Himley

Settlement in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Himley

Play area, Wall Heath Credit: Alex McGregor

Himley is a village located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated approximately 4 miles southwest of Dudley, it is nestled in the heart of the West Midlands region. The village is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, with rolling hills and tranquil countryside attracting visitors throughout the year.

One of the main attractions in Himley is Himley Hall, a stunning 18th-century mansion set within 180 acres of parkland. The hall, once a residence for the Lords of Dudley, now serves as a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and events. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the hall, which feature a lake, formal gardens, and stunning views.

The village itself is small and charming, with a cluster of traditional cottages and a local pub providing a cozy atmosphere. The pub, known as The Crooked House, is particularly famous for its eccentric architecture, as the building appears to be tilted due to mining subsidence. It has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique dining and drinking experience.

Himley also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, with numerous walking and cycling routes in the nearby countryside. The village is well-connected, with easy access to major road networks, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Staffordshire area.

Overall, Himley is a delightful village that seamlessly combines history, natural beauty, and a warm community spirit, making it an appealing destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat or a taste of traditional English charm.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Himley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.518355/-2.180042 or Grid Reference SO8791. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Play area, Wall Heath

Alex McGregor

Shopping Precinct, Wall Heath

Mick Malpass

Cross Street, Wall Heath

Mick Malpass

St Andrew's Church Wall Heath

St Andrew's United Reformed church Wall Heath.

Nigel Cliff

The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford

Judging by the large number of cars in the car park, this is quite a popular pub. It was built in the mid to late 1930's and replaced an older pub of the same name, dating from 1874 or earlier. That pub was adjacent to the nearby Staffs & Worcs Canal, and was then demolished. The new pub was apparently designed with a ship's bridge in mind, based on the luxury liner the Queen Mary, which was launched in September 1934. A second pub was also rather similarly designed. This was the Nautical William, on the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth road at Alveley. This is now a residential home for the elderly. The Old Bush should not be confused with the pub of the same name, in the village of Swindon, Staffs, which is only a mile or two away. SO8689 : The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford

A large 1930's pub, which also does food. SO8689 : The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

The Old Bush (3) - sign, Swindon Road, Hinksford

The sign, on the edge of the car park adjacent to the road, shows two Roman soldiers on horseback. They appear to be outside a building with a bush attached. The Romans, who ruled the areas now known as England and Wales for almost 400 years, built long straight roads. Along these were built tavernae, from which our word tavern is derived. These tavernae supplied food, drink and overnight accommodation. Tavernae were required to display branches of evergreens outside, so as to identify themselves. This symbolised Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. From this was derived probably the earliest pub name the Bush, or more often the Old Bush or the Holly Bush, and similar names. It is believed that the old saying, "a good wine needs no bush", refers to these early names. SO8689 : The Old Bush (1), Swindon Road, Hinksford. SO8689 : The Old Bush (2), Swindon Road, Hinksford.

P L Chadwick

Play Area by Dawley Brook

Alex McGregor

Hicksford Sub Station

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Water Works

The South Staffordshire pumping station next to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Gordon Griffiths

Hinksford Bridge View

The view from the bridge down the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Gordon Griffiths

Blaze Park bus turning circle, Wall Heath

This large turning circle, on Enville Road in Wall Heath close to the western extremity of Dudley Metropolitan Borough, is seen here occupied by one of National Express West Midlands' small fleet of DAF DB250/Optare Spectras that migrated to Wolverhampton a couple of years ago. It has paused here on its way from its home town to the Merry Hill Centre on the 255; during the day, about half of the journeys on this route operate only between Merry Hill and here, while the 205 from Blackheath via Dudley town centre also terminates here.

Richard Vince