Kings Heath, originally and occasionally still spelt King’s Heath, is a suburb of Birmingham, situated in the south of the city, four miles as the crow flies from the city centre. Along with Mosely, located on its northern border, Kings Heath had a population of 26,669 in the 2011 census.
The History of Kings Heath
The village of Kings Heath was established in the mid-18th century, when the Birmingham to Alcester Road underwent improvements, and was the spur for increased development in the area. New houses and farms were built on the previously uninhabited wasteland and the village went from strength to strength. Though Kings Heath officially became part of Birmingham in the early 1900’s, it is still proud that it retains its village feel, and the area has several small independent shops, boutiques and cafés which very much adds to that.
Transport Links
There are currently no railway stations in Kings Heath, something that has very likely enabled the area to maintain its feeling of separation from the rest of Birmingham despite its close proximity to the centre. A station is planned in the near future however which will improve transport links. At the moment the nearest station is Hall Green.
The A435 dissects the area (journey time to Birmingham centre is approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic), and it is served by the 11, 27, 35, 50 and 76 bus routes.
Schools
Kings Heath has several primary and secondary schools, including:
Colmore Infant, Nursery and Primary School
St. Dunstan's Catholic Primary School
Kings Heath Primary School
Kings Heath Boys
Wheelers Lane Technology College
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Bishop Challoner Catholic College
Amenities
Kings Heath has a number of chemists, Asda, Lidl and Sainsbury supermarkets, a very good shopping centre with a good selection of shops. A farmers market takes place in the town square, and the village boasts some notable restaurants and pubs including one of the smallest bars in Europe (Cherry Reds) and The Hare and Hounds, a renowned music venue.
Things to do in and around Kings Heath
Just to the south of Kings Heath there is the Cocks Moors Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, and there are many areas of park and woodland within very easy distance including Kings Heath Park, Highbury Park and local favourite Billesley Common.