'Best place to live' near Birmingham is 'quaint' village with cosy pubs and outdoor pool

A scenic village a 35-minute drive from Birmingham city centre, with leafy green spaces, mansion-lined avenues, its own outdoor paddling pool and a charming high street, has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK.

Tettenhall was one of four new additions to the Muddy Stilettos guide of the Best Places to Live in the West Midlands for 2025, alongside Sutton Coldfield, Balsall Common and Stirchley.

Life in the rural-feeling village goes at a slower pace than busy Wolverhampton, which is just two miles down the road. The clock tower on the Upper Green chimes on the hour and the high street boasts traditional shops, including a butchers, antiques, a fish and chip shop and a women's clothing store, alongside pubs and bars.

Read more:The 10 best places to live in 2025 include Birmingham suburb with 'village-y vibe'

Tettenhall has been likened to picturesque neighbourhoods in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall and has several footballers among its small population. The more affluent streets are lined with trees and large detached homes with neatly-manicured lawns, such as Wrottesley Road, which is said to be one of the most expensive streets to live on in Wolverhampton.

However, other parts of the village are more affordable for home-buyers, offering a mix of terraced townhouses, semi-detached homes, social and council housing. On average, houses in Tettenhall sell at around £350,000.

Meanwhile, Tettenhall Pool, on the edge of the village common, is often busy with families in the summer months. Muddy Stilettos summarised Tettenhall as 'a community-minded village, teaming with independents and great local schools around'.

Explaining their reasoning for its position in the Best Places to Live guide, judges said: "This quaint village outside Wolverhampton is home to some pretty coloured Victorian villas and terraced houses along with a historic clock tower. There's a thriving, bustling high street, community outdoor pool and plenty of great school options nearby."

High street coffee shop, Gluttons for Nourishment, a favourite among locals, received a special mention as one of the best places to eat, alongside Fiume Italian and Atelier Del Cibo, which both offer outdoor seating, and Croatian spot Fjaka. Seats at Robinsons is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and 'serves a great Sunday roast too', the guide said, while Chill Wine Bar is the ideal location for an after-work tipple or weekend meet-up.

Pubs like The Two Greens, The Swan and The Dog And Gun were highlighted as cosy spots to unwind with a drink. As for shops, The Decorium fashion boutique is a Muddy Stilettos award-winner, while Baked in Tettenhall bakery and Jim Gough's greengrocer, fishmonger and flower shop add to the high street's indie offering.

For walks and biking trails, visitors can head to Tettenhall Wood or Smestow Valley Nature Reserve, or the National Trust site Wightwick Manor is a few minutes' drive away.