Sunday 11th May 2025: 11am - 6pm
19 gardens covering the length of Mellor!
Admission to all gardens and to Mellor Primary School and the Mellor Centre will be by programme priced at £12 on the day. Programmes are available for £10 now and during the two weeks prior to 11th May in Marple Bridge, from Marple Bridge Stores and Dutsons, and in Marple from Littlewoods Butchers, Stationery Supplies, Hollins of Marple and the Cancer Research UK Shop.
Children under 16 years of age will be free as long as accompanied by an adult.
All proceeds will be divided equally between The Mellor Centre and Cancer Research UK.
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Practicalities
Gardens
The open gardens are indicated on the map on the centre pages of the programme and will be clearly signed.
Information points
There will be a gazebo and information point by the bus lay-by in Marple Bridge and one or two more through the village where you will be able to buy programmes and gain friendly advice.
Car Parks
There are assorted car parks in Marple Bridge, plus one on Hollins Lane and one by the school, but the main carpark, with an extra field, is up the hill near the church.
Walking
You are likely to be doing a lot of walking as the distance between Gardens 1 and 19 is about 2 miles, it is all uphill, and the lanes are narrow and often without pavements. Please come prepared for mud if the weather is wet. There are several footpaths and easy marked tracks but be warned that the one that looks handy between Knowle Road and Longhurst Lane is in fact wickedly steep and not for the faint-hearted! Do make use of the buses.
Walking guide
Three clear walking circuits in the lower, middle and higher areas of Mellor are detailed in a simple bespoke walking guide available on the day.
Money
Some card-readers will be in use but cash will always be appreciated. This is a charity event and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to give.
Buses
Two minibuses, labelled BUS MOG 1 and BUS MOG 2 will be running along Longhurst Lane all day on a free hail-and-ride basis, covering the distance from Marple Bridge to the Mellor Centre and from Marple Bridge to Garden No 19.
Toilets
Toilets are available to use at Mellor School, the Mellor Centre, the Sports Club and at all the local pubs. Please note that no toilet facilities are provided at any of the private gardens.
Dogs
NO DOGS except for assistance dogs are allowed in any of the private gardens. You may therefore prefer to leave your dog at home.
Refreshments
Mellor School and the Mellor Centre will be open from 10.30am for morning coffee, followed by light lunches and afternoon teas. And don't forget that our home-made cakes have an enviable reputation...
Accessibility
Owing to the hilly nature of Mellor, we regret that only the School and the Mellor Centre are fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Parking and driving can be challenging in Mellor but there will be plenty of extra parking available near the church. The wider parts of Longhurst Lane near the Sports Club or the recreation ground can be used, as can Clement Road rather than Townscliffe Lane. It is not advisable to attempt Old Hall Lane, which is a bumpy cul-de-sac, but you may be luckier with Parkside. Access to the vineyard is on foot only between the school and the church - there is NO vehicular access. Park on Moor End Road for access to Garden No 19 and the track to the Mellor Wood project.
So do take care on our narrow lanes, be considerate, make use of our free buses, be prepared for plenty of walking and above all, have a lovely day out in Mellor.
