Blakedown brings together natural features and a history of buildings and industry that can be traced through specific names and dates. Wetland habitats lie nearby, and there is also a route to Hagley and railway-related structures. When planning a stay, you can focus separately on nature, walking and local history.
Wetlands and trails
Hurcott Wood and Hurcott Pool lie nearby, within the parish of Churchill and Blakedown. Hurcott Pools and Wood covers about 50 hectares and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its wetland habitats, particularly its wet woodland.
The wetland area of Hurcott Pools and Wood is not open to the public because of its sensitive wildlife; cycling and horse riding are not permitted at Hurcott Pools and Wood. The area around Blakedown has numerous walking and riding paths, often running alongside streams and former mill ponds. Several viewpoints are easy to reach. When planning an outing, it is worth distinguishing these paths and viewpoints from the wetland area, which is not accessible.
Walking towards Hagley
A path leads from Blakedown to Hagley and continues along a hedge-lined bridleway to Stakenbridge. For a short stretch, the route follows Charles II’s escape route along the Monarch’s Way. For most of the way to Hagley station, it follows the Monarch’s Way. The historical connection to Charles II therefore relates to a short stretch, while the Monarch’s Way accompanies most of the route to the station.
Church, industry and railway
The Church of St James the Great is a Grade II listed parish church. G E Street built it in 1866; it was extended in 1905. The two dates mark separate phases of construction: its original construction and a later extension.
Blakedown developed in the 19th century around the iron and steel industry, particularly Springbrook Forge, also known as Blakedown Ironworks. This industrial history is another local point of interest, alongside the church’s architectural history.
The railway also features in Blakedown’s local architectural history. The signal box in Blakedown is a GWR Type 4 signal box dating from around 1888. Blakedown Viaduct and Embankment includes a blue-brick GWR viaduct dating from around 1885. The Avenue is a tree-lined path from the 19th century, adding a different kind of historic feature to these structures.
The dates mentioned span several periods: the station, which opened in 1852, and the church, built in 1866, were followed by the railway structures of around 1885 and 1888; the church was extended in 1905. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the area’s history and transport history, and the later extension of the church.
Road and station
The A456 from Kidderminster to Birmingham runs directly through Blakedown. Blakedown station opened in 1852 and was originally called Churchill station. Both names provide a specific historical reference if you want to understand the area through its road and railway history.
Discover more destinations: Ribbesford, Evesham, Malvern, Malvern Wells, Barnt Green, Offenham, Broadway, Shrawley.
For the broader travel overview: Worcestershire.
