Birmingham is one of the UK’s biggest and most economically important cities.
A thriving metropolitan area, Birmingham city centre is packed full of brilliant businesses, hospitality venues, as well as work opportunities for young people.
It’s a great place to live and work as the city has the youngest population in the continent, with under-25s accounting for nearly 40% of our population.
But if you want to retreat away from the city at the end of your work day, there are plenty of lovely villages just outside of Birmingham that allow you to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and to live a quieter life.
Some of these villages are real hidden gems in the West Midlands just outside of Birmingham, while others have made it onto national listings for their uniqueness.
They have rustic charm, peaceful days and nights, and quiet cafes to spend time in.
So, if you’re looking for a break from city life, here are 9 incredible villages to visit near Birmingham:
1. Barnt Green
Barnt Green is one of the most desirable locations to live in the West Midlands located near the Lickey Hills Country Park and other stunning countryside with stunning properties. It’s no wonder it attracts a wealth of affluent residents, including Jack Grealish and Ron Atkinson. The leafy village has a great range of restaurants and pubs too, such as the Barnt Green Inn (pictured), the Cork and Crust and the Black and Green restaurant. | Google
2. Kinver, Staffordshire
Kinver is a large village in the District of South Staffordshire in Staffordshire, and what’s unique about the town are the incredible Rock Houses. These are quirky homes that were carved into sandstone. They have been restored to show how life was lived in the rock until the 1960s. The village also includes Kinver Edge - which is an Iron Age hillfort, heathland and woodland escarpment with viewpoints over Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire. | Flickr/Jeff
3. Barston village, Solihull
Barston village in Solihull has been named among the poshest villages to live in the UK, according to a list released by The Telegraph. It’s only 50 minutes away from the city centre and is known for its beautiful greenery and nicest people. The village architectural heritage spanning some 400 years. (Photo - Google Streetview) | Google Maps
4. Hagley, Stourbridge
Hagley village in Stourbridge is just outside of Birmingham and is a beautiful place to visit. It has the Grade I listed 18th-century house - Hagley Hall, the home of the Lyttelton family. The iconic home is open to the public for tours and teas, and has a lush park great for spending summers in. (Photo - Wikimedia Commons) | Wikimedia Commons