The Strines Nightingale

The Strines Nightingale is a country pub, but as you might imagine from the name, it is also a source of beautiful music.

It’s not a country pub in the traditional sense, all Sunday roasts and Land Rovers. In fact, it has more in common with Northern Quarter pubs like The Castle Hotel, just with better views and a bucolic setting.

Yes it has a roaring fire and a cosy parlour, but it doesn’t really do much more in the way of food than flapjacks for passing ramblers. What it does have is great craft ale from local brewries and a very cool line-up of local bands with a leaning towards the folk scene.

The Strines Nightingale even has its own festival called Nestival. It’s still just a fledgling with the inaugural event in 2025 seeing Gruff Rhys, Jane Weaver and Badly Drawn Boy grace the outdoor woodland stage. It’s also known for its Easter Weekend series of gigs which kickstart the outdoor season.

If you’re thinking it sounds pretty but remote, you’d be surprised. Strines has its own railway station with direct trains to Manchester. The station and village are believed to be the inspiration behind The Railway Children and they go all-in on playing up the link.

Check the pub’s website for walks from nearby Marple, New Mills Newtown and Disley stations.