Redditch

Local shopping

Shopping is made enjoyable at the town’s refurbished Kingfisher Shopping Centre, which includes a new restaurant quarter, Vue cinema, and gym. The town has also got a popular open-air market in the Market Place. It’s a colourful tradition and great place for browsing.  If you want retail therapy rather than day to day shopping, a day out in Birmingham city centre, just 15 miles away, will do the trick.

Schools

Redditch is one of the few remaining places in the UK with a three-tier education system. Children can attend first, middle, and secondary schools.  There are four high schools and six middle schools in the town. Students can move on to the local campus of the Heart of Worcestershire Further Education College for A levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships.

Getting around

Redditch is really well connected, especially if you need to commute for work. The A441 links directly with the M42, which in turn joins the M5 just above Bromsgrove. You’ll be in convenient commuting distance to Worcester, Kidderminster, and Bromsgrove, as well as Birmingham itself of course. The town’s Bus Station offers services to Studley, Bromsgrove, Catshill and Birmingham. You are also on the right side of Birmingham for the airport which is just 20 miles away. The Cross-City Line operates West Midlands train services to Birmingham New Street, taking just over three quarters of an hour.

On the go

There are plenty of sports clubs in the town to join or support, including Redditch United FC, Redditch RFC, Redditch CC, and the Redditch Arrows American Football team. The Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest open space in Redditch, 900 acres including a 29-acre lake. It’s ideal for walking and cycling trails, water sports, the skate park, family activities at the Countryside Centre, and for a great play area. For a change of scenery, a short trip will take you to Stratford-on-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa, and the Cotswolds market town of Evesham.