There is so much to do
Hopley House farm shop village near Middlewich in Cheshire. (Image: MEN)
With the sunny weather arriving, many families will be looking at days out with a difference over the coming weeks. And if farm shops are your thing, there’s one in Cheshire that boasts a few quirky things you wouldn’t normally expect to find.
Hopley House Farm Shop is based off the main Nantwich Road between Middlewich and Crewe. It’s long been a farm shop, but in recent years has added more strings to its bow with an expanded retail offering.
It now has a full farm shop village vibe, with an array of boutique shops to be found in cabins around the wider farm site. Meanwhile a converted barn on the site has also been transformed to offer bed and breakfast accommodation too, reports the MEN.
For families, there’s also a small free play area in the middle of the site with an adventure play structure and swings. There’s also a mini golf course that you can play for £5 per person.
(Image: MEN)
The Hopley House website says: “In the heart of the Cheshire Countryside, this 250 year old barn conversion has been lovingly restored into high quality accommodation as well as a farm shop and café, selling a range of award-winning products. Hopley House has rapidly gained a reputation for its service and hospitality.
“We are also the home to several other businesses located onsite in the grounds of Hopley House, covering everything from gifts, clothing, furniture, pets, bespoke products as well as being the home to Cheshire Reptile rescue, housing one of the largest and rarest collections of reptiles in Northern England.”
Among the quirky shops on the site, there’s an adorable toy shop with baby and toddler clothes, gift shops, a fashion boutique and even a pilates studio. There’s also a large discounted furniture warehouse with some serious bargains – we were eyeing up some plush grey bar stools for just £35 each on our visit.
(Image: MEN)
As well as the play area, kids will be sure to love a wander around another unusual feature of this farm shop site – the Cheshire Reptile Rescue centre. Here, you are welcome to walk inside and look at the array of lizards and snakes and other creatures that are looked after by the not-for-profit organisation.
There’s some pythons and boa constrictors, bearded lizards, chameleons and tortoise inside that are looking for new homes and available to buy. There are also opportunities to handle some of the creatures on request for those looking to rehome the reptiles.
The farm shop itself offers a large tearoom, with full menu from breakfast and lunch through to afternoon teas. There’s also an array of local produce to browse and buy, including a full range of fresh meats and vegetables. There’s also a pretty extensive range of giant doughnuts, cakes and ice creams as well if you’re wanting to take away.
(Image: MEN)
They have recently added to the treats with a dedicated cabinet from viral cookie maker Dough Girl that has been causing a stir on social media. They’ve currently got an offer on to buy three Dough Girl items for £12, and you can choose between things like loaded cookies, cookie pies and blondie bakes.
How to get there
Hopley House Farm Shop Village is on Nantwich Road, Wimboldsley near Middlewich in Cheshire. Use the postcode CW10 0LN for sat nav. It is six miles from Junction 18 of the M6, and around a half an hour drive from South Manchester.
