Our Story
Did you know the Spring Gardens is 200 years old this year 2025……
The Spring Gardens - Circa 1905
There has been a public house on this site since 1825
The story of the Spring Gardens really begins with the Pleasure Gardens which were at the rear of the pub and became a major attraction for over 100 years. The Gardens regularly attracted 2000 visitors on a Bank Holiday and had an aquarium, a monkey house, enclosures for alligators, foxes, a stage for dancing, and a celebrated gooseberry avenue.
The land was originally leased from the Duke of Norfolk by James Warhurst, technically, the first landlord
It was James’s son Caleb who inherited the Gardens in 1837 and over the following 36 years it was he who developed the Spring Gardens.
The year Caleb died there were 3000 visitors on the Whit Bank holiday, most had come to see Old Ben a 30 year old ape who frequently escaped to roam the woods and meadows at the rear of the premises.
A bowling green was created in 1875 which held an inaugural All England Bowling Match with a First Prize of £2. In 1876 a new aquarium was added and special trains ran from Manchester, Stalybridge and Oldham at 1 shilling and 2 pence for a return ticket.
In 1881 a storm caused a stretch of land to slide into the river, followed by another storm seven years later, which washed away even more of the Gardens, and significantly damaged the railway spur line that brought so many visitors from across Manchester, though it continued to attract over 1400 visitors every Easter up until the First World War.
The view down Compstall Road towards the Spring Gardens
The Spring Gardens, Marple Bridge
The 1900’s
The premises were acquired by John Henry Lees Brewery in 1900, and subsequently by a director of the brewery who eventually sold it to The Manchester Brewery Company who became Wilsons Brewery. New events were added, A Walking Stick Show, and an annual 3 mile Race Walking Event, amongst others, continued to attract visitors.
In 1914 it became a recruiting station for medical examinations for recruits heading off to war.
There have been 18 landlords and landladies since 1900, the premises also became an Italian Restaurant, an American Diner, and a Carvery. And yes before you ask, the pub is said to be haunted………
Present Day…
The Spring Gardens is now in the safe hands of Samantha Wood who became the owner in 2017 and has set about returning the pub to its best days with fine food, fine ales, and is working on a refurbishment of the grounds with an outside terrace, perfect for summer evenings overlooking the gardens and woods. Adding an event marquee is a nod to the past when there was frequent music entertainment such as brass band competitions, entertainers and circus acts.
Whilst these days it is more likely to be birthdays, family celebrations, weddings etc. many entertainment events are still being planned, and Sam, Chris, and the hospitality team, welcome dog lovers, ramblers, and motor-home stopovers to enjoy a warm welcome and fine fayre.
