Share By Emily Heward 06:46, 26 JUL 2019 What's On Roman Lakes in Marple (Image: Manchester Evening News) Get the biggest What's On stories by email Subscribe See our privacy notice More newsletters Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Knocking on the door of the Peak District, the outer reaches of Stockport are surrounded by some spectacular scenery.
And tucked away down a quiet country lane in the picturesque Goyt valley is a beauty spot you might not know about.
Marple's Roman Lakes have a rich heritage stretching back to the 18th century, when their water was used to power the mighty Mellor Mill.
Built by industrialist Samuel Oldknow, it was the largest cotton mill in the world when it was completed in 1793. At its peak it employed more than 550 people.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland, the man-made lakes were originally millponds formed by diverting the River Goyt, which runs by their side.
(Image: Manchester Evening News) After the mill was destroyed by fire in 1892, the Roman Lakes were turned into a pleasure park with rowing boats, a dance hall and amusements that attracted thousands of people from the surrounding towns and villages.
In winter, the water levels would be lowered and the frozen lakes became an ice skating rink.
Boating on the Roman Lakes in days gone by (Image: Roman Lakes) Today the park is still in use as a visitor attraction, with a children's play area, picnic tables, a kiosk and vintage-style tearooms that host tea dances on the last Saturday of every month.
The lakes are used for fishing and canoeing, while the surrounding valley is criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails and bridleways. Free history and nature trail leaflets are available from the cafe, and walking and cycling maps are sold for £1 each.
The tearooms at Roman Lakes (Image: Roman Lakes) Rachel Sewart, whose family have owned the park since her grandfather took it over in 1952, said: "My dad grew up here and so did me and my sisters.
"The sweetness of it is because you're surrounded in the valley by trees, you do feel a little bit removed from the pace of life elsewhere - in a good way.
"It's a relaxed place to be, and very tranquil."
Read More 11 of the best family parks in Greater Manchester Read More Exclusive look at new Lakeside Adventure play area opening at Heaton Park next week The family also helps to run the Friends of Our Valley group, which aims to protect and improve the Goyt Valley between Strines and Marple Bridge for residents and visitors.
The group recently worked with Environment Agency to install a fish pass on the river and is making accessibility and safety improvements including installing a defibrillator and maintaining footpaths.
(Image: Manchester Evening News) The tea dances held at Roman Lakes help to raise money towards the group's work.
"There used to be a big outdoor dance floor and some of the older people used to tell me tales about it in the 20s, 30s and 40s," said Rachel.
"This is our reflection of that, but in our own style."
Nearby, visitors can also see the remains of Mellor Mill, which has been excavated by the Mellor Archaeological Trust with Heritage Lottery Funding, and is now fully landscaped and open to the public to explore.
Read More Greater Manchester's prettiest parks and picnic spots Read More Manchester's best beer gardens, rooftop bars and outside terraces Previous archaeological excavations in the area have also unearthed remnants of much earlier eras, from Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-British and Medieval times.
The Trust is joining forces with the Friends of Our Valley group for a fundraising and awareness day at Roman Lakes on Sunday September 8, from 11am to 5pm, for anyone who wants to find out more and get involved.
(Image: Manchester Evening News) The Roman Lakes Leisure Park is free to visit and has free car parking and toilets on site. You can find it on Lakes Road (off Faywood Drive), Marple, SK6 7HB. Visit romanlakes.co.uk for more information.
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