Your guide to moving to Cradley Heath
Why Cradley Heath is a good place to live
Cradley Heath offers a wonderful blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, making it a splendid choice for potential residents. As a primarily residential area, it provides houses of various types, ideal for first-time buyers or those looking for a quiet family home. With two railway stations in the vicinity, commuting to Birmingham City Centre is an easy task, perfect for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter area. Plus, the local shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants mean you won't be short of options for a hearty meal or a relaxing cup of tea. Most impressively, Cradley Heath is home to the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve, UK’s largest urban nature reserve, making it an exceptional blend of urban growth and green spaces.
What's Cradley Heath famous for?
Cradley Heath is famous for several unique historical reasons. In the first half of the 20th century, it was well known for its chain manufacture, so much so that even the iconic Titanic's anchor chain was produced here by N. Hingley and Sons. Beyond its industrial prowess, Cradley Heath brims with labour movement history. The 1910 Chainmakers' Strike transformed labour rights by fighting for a minimum wage law, a movement embraced and led by brave local Cradley Heath women. As a prominent landmark, the Workers' Institute, now relocated to the Black Country Living Museum, commemorates this significant piece of history.
Things to do in Cradley Heath
Cradley Heath remains a treasure trove of things to do, particularly for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. For a taste of local history, a visit to the Haden Hill House Museum and Old Hall is an absolute must. Both parks, Haden Hill and the Mary McArthur Memorial Gardens, offer a serene retreat for picnic enthusiasts or those desiring tranquil walks. Meanwhile, the Cradley Heath Play Park offers enjoyment for the younger visitors. Another delight of the town is the annual Cradley Women Chainmakers' Festival, a testament to the town's history, where locals and visitors gather to celebrate Cradley Heath's resilience and historical impact.