Living in Burntwood

Burntwood is known for its close-knit community spirit and a local lifestyle defined by family activity and outdoor recreation. The town hosts several annual events, such as the Burntwood Wakes Festival, which brings together residents of all ages for live entertainment and activities. Local community centres and churches offer an array of clubs, from fitness and art classes to toddler groups and social gatherings for senior citizens.

Outdoor living is a central aspect of life, with Burntwood situated on the doorstep of Cannock Chase. This offers miles of woodland walks, cycle routes, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The town’s many parks and playgrounds add to its appeal for children and active residents alike.

Markets, charity events, and local volunteering opportunities strengthen social ties. Many residents describe Burntwood as a place where it’s easy to get to know neighbours and become involved in local life, contributing to a sense of belonging and pride in the area.

Burntwood generally enjoys a reputation as a safe and welcoming suburb in Staffordshire, with crime rates typically lower than those in larger nearby urban centres like Birmingham or Walsall. Residents often describe Burntwood as a place with a strong sense of community, where neighbours look out for each other and incidents of anti-social behaviour are relatively low.

Local policing is managed by Staffordshire Police, who maintain visible patrols and work closely with community groups to address issues. Recent years have seen investment in community safety initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch schemes and targeted efforts to reduce vehicle and property crime.

Like many areas, certain parts of Burntwood experience occasional peaks in minor crimes, especially near busy shopping or leisure zones. However, ongoing regeneration and strong communication between residents and local authorities contribute to the area maintaining its reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family.

Parking in Burntwood is generally straightforward, as much of the residential development in the area benefits from driveways or off-street parking. On-street parking is widely available, particularly in quieter cul-de-sacs and established streets. For those living near retail hubs or schools, parking can be busier during peak times, but congestion is rarely severe.

There are car parks available at local shopping parades and community centres. Resident parking permits are seldom required except in select zones near key amenities.

Burntwood enjoys easy road access via the A5190 and A461, linking to the M6 Toll for north-south travel and the A5 for cross-country journeys. The area is well-placed for drivers commuting to major employment centres or the wider Midlands. Local traffic levels are moderate, and the town’s layout means journeys to local towns and city centres are often faster than from more densely populated areas.

Nearby towns & cities and travel times:

• Lichfield – approx. 10 minutes via A5190
• Cannock – approx. 15 minutes via A5190 and A460
• Stafford – approx. 30 minutes via A34
• Birmingham – approx. 35 minutes via A5/M6 Toll
• Walsall – approx. 25 minutes via A461

Burntwood's food scene is reflective of its local character, with a selection of traditional pubs, friendly cafés, and popular takeaways. Pubs such as The Star Hotel and The Miners Arms are long-standing favourites, serving real ales and classic pub food in welcoming settings. Several of the pubs host live music or quiz nights, contributing to the area’s social life.

There are several independent and chain cafés throughout Burntwood, offering everything from breakfast to afternoon tea. Those seeking international flavours can find Indian, Chinese, and pizza takeaways spread across the town, while nearby Lichfield and Cannock provide more extensive dining and nightlife choices.

Nightlife in Burntwood is typically relaxed and centred around pubs or local community events rather than late-night bars or clubs. For theatre, larger cinema experiences, or a bigger night out, residents often head to Lichfield or Birmingham. However, the social scene remains vibrant thanks to local festivals, charity dinners, and events held in community spaces.

School Quality: Families moving to Burntwood benefit from a range of good local schools, both primary and secondary, many with strong Ofsted ratings and inclusive teaching approaches.

Parks and Green Spaces: The town boasts numerous playgrounds and park areas, while Cannock Chase nearby provides a vast natural playground for families who love the outdoors.

Childcare: There are several nurseries, preschool facilities, and childminders operating in Burntwood, offering choices for both working and stay-at-home families.

Safety: The area’s residential layout, lower crime rates compared to urban centres, and active community initiatives make it regarded as a safe environment for children.

Family Activities: Activities include youth sports, creative clubs, scout groups, and family days out at local community events. Access to Lichfield and Cannock’s family attractions further enhances the family-friendly nature of Burntwood.

Pet-friendly living in Burntwood is shaped by the area’s access to parks, open fields, and nearby woodlands. Dog walkers are a common sight in the many green spaces throughout the town and on the trails of Cannock Chase, providing abundant off-lead opportunities and varied scenery for pets and owners alike.

The town supports several veterinary practices, pet supplies shops, and grooming salons, ensuring pet needs are well catered for locally. Many local landlords and housing options are amenable to pets, reflecting the area’s general positive attitude toward animal ownership.

Cafés with dog-friendly seating areas and local events such as charity dog walks further strengthen Burntwood’s reputation as somewhere pets – and their families – can thrive.

Burntwood offers a range of transport and accessibility options that make it attractive for those commuting to nearby towns or major cities in the Midlands. Although it does not have its own train station, the town is served by frequent bus services connecting to Lichfield, Cannock, and Walsall, where further rail links are accessible.

The nearest railway stations are in Lichfield (Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley), providing direct trains to Birmingham New Street, London Euston, and other major destinations. Regular bus services run via Chasetown and Burntwood Central, making public transport a convenient choice for many locals.

Access to main roads is straightforward, with the A5190 and A461 roads passing through the town, and the M6 Toll just a short drive away. This allows for efficient car travel across the region, especially for those commuting by car to employment hubs.

Typical commute times from Burntwood:

• Birmingham – around 35 minutes (by car or train from Lichfield City)
• Lichfield – approximately 10 minutes by car or 20–30 minutes by bus
• Walsall – 25 minutes by car or 35–40 minutes by bus
• Stafford – 30 minutes by car
• Birmingham Airport – around 35 minutes by car

Burntwood offers a range of education options, making it appealing for families looking for access to good schools in Staffordshire. The town features several highly regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as proximity to further education colleges in neighbouring areas.

Primary Schools in Burntwood
Burntwood’s primary schools are known for their community focus and supportive environments. Popular choices include:
St Joseph and St Theresa Catholic Primary (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014), a faith-based school praised for academic results and pastoral care; Springhill Primary Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2022), centrally located and well-respected; and Holly Grove Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), noted for inclusive provision. Chase Terrace Primary School is also a widely chosen option locally.

Secondary Schools in Burntwood
The main secondary school in Burntwood is Chase Terrace Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2022), a large school with a diverse curriculum and active sixth form. Burntwood School is located further afield closer to Lichfield, but many local children attend. Nearby, Chasetown Community School caters to students with additional needs.

Colleges and Further Education
The closest further education provider is South Staffordshire College in Cannock and Lichfield, which offers a range of A-levels, vocational, and apprenticeship courses. Walton Hall Academy also serves young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the area.

Universities Near Burntwood
There are no universities within Burntwood itself, but students are within easy commuting distance of University of Wolverhampton (Wolverhampton campus approx. 30 min drive) and Staffordshire University in Stafford. Both offer a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, broadening higher education options for local students.