lovely coffee (and menu)! Lovely, friendly staff who really care for the animals. Thank you xxx”
Janet Hull
8 months ago
“A lovely place by a river that has a mixture of farm animals and play equipment. We spent half a day there and my 3yr old grandson loved it. There's accessible toilets and a small cafe.”
Jon Ashworth
a month ago
“What a lovely little farm and location. It was amazing. Take some sturdy shoes. Especially if it’s been raining. But what a great place. Lots to see and do. Highly recommend”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Garden House is a volunteer-run charity farm set on 23 acres along the River Goyt in Marple. Animals include pigs, alpacas, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs in open paddocks. The site has a sensory garden, riverside walking paths, a playground, pram access, accessible toilets, and the Riverside Café. Entry is by suggested donation, under-3s free. Open Tuesday to Sunday with free parking.
