Watch: We visit Sheldon - one of Birmingham’s most up and coming areas to discover its local appeal

As Birmingham continues to grow and garner international attention, the city becomes a more attractive place to live and explore. I am checking out areas of the city to find out about its history, discover what makes it so appealing and find out from locals what makes it stand out.

Sheldon, a historically rich and vibrant district in Birmingham, is continuing to attract interest for its unique charm and community spirit. Located in the southeast division of Birmingham, Sheldon has emerged as an appealing destination to live - abundant in history and culture and has recently been listed in one of the 20 most up-and-coming areas in Birmingham. Census data found that the number of households classed as deprived in the area had reduced by almost 10%.

Boasting a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, Sheldon, originally known as ‘Machitone,’ was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Historically, manor houses and farmland dominated this district, with Sheldon Hall and Church Road being the heart of the area. The Old Rectory, located on Church Road, known for its architectural elegance, bears historical significance as one of its oldest buildings dating back to the early 1700s.

The Sheldon Country Park, spanning over 300 acres, offers a rare chance to experience the countryside within the city limits - with a great view available for planespotters. From open grasslands to wetlands and mature woodlands, Sheldon Country Park is home to a diversity of wildlife, making it a popular attraction for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Contributing to Sheldon’s appeal is its significant transport links. Sheldon is serviced by major roads including the A45 Coventry Road which enables easy connectivity between Sheldon and the city centre. Not to mention the Birmingham Airport and the NEC which are just a short drive away.

According to Rightmove, the average property price in Sheldon is around £240,000, making it fairly accessible compared to the rest of Birmingham. So what do the people here think about living here?

Clive says: “I’ve lived in Sheldon all my life. I’ve lived here for just over thirty years. You know, it’s a good area. It’s nice and easy for everywhere - local for motorways, airports, shops, Solihull and into Birmingham. It’s not that active. You’ve got to make your own with what you want to do.

“I mean we keep ourselves to ourselves, we don’t have a family so we tend to travel a lot. But I mean there’s a lot going on around here. Country Park down the road, there’s a lot for the kids to do - families. There’s a lot of parks around here. So yeah it’s nice.”

With a rich history, plentiful amenities, Sheldon blends the past and present harmoniously. The scenery and historical emblems, along with the urban amenities, create a beautiful picture that both residents and visitors enjoy. In essence, Sheldon’s community focus, historical relics, parkland charm, and modern conveniences secure its position as an appealing district of Birmingham.