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Tiny English village that’s ‘like going back to the 1960’s’ with chocolate-box houses – but alcohol is banned
The tiny village is home to one of the UK's top attractions
BIRMINGHAM has a reputation for being a former industrial powerhouse, but the city is also home to a charming village that's like stepping back in time.
While most holidaymakers to Birmingham rarely step foot outside the city centre, there are plenty of other areas that deserve some attention.
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Located in southwest Birmingham, Bournville is a tiny village that was built by the Cadbury family.
The model village was founded by George and Richard Cadbury, the sons of John Cadbury.
You don't have to be from Birmingham to instantly recognise the name, Cadbury, with the chocolate giant celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
John Cadbury originally opened a small shop on Bull Street where he sold tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
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The hot chocolate proved to be a hit with customers, so when production ramped up, George and Richard moved the factory to Bournville.
In addition to building the iconic red-brick factory, the family also built chocolate-box houses, so their employees had somewhere safe to live.
While it may sound fairly idyllic, the tiny village isn't without its quirks.
Because of its Quaker heritage, there are no pubs in Bournville, so those residents, and tourists, who fancy a swift drink need to visit boozers in other parts of Birmingham, like Selly Oak and Stirchley.
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While there aren't any watering holes in Bournville, there are other places where punters can buy booze, including a corner shop.
When I attended the Bournville Christmas light switch-on with my family several years ago, I had planned on buying myself a small mug of mulled wine.
But as I weaved my way through the independent stalls that surrounded the giant fir tree in the centre of the village green, I couldn't find a drop of alcohol in sight.
A few seconds later, the penny dropped, and I remembered the Quaker roots, so I settled for a warm chocolate chip cookie instead.
In my opinion, the alcohol ban only adds to the village's charm and character - and it seems like I'm not alone.
This reminds me of the 1960s
Ian Jelf, a tour guide in Birmingham told : "You just don’t get this in Britain anymore.
"This reminds me of the 1960s and my mum going out with a basket.
"And the reason they survived is because the people in Bournville behave in a particular way. It’s got a genuine sense of community."
My family have been part of this community for decades, with my siblings taking dance classes in Bournville as young children.
Not only is the tiny village picturesque, but it's also home to plenty of attractions too, including Cadbury World.
Inside the chocolate factory, visitors will be able to learn more about the history of Cadbury, sample some free chocolate and enjoy a 4D cinema.
Cadbury World will also be getting a new chocolate-themed ride.
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After touring the chocolate factory, holidaymakers should head to Bournville Green.
While the green is lined with charming independent shops, there are two places everyone should visit during an afternoon in Bournville.
One of those places is the Rest House, which lies right in the centre of Bournville Village Green.
Likened to Hagrid's Hut by my family, the dome-shaped building is home to the visitor centre - and it's also a great backdrop for holiday snaps.
There's also Bournville Garden Centre, which is the smallest garden centre in the British Garden Centres group.
My family goes to the garden centre for a warm drink and a slice of cake in the cafe.
Bourneville is also home to other sites, including Selly Manor - a Tudor building located in the heart of Bournville.
Inside Selly Manor visitors can discover how the Tudors cooked, dressed and lived.
Entry tickets to Selly Manor cost £5 for a full-paying adult and £4 for children.
While Cadbury World does have its own car park, with free parking, it's easy to reach Bournville on a train from the city centre.
Direct trains run from Birmingham New Street Station to Bournville Station, with journeys taking roughly 13 minutes.
Once at Bournville Station, passengers can follow the purple signage to Cadbury World.
Another area in Birmingham is also set for big things, as Moseley Road Baths is set to reopen following a £15.5million renovation project.
Read More on The Sun
The Edwardian pool, now Grade II listed, is the only baths in the country to have hosted continuous swimming events since before 1914.
Meanwhile, I've also revealed the best of Birmingham's hidden gems - including a secret garden and the UK's best curry.
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