About the Shippen
Bennettshill Shippen is the perfect place from which to explore this lesser known corner of the Peak District. We are located just on the edge of Cheshire within the National Park, only a mile or so from both Staffordshire and Derbyshire and the local beauty spot known as Three Shires Head. There are many old footpaths and tracks that can take you through sheltered river valleys, woodland and wild and windy moorland right from the front door. The Shippen was once the milking parlour at Bennettshill, our 300 year old farmhouse, which is one of the oldest in the area. We are located in the picturesque village of Wincle, the pretty Ship Inn pub and Wincle Brewery are just a 20-minute stroll away
We are found on a quiet lane in a walkers and cyclists paradise; there is a choice of fabulous country pubs within a walking day out or a few minutes drive. Luds Church, Three Shires Head, Macclesfield Forest and the Roaches are all also within a half day hike so do bring your boots! There are also many opportunities for a wide variety of day trips, the spa town of Buxton and charming market town of Leek are both only half an hour away by car. Alton Towers theme park, famous Chatsworth House and the Derbyshire Dales and caverns are less than an hour. If the weather is unkind you could hop on an intercity train at nearby Macclesfield, in 20 minutes you'll arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station with museums, art galleries shops and restaurants to keep you busy.
Our farmhouse is nestled on a hillside and benefits from south facing panoramic views towards Staffordshire. We are on a single track lane, just above a steep sided wooded valley known as Shellbrook. We often spot many now endangered, native birds and animals and have some rare wildflower species growing on our land. A wide range of birds make this their home including owls, buzzards, curlews, skylarks, woodpeckers, and even a cuckcoo down in the valley in early summer! A local barn owl can often be seen at dawn and dusk hunting over our grassland. You are sure to see brown hares and pheasants, possibly red deer and an occasional stoat jump across the drive!