Whistling past Birmingham's inner city areas and terraced houses on the Cross City Line, it doesn't take long to reach a countryside commuter belt that's a heavenly day trip out. Filled with country pubs, a stunning park, restaurants and canal-side walks, this village just over the border in Worcestershire is only a £5.90 return train ticket away from Birmingham city centre.
It's a train stop en-route to busy Redditch but is a world of difference from the hustle and bustle of ring roads and traffic. It was at Alvechurch that I stepped off the train into a leafy world of tweeting birds and country lanes, only around a 30 minute journey from Grand Central.
This is a charming place where a cow on the line stopped trains back in 2020 and a village neighbouring the celebrity haunt of Barnt Green. It's got a similar feel but buying a home in Alvechurch costs a lot less. The average property price is a staggering £200K cheaper than Jack Grealish's former neighbourhood next door.
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Alvechurch is a sought-after village and commuter belt with house prices up 10% last year compared to the previous year. They have continued to rise since 2018 with property prices up 14% since then, according to Rightmove.
I can see why as I roam around under age-old trees blossoming in the sun and enchanting road names like Bear Hill. Black and white timber frontages surround the village centre amid newer brick buildings. This is where ITV show Crossroads deemed the village picturesque enough to film Jill Harvey and Adam Chance's wedding at St Lawrence Church in July 1983.
There's even a top-rated pub, The Weighbridge, right opposite the train station when you arrive. It's nestled next to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Scarfield Wharf on Scarfield Hill, where narrowboats are part of the furniture in this neck of the woods.
It's a welcoming start but more on that later. Following Station Road, I headed into the village centre, The Square well maintained with flower displays and immaculately clean streets, about a five minute walk from the train station.
Cafes and restaurants outnumber the shops here, although there is a large Co-op and plenty of beauty, barbers and hairdressers. I wasn't spoiled for choice on where to eat out.
Along with the many pubs, there is also quaint Gin and Pickles deli, The Lounge eatery, Cafe Morso and New Dilshad Indian restaurant for something more substantial. For a takeaway to eat by the canal on a warm day, there's also The Tudor Rose Fish Bar in Bear Hill.
Locals rave about the fish and chips online. Colin McKellar was among them calling it "delicious with big portions and fair prices". The waterside scenery and outdoor spaces are a big pull that appeal to everyone from walkers and couples on a romantic day out to families with children.
Pretty park and playground in Alvechurch
Among the free highlights for families is the stunning recreation ground The Meadows. This peaceful haven in Meadow Lane, Alvechurch, has the River Arrow running through it but also has a special history.
A field was given to the village by Walter and Edith Wiggin in memory of their tragic son who was killed in World War One. Villager Jack Holmes, who neighboured the land then transformed it into something more beautiful including stepping stones and a sand pit.
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Decades later and the essence of what he began remains with additions of a wildflower meadow, playground and riverside walks. It also attracts many birds from Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers to Kestrels. Locals talk about how they love blackberry picking and taking walks there.
Country pubs in Alvechurch
The Weighbridge at Scarfield Wharf is ideal for catching the train as it is opposite the station. Visitors giving it five star reviews on Google liked its waterside spot and choice of ales. Katherine Yakovleva said: "Wonderful local canalside pub with great selection of ales and delicious curry."
In the village centre, in and around Red Lion Street, are a cornucopia of pubs. I found the Swan Inn, Alvechurch Inn and The Red Lion in close succession that made me think I must return for a pub crawl with friends some day.
They range from the more traditional Swan Inn with a cellar full of ales to lively Alvechurch Inn with its line-up of karaoke, open mic and talent nights. The Red Lion also rated highly for its meals and more contemporary atmosphere.
The Crown Inn, in Withybed Lane, is on the outskirts of the village but has a prime spot on the canal. Known for morris dancers doing a traditional New Year's Day performance here every year, one fan described how it was "perfect for those going for any walks as it’s placed on a circular loop".
They were also impressed with its "cosy location" and "good pub grub".
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Property prices in Alvechurch
The average price of a property in Alvechurch over the past year was £520,935, according to Rightmove. That compares to the average price of £711,615 in neighbouring Barnt Green for the same period.
Buying a home in Alvechurch will set house-hunters back on average £277,350 for a terraced house and £435,025 for a semi-detached. Prices get higher for a detached property that tend to fetch around £727,500.
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