The Stockport farm with pigs, donkeys and a riverside café

It's been described as 'an unexpected treasure'

A Stockport farm with sheep, donkeys and pigs is a perfect family day out during the summer holidays with its large outdoor play area and riverside café.

The Garden House, on Lakes Road in Marple Bridge, sits on original farmland dating as far back as 1801 and was converted into a community project and farm by the charity of the same name back in 2015.

Spread out across 23 acres on the banks of the River Goyt, the volunteer-run urban farm and community garden was created to not only help families to connect with nature, but to also provide supported placements for vulnerable adults.

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The farm's animal fields are home to the likes of chickens, pygmy goats, alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, and quails. At points throughout the day, alpacas, ponies and pigs will be free roaming and can often also be seen taking a stroll along the riverside path.

Another popular aspect of The Garden House is the outdoor play area which only opened earlier this spring following donations and support from The National Lottery Community Fund. The playground features swings, slides, and obstacle courses for little adventurers.

There is also a sensory garden, where visitors are encouraged to touch and smell the fresh flowers and herbs as they surround themselves in the comforting sounds of the nearby riverside.

The Garden House also features a popular Riverside Café, which sells a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as a choice of sandwiches, toasties, toasted teacakes, crumpets and hot dogs. Situated inside an open-sided barn building, the café has a small number of covered tables, whilst there are also outdoor tables and picnic benches overlooking the animals.

On a hot day, the nearby Icy Bar offers a range of flavours from Mrs Dowson's Ice Cream and other cool treats to enjoy like slushies and ice pops. There is also a signposted riverside walk which goes along the River Goyt towards Dingley Dell and back.

The farm has received positive reviews online for being great value. One person said: "Our first time visiting this lovely farm today and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Volunteers are very friendly and hardworking keep up the good work. Animals were great. Will definitely be going again."

Another commented: "An unexpected treasure. Lovely spot with a good range of things to do apart from the animals which are great." One other posted: "A charming community farm nestled by the River Goyt in Marple. Operated by volunteers, it offers a serene environment with a variety of animals, including alpacas, goats, pigs, and Shetland ponies."

Tickets for the farm, which includes access to the play area and the animal fields, start from £3.50 each for children and adults, whilst a family ticket consisting of two adults and up to three children can be bought for just £12.50. Registered carers, support workers and children under the age of three can enter for free.

The Garden House is open between Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm (Café is open 11am to 3pm). Groups of six or more must book online in advance via the Garden House website.

The Garden House is on Lakes Rd, Marple, Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 7DH.