Living in Wolverhampton

History and Geography

The history of Wolverhampton goes all the way back to the time of the Anglo Saxons. In fact it takes its name from Lady Wulfruna, of whom there is a statue in the city.

At one time, Wolverhampton was best known for its steel manufacturing and coal mining hub. Today, though, it has become a thriving and vibrant centre. There have been many famous individuals who have been born or lived in the town, including some who are still alive today. Mervyn King, Noddy Holder and Eric Idle, they are just a few of the famous names who hail from Wolverhampton.

Around 1750, canal networks were developed to carry the coal to the furnaces of the Black Country. By 1790 the metal industries of the area alone consumed 845,000 tons of coal.

Property Types & Demographics

Whether you're looking for a period home, a traditional property or a modern newbuild, you'll be spoiled for choice in Wolverhampton. First time buyers and investors can find plenty of 1 and 2 bedroom homes to purchase. Wolverhampton also draws families looking for something more spacious and impressive with some stunning larger homes. Much of the housing stock in Wolverhampton dates from the late nineteenth century onwards, so you'll also find fantastic Victorian and Edwardian property here.

Schools

Parents are spoiled for choice when it comes to educating their children in Wolverhampton. The area has over 90 primary schools and 26 secondaries as well as a girl's grammar school with an impressive reputation. There are also ten dedicated special needs schools as well as vocational colleges and of course the University of Wolverhampton.

Local Attractions

Black Country Living Museum

Just 6 miles outside the city, this popular family attraction is well worth a visit. Set on 26 acres of former industrial land, this living museum boasts dozens of industrial buildings, shops and houses from the region dating back to its past. Visitors can learn more about the metalworking trade that was so prevalent here, see a rural village, a 1930s fairground and street and even a replica Birmingham Canal Navigation dock.

Baggeridge Country Park

4 miles to the south of the city centre, Baggeridge Park covers 150 acres of water, marsh, meadows, and woodland. Known as the gateway to the Black Country, this country park's southernmost tracts overlap Himley Park and were also designed by Capability Brown. During the warmer months, this is a great place for families to take time out to enjoy cycling, the play area, the walking trail or riding the miniature railway.

Moseley Old Hall

This stunning Elizabethan property was once a refuge for King Charles II after he suffered a defeat in 1651 in the Battle of Worcester. Take a guided tour here and see the priest hole where the monarch hid as well as the bed he slept in during his stay. The beautiful grounds are also well worth a visit with their topiaries, fruit orchard, walled garden, knot garden & arbour.

Wightwick Manor

This spectacular National Trust property dates back to the late 1800s and is a classic example of a blend of the Aesthetic and Arts & Crafts movements. Its half-timbered style was ordered by its former owner, Theodore Mander, who was a rich local industrialist. Constructed between 1887 and 1893, it has paintings by famous Pre-Raphaelite artists, wallpapers and fabrics William Morris and tiles by William de Morgan.

Bantock House Museum & Park

Set in 50 acres of land, this beautiful country property goes back to the 18th century, however, it was updated at the beginning of the 1900s. Once owned by the Bantock family, the interior of the house has been preserved with its original Arts & Crafts style. Visitors can view exhibitions about local life and the Bantock family themselves during the early years of the 20th century.

West Park

West Park is a classic urban Victorian park dating from 1881. Its architecture still dates back to this period although its Grade 2 listed bandstand was constructed in 1882 and the lakeside conservatory wasn't completed until 1896. Visitors often enjoy taking a rowing boat trip around the lake.

Northycote Farm

A popular family attraction near Wolverhampton, this free animal attraction is set around a Tudor 16th century house. Visitors can see pigs, sheep, turkeys, geese, chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. There are also events throughout the year, and you can take a tour around the farmhouse.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery

The art gallery can be found in a purpose-built Neoclassical venue that was built in the late 1800s from Bath Stone. A lot of the artworks here were donated by local industrialist patrons and the most valuable piece is the 1615 Flemish masterpiece: 'Peace and Plenty Binding The Arrows Of War.' Art lovers can view Victorian pieces by landscape artists and Pre-Raphaelites as well as Georgian pieces, ceramics, metalware and Japanese woodblock prints.

Shopping

Wolverhampton has two indoor shopping centres -the Wulfrun Centre and the Mander Centre housing many independent retailers and national stores. There are three markets in the town selling everything from fruit to antiques. The farmers markets and craft markets are held once a month in Dudley Street.

Sport

The Molineux - The famous stadium of Wolverhampton Wanderers is located right in the centre of the city.

Cinema & Theatre

Wolverhampton has a multiplex 14 screen Cineworld cinema in the city centre. The biggest theatre is The Grand Theatre where audiences can enjoy a wide variety of live performances.

Eating Out

There are more than 600 different eateries to choose from in Wolverhampton, serving up cuisine from around the world. Whether you're looking for simple pub food, a light bite, fine dining, or international classics, you'll be spoiled for choice here with many independent restaurants and chains to pick from.

Golf clubs

There are several golf clubs in and around Wolverhampton including the Penn Golf Club and the Perton Park Golf Club.

Entertainment

Wolverhampton offers an array of entertainment activities for all the family, including tenpin bowling, a racecourse at Dunstall Park and Greyhound racing at Monmore Green. Molineux Stadium is home to Premiership Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

Upcoming Developments

Wolverhampton has been the target of many housing developers over recent years and as a result, there are numerous new build projects taking place in the city. There are a number of new developments offering 2 to 4 bedroom properties just outside the heart of the city and great apartment complex developments for professionals who want to live in the heart of the action.

A target has been set to build 670 new homes in Wolverhampton every year up to 2026.

Travel Connections

Wolverhampton is extremely well connected in terms of transport links. Not only does it have a major railway station running direct services to cities and towns across the UK, it is also located near theM6 and M5 motorways and within easy reach of Birmingham International Airport.

Railways

West Midland Trains travel from Wolverhampton to Birmingham New Street with journey times taking less than half an hour. Wolverhampton to Stafford is approximately 15 minutes and London Euston can be reached in less than two hours.

Road Links

Excellent midlands road links. Wolverhampton is close to the M6 motorway giving easy road access Northwards and Southwards. Join the M5 to head Southwest.

Bus Services

Wolverhampton offers a host of regular and reliable bus services including the 529 to Walsall, the 16 to Stourbridge, the 27 to Dudley and the X8 to Birmingham.

Airlines

Birmingham Airport is less than an hour drive away, Manchester can be reached in less than an hour and a half and Heathrow and Gatwick in less than three hours.