Barnt Green, Worcestershire

19 October 2007

Situated at the foot of the Lickey Hills, the village of Barnt Green is a picturesque oasis of tranquillity with all the amenities of the biggest conurbation outside London on its doorstep. But the fact that the village is peaceful does not mean that it is without attractions to warrant a visit on its own merits.

The village, also just a few miles from the historic market town of Bromsgrove, is hidden in some of Worcestershire’s most beautiful countryside. Yet a trip into what at first seems simply to be a rural retreat soon reveals a wealth of other attractions to lure the visitor.

Barnt Green’s charming main street, Hewell Road, has enough boutiques and cafes to rival the trendiest London suburb – but without the crowds and in a setting that nature has made the most of. There are a range of exclusive clothing shops - including Savoir Faire and Continental Collections - that specialise in all types of fashion, from hand-made jewellery to tailored items and even including tasteful occasional wear. Each of the shops offer a warm welcome only found in the most captivating communities and makes any shopper feel instantly at home.

And if all of that shopping wears out even the most determined fashionista, then the delightful café, Deli on the Green, provides the perfect spot to grab a quick coffee with a friend, have a good gossip over lunch or simply while away the afternoon over a drink and a cake and watch the world go by.

Many visitors have found themselves seduced by this haven, and Barnt Green also offers a number of estate agents, banks, florists and hairdressers which are normally not found in villages of this size. The village has not been touched by post office cuts which are prevalent in surrounding areas and has a sizeable Post Office of its own.

Surrounding the main shopping area are several tree-lined residential streets, with homes secluded from the road by sweeping drives and shady leaves.

Walking through the village, it is easy to see why Barnt Green was named one of the top ten most affluent places to live in Worcestershire by marketing company CACI Ltd.

And its streets in turn are overlooked by the Lickey Hills and the rolling countryside to the south stretching as far as the Malvern Hills in the distance.

Luckily, travelling to this adorable village could not be easier. Despite feeling that the big city is a million miles away, Birmingham city centre is less than 15 miles from Barnt Green.
The village, in fact, grew around its historic railway station where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth would break long journeys during World War Two. The station is ideally situated on the outskirts of the village so travel between Birmingham and, indeed, the rest of the country is made simple.

Barnt Green’s allure lies in the fact that it has managed to retain its village feel, whilst providing a host of exclusive facilities making the village anything but isolated. This hidden treasure is well worth a visit for its own attractions, and a must-see for anyone who has yet to discover its appeal.

For more information on the area visit www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk

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