Worcestershire is a beautiful county that's well within commuting distance of Birmingham. Now it is being celebrated in a new guide for 2026.
Lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos has looked at the top eight places to live in Worcestershire, assessing which are best for families in terms of things to do, house prices, schools, community facilities and places to eat and shop.
The guide includes Bewdley, Bromsgrove, Malvern and Tenbury plus some small villages offering surprising affordability with average prices starting from £311,237.
Read more: The six best places to live in Birmingham named for 2026
Read next: The best place to live in Birmingham in 2026 has been named and it's not where you might expect
A spokeswoman for Muddy Stilettos said: "One of England's most beautiful counties, Worcestershire is a wonderland of natural beauty with the Malvern Hills, Wyre Forest and a network of pretty canals waiting to be explored.
"Team that with some exceptional schools and a thriving boutique and foodie scene, and it's got a lot to offer."
1. Bewdley
Set on the River Severn, the number one spot goes to Bewdley, a characterful town full of community spirit with lots of independent shops, cafes and artisan markets.
The schools are good and it is home to the Severn Valley Railway and West Midland Safari Park.
It has the mighty Wyre Forest on its doorstep, said to be England's largest woodland nature reserve.
Houses went for an average of £323,569 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "If riverside living is the dream then it doesn’t come prettier than in Bewdley – and it’s spot-on for fun-seekers too, with the Wyre Forest and a safari park right on your doorstep.
"This charming town is fast becoming one of Worcestershire’s most coveted postcodes."
2. Bretforton
The second favourite on the list goes to Bretforton, a rural village in the rolling Vale of Evesham on the edge of the North Cotswolds.
There are rose-clad cottages and orchard-fringed footpaths, a community shop, a theatre barn, live music nights and festivals.
Houses went for an average of £404,773 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Bretforton is country charm wrapped in orchard views with Broadway’s buzz and Stratford’s culture just minutes away.
"Think epic village events, a cracking pub and theatre, the warmest of communities and cotswold fringe living without the price tag."
3. Broadway
Just on the outskirts of Worcestershire, this honey-stone high street boasts independent boutiques, art galleries, cafés and artisan delis with a Cotswold feel.
Families love the top schools and cosy pub grub.
Houses went for an average of £584,051 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Dreaming of a roses-around-the-door Cotswold lifestyle?
"You’ve come to the right place. Broadway, with its butterscotch houses and rolling countryside, might not be cheap, but goodness it’s worth it."
4. Bromsgrove
Much closer to Birmingham, Bromsgrove gets the fourth spot, due to its mix of thriving market town and rolling countryside.
There are plenty of cafes, shops and pubs, good schools and lots going on.
Houses went for an average of £311,237 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Looking for a hybrid mix of town and countryside?
"Take a look at this buzzy, leafy market town surrounded by green belt land."
5. Malvern
The Malvern Hills are loved by walkers due to the magnificent views but the market town is a great place to live.
It boasts independent shops, cosy cafes, wonderful restaurants and a great theatre together with a spa offering the 'healing waters' of the area.
This location is 'surprisingly affordable' with houses going for an average of £341,190 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Framed by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the South West, Great Malvern is a charming spa town that perfectly balances heritage and modern buzz.
"Sitting at the foot of the Malvern Hills — the nine-mile AONB locals fondly call the “Midlands Alps” – it’s famed for its Victorian-era healing waters but now draws crowds for its creative, contemporary cool."
6. Ombersley
Ombersley has half-timbered homes, great schools and stunning countryside walks and yet is close to the motorway, making it very commutable to Birmingham.
Very family-friendly, there's even a new role play village which includes a double decker bus.
Houses went for an average of £536,700 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Quintessentially English yet brilliantly connected, Ombersley delivers country charm with a side of convenience – Worcester and nearby cities are just minutes away.
"Regularly voted one of the UK’s most beautiful places to live, this black-and-white timbered gem has all the right credentials: excellent schools, a warm community spirit and glorious countryside on all sides."
7. Tenbury Wells
This colourful town looks like it could be in Holland but it's only just over an hour from Birmingham.
It has picturesque Pump Rooms, a swimming pool, historic buildings, independent shops, orchards, markets and an art deco cinema and theatre.
Houses went for an average of £320,250 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Once a Victorian spa spot, it hugs the River Teme and is framed by hop fields, apple orchards and glorious, big-sky countryside.
"The Georgian centre brims with indie shops, artisan markets and creative energy, while the restored art deco Regal Cinema hosts arthouse films and jazz nights, and the historic Pump Rooms bring a dash of Victorian eccentricity."
Listen to our latest Brummie Mummies Podcast episode:
8. Upton-upon-Severn
Set on the River Severn, this family-friendly town has good schools, wide-open countryside and a proper sense of community.
It's also famous for its long history of live music, with four major annual festivals and plenty of pub gigs.
Houses went for an average of £329,674 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Riverside living doesn’t get prettier than Upton-upon-Severn, a small town that charms your socks off with its cobbled lanes, quirky old buildings and the iconic Pepperpot tower standing proud above it all.
"Don’t be fooled by its chocolate-box looks though – this place has serious spirit, with four annual music festivals (folk, jazz, blues and pop), live pub gigs and a high street buzzing with independents."