16 picturesque villages around Wolverhampton perfect for an Easter bank holiday weekend escape

Many across the country celebrated Pancake Day on February 17; for many this meant indulging on pancakes, whether homemade or shop-bought.

Pancake Day marks Shrove Tuesday in the Christian tradition; it was long seen as a time whereby people would use up the last of their leftovers before the period of Lent began, with Ash Wednesday signifying this the day afterwards.

Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice for many, before Easter arrives.

Read more: Enchanting West Midlands walk that's so pretty it's like stepping into JRR Tolkien's world

Here in the UK, many look forward to the Easter weekend as it offers a four-day bank holiday weekend - but every year the long bank holiday weekend feels much shorter than it used to be.

Of course, there are plenty of spots across the West Midlands that offer a picturesque setting where you can escape to enjoy the long weekend.

Now that Lent is almost over, we thought we’d share some suggestions of our favourite villages, so you can plan that long and extra special weekend getaway with your loved ones.

Without further ado, here are 16 charming villages near Wolverhampton that are perfect for an Easter weekend getaway: 

1. Barnt Green

Nestled in Worcestershire, Barnt Green is a favourite among the rich and famous. This village boasts stunning properties, lush green spaces, and a thriving high street. Notable residents have included footballer Jack Grealish, singer Jamelia and Gymshark founder Ben Francis. The local pubs, such as The Barnt Green Inn and Victoria Inn, are popular spots where you might catch a glimpse of these high-fliers.

2. Kinver

For a small English village located in South Staffordshire with a population of about 7,100, Kinver punches well above its weight in history and tradition. While Kinver has experienced some changes - including a decrease in some local amenities and a rise in homes and population - you can still feel its charm and village appeal.

3. Ombersley

A charming village just under an hour's drive from Wolverhampton city centre. Some of its unique quirks include that there are 151 listed buildings across the village as of April 2022.

4. Broadway

A quaint community with a population of about 2,000 residents, the area has earned a reputation for its ancient buildings, gorgeous high street and breath-taking views from Broadway Tower.

5. Barston

This village in Solihull is often named one of the best places to live in the West Midlands. Barston is often praised for its rural charm, strong transport links, and great quality of life.

6. Berkswell

Berkswell is a village with tales spanning centuries. In the church of St John the Baptist, you can descend from a boxed pew in the north aisle to discover a two-part Norman crypt, among other surprises.

7. Belbroughton

This village and civil parish about six miles north of Bromsgrove was once known for its scythe and tool making and is surrounded by a rural landscape of pasture, arable land, and woodland. According to the 2021 census, its population was 2,685.

8. Hagley

Hagley, near Stourbridge, is on the edge of the Black Country but is a beautiful place to live. It has the Grade I-listed 18th-century house Hagley Hall, the home of the Lyttelton family. The iconic home is open to the public for tours and teas, and has a lush park great for spending summers in.

9. Tanworth-in-Arden

Tanworth-in-Arden is an idyllic village is surrounded by beautiful Warwickshire countryside. It’s home to a picturesque village green, St. Mary Magdalene's Church, and the renowned Bell Inn.

10. Welford-on-Avon

Nestled in a bend of the River Avon, Welford-on-Avon boasts a Norman church and charming timber-framed cottages. The 17th-century Bell Inn is steeped in local lore, and the village is proud to have one of the country’s tallest maypoles.

11. Lapworth

Despite its proximity to urban areas, this Warwickshire village retains a rural charm. In addition to the National Trust properties of Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House, Lapworth boasts several historic sites and amenities.

12. Hampton-in-Arden

Located near Solihull, Hampton-in-Arden offers a slice of village life and is packed full of rural character while being a hop, skip and a jump to the city via train, making it a popular option for commuters who crave a little pastoral idyll.

13. Dickens Heath

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs along the edge of this Solihull village, making it perfect for spring walks.

14. Eastnor

Located in Herefordshire, Eastnor's beauty has been something of an attraction to plenty of visitors throughout the years. It has a very tiny population of just under 300 according to the ONS. Eastnor Castle has been featured in a number of films throughout the years, perhaps most notably One More Time starring Jerry Lewis and Sammy Davis Jr.

15. Catherine-de-Barnes

Known colloquially since the 19th century as Catney Barnes, often abbreviated to Catney, this quaint Solihull village is only a few miles from the National Exhibition Centre.

16. Tidbury Green

A rural area located within Solihull. There are lots of farms, country lanes and gorgeous houses to marvel at.