Bearwood is located in the southern part of Smethwick. The area to the east of Shireland Brook comes under the North Edgbaston Ward, while the area to the west is classed as Abbey Ward in the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough. Bearwood has very much its own identity however and came second in a recent Sunday Times survey for the best places for first time buyers.
The History of Bearwood
The area was mostly rural up until the mid-19th century, and then from 1880 onwards development in the area accelerated with much of the shape of the town we recognise today coming into being. The M&B brewery was located in the northeast of Bearwood and a large housing estate was built for its workers.
Some of the oldest surviving buildings in the whole of the Birmingham conurbation are located around the roads adjoining Bearwood Road and represent a good example of traditional upper working class Victorian terraced houses.
Transport Links
There is no train station at Bearwood, the nearest one being at Langley Green. The A456 passes along its southern border and the area is very well served by local bus routes. The Bearwood Interchange is located at the crossroads of Bearwood Road and Hagley Road.
Schools
Bearwood has five primary and three secondary schools:
Bearwood Primary School
St Gregory's Primary School
Abbey Infants School
Abbey Junior School
Lightwoods School
Shireland Collegiate Academy
Lordswood Boys' School
Lordswood Girls' School
Amenities
Bearwood’s thriving high street has a good variety of shops, and the area as a whole is well catered for when it comes to chemists, pubs (such as the renowned Bear tavern) restaurants and eateries. When it comes to supermarkets, Bearwood has an Aldi, Iceland, Tesco Express and Heron Foods. There is the art deco Thimblemill Library, Smethwick Swimming Centre and gym and 24/7 Fitness.
Things to do in and around Bearwood
The Bearwood Street Festival was launched in 2017 a celebration of street food, music and a lot more besides. The Bearwood Shuffle is a series of free music events that take place in Lightwoods Park. Also in Lightwoods Park is the grade II listed Lightwoods House that has been recently restored and is now open for many community events including music lessons, Pilates and even baby ballet. It also houses a café and restaurant.
Warley Woods is an award-winning area that covers 100 acres. Its footpaths wend through woods, green fields and grassland.