Where history flows like the brook
Step into Wombourne, a picture-postcard village nestled in South Staffordshire, just southwest of Wolverhampton. With streams that whisper tales from the Domesday Book, enchanting walks, remarkable Victorian landmarks, and a warm community spirit, it's a place where every turn reveals a new delight.
A village shaped by nature, Wombourne takes its name from Old English words meaning the winding stream. The Wom Brook, a tributary of the River Stour, meanders through the village; its path preserved along the lush Wom Brook Walk, boasting a Green Flag Award for its wildlife-rich meadows and woodlands.
Recorded in the Domesday Book with a priest and two mills, Wombourne’s history stretches back centuries. According to legend, its church was built on a site where the village was saved from marauding Danes, perhaps those defeated in the nearby Battle of Tettenhall.
Modern Wombourne blends history with a host of things to do.
One of the most notable landmarks is the Grade II listed Wombourne Windmill, built in 1831 and used to grind corn until the early 20th century. Another historic building is the 12th-century St. Benedict Biscop Church, a Grade II listed Gothic revival gem known for its beautiful stained-glass windows.
South Staffordshire Railway Walk, running through Wombourne offers a traffic-free path for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. It includes the charming Platform Café housed in the restored former railway station.
Bratch Locks, a trio of Georgian canal locks and an old toll house built of mellow brick, offer a window into 18th-century canal engineering. Nearby, the Bratch Pumping Station stands out as Wombourne’s fairytale landmark, with ornate pinnacles rising like a castle beside the waterway.
The Village Green is replete with independent shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs, all radiating quintessential English charm. The nearby Heritage Centre Museum explores the village’s history of nail-making and local industry.
Just outside the village, red sandstone hills at Orton Hills Viewpoint offers panoramic outlooks across Staffordshire toward the Clent, Malvern, and Clee Hills.
Wombourne Village Car Park
Location: Lower Green, Wombourne, WV5 9JB. The car park is located just off the A449, in the heart of Wombourne, next to the village green and local shops.
Opening Times: Open 24 hours but monitored for safety during the night.
Accessibility: Accessible parking spots are available, and the car park is well-lit and monitored for security.
Wombourne Station Car Park
Location: Wombourne Railway Station, Church Rd, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ. From the village centre, head south along Church Road, and the station car park will be on the left.
Opening Times: Open 24 hours
Accessibility: The car park includes several spaces for blue badge holders and provides a direct link to the South Staffordshire Railway Walk.
