14 pictures showing life in the Birmingham suburb fit for story books with no pubs

An idyllic village located in south Birmingham has a unique history and an international reputation.

It is renowned for its incredible chocolate factory producing some of the most delicious treats which are enjoyed all over the world - from Dairy Milk to Twirls Creme Eggs and more - and when you visit, it’s like walking onto the page of a children’s story book.

There’s beautiful parks, walking spaces, lovely blooms and streets so clean - you could eat off of them. And you may be fascinated to learn that the village does not have one single pub. The Cadbury factory was initially located in Birmingham city centre but the in 1879 George and Richard Cadbury, moved their business to what then was the countryside.

They chose the Bournbrook Estate, four miles from town where they were welcomed by fresher air, good transport links and clean water from the nearby River Bourn. They chose to name their new village Bournville since it sounded French and France had a good reputation for food.

George Cadbury wanted to provide decent living quarters to his workers and planned a model village of well-built cottages with large gardens. The village also has spaces for recreation and leisure. Bournville Village Trust was set up by George Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury chocolates, in 1900, and the estate was left in the trust’s care.

An influential Quaker, Cadbury wanted that the estate should have no off-licences or pubs - which is still true. Here are 14 photos of what life is like in Bournville village: