Bournville has been named the best place to live in Birmingham for 2026 by an expert panel from the Sunday Times. The historic model garden village, synonymous with Cadbury, was praised for its strong community spirit, green spaces, and canalside walks.
Why Bournville?
Judges highlighted that residents enjoy strolling around Bournville Park, gathering on the village green, or walking their dogs along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. The area offers a peaceful escape from city life while remaining well-connected.
The panel noted: "The Cadbury family's model garden village feels like an escape from big city life. Today's residents are more lawyers, teachers and IT professionals than factory workers but, like their predecessors, enjoy strolling around Bournville Park, gathering around the village green or walking the dog along the Worcester and Birmingham canal."
They added: "There's a strong sense of community: an active core gets stuck into organising events and keeping Bournville's historic character intact. If it all gets a little too calm, Stirchley is next door, with a high street reckoned to be one of the most happening in Brum."
Other Top Locations
The Malverns in Worcestershire was named the best place to live overall in the Midlands. Shrewsbury and Stratford-upon-Avon were also among the top picks. Nationally, Norwich was named the best place to live in the UK.
