Alvechurch

Settlement in Worcestershire Bromsgrove

England

Alvechurch

Lock Keeper's Reach, Withybed Green This small development of terraced houses beside the Worcester &amp; Birmingham Canal is a gated community in the tiny hamlet of Withybed Green on the edge of Alvechurch. The name is a little odd - the nearest lock is at Tardebigge, a long reach indeed. — Lock Keeper's Reach, Withybed Green Credit: Stephen McKay

Alvechurch is a charming village located in the county of Worcestershire, England. Situated approximately 12 miles south of Birmingham, it rests in the beautiful Alvechurch Valley, surrounded by picturesque countryside and rolling hills. The village is part of the Bromsgrove district and has a population of around 4,600 residents.

Alvechurch has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century, with many historic buildings still standing today. The St Laurence Church, a Grade I listed building, is an iconic landmark in the village and is known for its impressive architecture. The village also boasts several traditional thatched cottages and timber-framed houses, adding to its quaint and idyllic atmosphere.

Despite its small size, Alvechurch offers a range of amenities and facilities for its residents. There are local shops, a post office, a primary school, and a medical practice, ensuring that the community's needs are well catered for. Additionally, the village has a railway station, providing easy access to Birmingham and other nearby towns.

The surrounding countryside is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Worcester and Birmingham Canal runs through the village, offering scenic walks and opportunities for boating and fishing. The Lickey Hills Country Park is also nearby, providing extensive trails for hiking, cycling, and horse riding.

Overall, Alvechurch is a delightful village that combines historical charm with modern conveniences. Its tranquil setting and close proximity to urban centers make it an appealing place to live for those seeking a balance between rural and urban lifestyles.

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Alvechurch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.351707/-1.959564 or Grid Reference SP0272. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lock Keeper's Reach, Withybed Green

This small development of terraced houses beside the Worcester & Birmingham Canal is a gated community in the tiny hamlet of Withybed Green on the edge of Alvechurch. The name is a little odd - the nearest lock is at Tardebigge, a long reach indeed.

Stephen McKay

Lock Keeper's Reach, Withybed Green

This is the view from bridge 61 on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal of the same houses seen in this view: SP0172 : Lock Keeper's Reach, Withybed Green.

Stephen McKay

The Crown Inn, Withybed Green

The epitome of the country pub, the Crown is tucked away in Withybed Green, a hamlet on the edge of Alvechurch adjacent to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. It was at one time a Mitchells & Butlers Ltd house.

Stephen McKay

Withybed Lane, Alvechurch

Withybed Lane leads to Withybed Green passing under the Redditch branch railway line.

Stephen McKay

Callow Hill Road, Alvechurch

Seen from the junction with Tanyard Lane and Snake Lane, a substantial semi-detached house overlooks Callow Hill Road.

Stephen McKay

The Red Lion, Alvechurch

Part of the Vintage Inns chain, the Red Lion is a substantial pub located on Red Lion Street.

Stephen McKay

Red Lion Street, Alvechurch

This was once the main road between Redditch and Birmingham but Alvechurch is by-passed nowadays so things are much quieter. The bus stop on the left is outside the Red Lion pub.

Stephen McKay

The Square, Alvechurch

The Square forms the heart of this large Worcestershire village. The timber framed building, part of which is occupied by a barber's shop and an estate agent, is believed to be of 15th century origin, although much altered. To the left the Old Smithy dates from the mid-19th century. Both are grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

The bottom of Bear Hill, Alvechurch

The Tudor Rose Fish Bar occupies 2 Bear Hill at its junction with Red Lion Street. The timber framed building is of 15th century origin, underbuilt in the mid-19th century, and is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

Snake Lane, Alvechurch

The western part of Alvechurch was developed in the mid-20th century and Snake Lane, seen here from its junction with Bear Hill, forms the core of the area.

Stephen McKay

Alvechurch Station

Alvechurch is an intermediate stop on the branch between Barnt Green and Redditch. The station was originally opened in 1859 but came close to closure in the 1960s. In the end it remained open but with a minimal service and the ambience of a country halt. Later, services to Redditch were incorporated into Birmingham's cross-city line which brought about a significant improvement and the line was electrified in 1993 (when the station was re-sited slightly further north). Major change came about in 2014 when a passing loop was installed on the otherwise single track branch and an additional platform was built. This required the provision of a footbridge and lifts. Today trains run every 20 minutes in either direction - a frequency unimagineable at any other time in the station's history.

Stephen McKay

Scarfield Hill, Alvechurch

Just beyond Alvechurch railway station Scarfield Hill crosses the Worcester & Birmingham canal by means of this bridge - numbered 60 on the canal system. This is the site of Alvechurch Marina, traditionally known as Scarfield Wharf, operated by ABC Leisure Group Ltd - one of the major names in canal boat hire and marina services (ABC originally stood for Alvechurch Boat Centres).

Stephen McKay