This picturesque high street has been named one of the best places to live in the Warwickshire (Image: BPM)

The black and white Tudor town full of indie shops named one of Warwickshire's 'best places to live'

by · Birmingham Live

If you're looking for community life with gastro pubs and independent shops aplenty within commuting distance from Birmingham, you may want to take a look at the picturesque market town rated one of Warwickshire's best places to live. Alcester scores highly in the Muddy Stilettos 2025 annual guide, taking up the top spots with Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.

The lifestyle website loves Alcester for its history and culture plus its popular festivals too. The locals host everything from annual pancake races and town crier championships, to street markets, motor shows and a traditional 'Mop Fair' featuring a procession and funfair.

For foodies, there's an abundance of choice. And there are plenty of nearby attractions to enjoy too, including Ragley Hall, which hosts events such as Camper Calling and DogFest, Studley Castle and the National Trust's Coughton Court. You can go walking in Oversley Wood or take a trail from Longbarn Village to enjoy being out in the countryside.

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A spokesman for Muddy Stilettos said: "This thriving market town, steeped in history, was once the site of a Benedictine monastery and dates back to Roman times. Two millennia on it’s still a great place to live, with bustling indie shops, delicious restaurants and bars, some gorgeous stately homes to visit, a super-popular food festival and even a festival for dogs.

"You’re spoilt for choice with gastropubs in Alcester, starting with Muddy award-winning Arrow Mill, with its gorgeous lavender pathway, waterside views and delicious food. The Moat House, The Roebuck, The Throckmorton, and just up the road The Tavern in Broom all have great food too.

"For fine dining, book in for dinner or an opulent afternoon tea at nearby Studley Castle. For coffee and cake check out Cafe des Fleurs or the OrangeMabel tearoom, which is also super vegan and veggie-friendly. Two of the pubs here are included in the Camra Good Beer Guide so if ale is your thing you will love The Holly Bush and the Turks Head on the High Street."

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When it comes to buying property here, the average price was £280,480 over the last year. Most houses sold were semi-detached at around £285,558, with £228,881 for a terrace and detached properties fetching £441,583.

How to get to Alcester from Birmingham

Alcester is just 45 minutes from Birmingham, traffic permitting, via the A435, or around 55 minutes via the M42. It takes around two hours to drive down the M40 to London. There’s no railway station in the town so you'd need to catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Redditch and then hop on a bus for the rest of the journey, taking around 90 minutes all together.