The village of Shipham in Somerset lies in a picturesque region at the edge of the Mendip Hills, a range of limestone hills running between Weston-super-Mare and Frome with its western part designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Spectacular views greet visitors to Shipham Hill as it is one of the highest points in the Mendips, looking out over Weston-super-Mare and the Bristol Channel. Mining has long been a key industry here with the area rich in mineral deposits and zinc and lead mines were once a busy part of the landscape. A potholers’ favourite is ‘The Singing River Mine’ that was worked from the 18th century for its zinc carbonate, zinc sulphide and lead sulphide and the calamine processor is now a Grade II listed building. The mine was later used as an underground reservoir and a small stream flows through it; the mine that is oddly accessed via the back garden of a private house.
Shipham offers ample amenities, shops, eateries and pubs and is home to some lovely architecture, historic sites and of course wonderful walks in the beautiful countryside surrounding it. The 19th century church of St. Leonard is a Grade II listed building with particularly lovely stained glass that honours Hannah More, whose work amongst the miners of Shipham helped to establish a school here. Stock car racing at the Mendips Raceway brings visitors who enjoy the thrills and spills of demolition and stock-car racing and the track is located just nearby. The venue itself is unique, perched at the edge of a quarry and in the bowl of an old reservoir, with spectacular views across the Cheddar Valley towards Glastonbury Tor and the Bristol Channel.