Bournville Crowned Birmingham's Best Place to Live for 2026 in Prestigious Sunday Times List
The Sunday Times has unveiled its highly anticipated Best Places to Live guide for 2026, and an area of Birmingham has emerged as the standout choice within the city. Bournville, renowned for its historic ties to Cadbury, has been named the best place to live in Birmingham for the upcoming year, earning special recognition in the Midlands region.
Judges' Criteria and Regional Highlights
An expert panel conducted extensive visits to villages, towns, and cities across the UK, engaging in conversations with local residents to assess various factors. Their evaluations focused on community vitality, natural beauty, cultural offerings, connectivity, and overall quality of life. In the Midlands, Bournville was highlighted for its exceptional attributes, while other notable mentions included the scenic Malverns in Worcestershire, which was named the overall best place in the region, along with Shrewsbury and Stratford-upon-Avon.
What Makes Bournville Stand Out
Judges were particularly impressed by Bournville's unique blend of tranquility and community engagement. They noted that while the Cadbury family's model garden village provides a serene escape from urban hustle, it maintains a vibrant social fabric. Residents, who now include professionals such as lawyers, teachers, and IT experts, enjoy activities like strolling through Bournville Park, gathering on the village green, and walking dogs along the Worcester and Birmingham canal.
The panel emphasized the strong sense of community in Bournville, with an active core of residents dedicated to organizing events and preserving the area's historic character. Additionally, they highlighted the proximity to Stirchley, whose high street is considered one of the most dynamic in Birmingham, offering a lively contrast to Bournville's calm atmosphere.
National Context and Expert Insights
On a national scale, Norwich was crowned the best place to live in the UK for 2026. Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, commented on the guide's purpose, stating, "This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain. It is full of locations that demonstrate thriving village, town, and city centers, alongside areas rich in natural beauty, culture, connectivity, and, most importantly, a sense of community." She added that the judges' thorough research involved traveling across the UK to select top spots where residents take pride in calling them home.
This recognition underscores Bournville's appeal as a desirable residential area within Birmingham, combining historical charm with modern amenities and a tight-knit community spirit.
