WHY?

If you’re looking for countryside living with a thriving cultural scene, this large, leafy village peppered with pretty properties could be a fab fit. There are 42 Grade II-listed buildings here, and properties are packed with character, ranging from half-timbered medieval cottages and 18th and 19th century period houses through to more swish contemporary places. The village centres around the attractive church and the main road (which can get pretty busy as it links to the A38).

With several lakes, a lively marina (complete with restaurants and cinema), outstanding village schools and lots of lovely walking paths that link everything together, you can happily leave your car alone for days. But when you need to head further afield (both Burton and Lichfield are around 15 mins away and Birmingham 40 mins), you’re a stone’s throw from the main arteries.

There’s a thriving community here too, with plenty of village events. The village’s fabulously inventive annual Teddy Bear Festival is known for miles around with children bringing their favourite teds to theme park-style rides like ‘Oblivion’ (a 40ft plunge from the top of the church tower), the teddy catapult and boat rides on the lake. Holland Sports Club has facilities for cricket, football, rugby, tennis, netball and, er, tug of war.

EAT

There’s a buzzy waterside café scene at Barton Marina, which links to the village itself via lovely lakeside paths. The luxe-feeling Apple Tree is spacious so great for group meet-ups (and fizz-fuelled special occasion brunches), while Indulgence is smaller but has plenty of outdoor seating and scrummy cakes and bakes. Poms is a lovely lunch spot and the Red Carpet Café Bar is popular for a pre-cinema meal.

Back in the heart of the village, you’ll find the cosy, quirky, family-run Skinny Kitten (next to the Fat Cat gift shop). Plenty of great choices for evening eats too with top-notch Thai food at the excellent Thai Marina (which even has a river and waterfall running through it!). At the opposite end of the village you’ll find Little India which has a brilliant local rep for its contemporary Indian dishes. Just over the A38 there’s The Swan at Walton, the best gastropub for miles around. Evenings at wine tasting cellar VinX are well spent, where wines can be accompanied by charcuterie and cheese platters.

SHOP

Beguiling gift shop Fat Cat stocks Jellycat, jewellery and cool cards. It’s a great area for cycling and Cycle Division will keep bike enthusiasts happy. Needwood Living is gorgeous for all things interiors, while The Beauty Boutique stocks Dermalogica products and has a full treatment menu.

Barton Marina is lovely for a browse. Blue Water is a good stop for a fashion fix (for designer brands, Young Ideas in nearby Lichfield is worth the drive). Stock up on local goodies at farm shop The Butcher, Baker Farm Shop and step aboard canal boat The Mug Tug for pottery painting and Prosecco.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Barton Under Needwood is perfect for anyone keen on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, thanks to its access to beautiful countryside walks around Barton Marina and The National Forest. You’ve also got Branston Golf & Country Club a stone’s throw away, offering spa treatments, a swimming pool, and a full gym for your relaxation and fitness needs. For healthcare, local GP services are well-rated, and there’s a health centre just down the road in Burton upon Trent. 

COMMUNITY

Barton Under Needwood is well-known for its strong sense of community spirit. Regular events are held at the Village Hall, bringing residents together for markets, charity events, and social gatherings – from the scarecrow competition at the annual Barton Family Festival to the Sausage and Cider Festival! The community embraces everyone, whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer. There’s also the Barton Bowls And Social Club which might sound fuddy duddy but don’t be fooled! It has everything from cocktails nights to regular local tribute bands for a good old local singalong. 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Need some time out? National Memorial Arboretum is close by and it’s a beautiful and peaceful spot, designed to help people to reflect, remember and be inspired. There’s also some wonderful walks that start here and run along the River Trent and through Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve. Rosliston Forestry Centre is a 10 min drive and is brilliant for forest walks, adventure play and outdoorsy days out (I reckon it hosts one of the loveliest Parkruns in the country too).

CULTURE

Not many villages can boast a cinema, but there’s a small but perfectly formed one at Barton Marina. The Red Carpet Cinema shows both new releases and art house films and streams live theatre events too. Also at the marina, Gallery 3 has several floors of contemporary art and holds regular exhibitions. The National Memorial Arboretum hosts music events, light trails and festivals. For theatre, Lichfield Garrick attracts national tours as well as comedy and ballet, while the beautiful Lichfield Cathedral also hosts many a cultural event.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

Prices are on the up, with an overall average price of £448,859 – up 25% year on year. Detached homes go for £678,049, semis £334,865, and terraced properties fetching £325,300.

HOT PROPERTY

NURSERIES

Bright Beginnings day nursery is at Barton Marina and was rated Good in its 2023 inspection.

SCHOOLS

You won’t have to travel for good schools. The village junior school, Thomas Russell, is rated Outstanding as is John Taylor High School. Thomas Russell Infant School received a Good Ofsted rating.

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Heave! The village tug of war team has won a slew national and international honours, including the Guinness World Record for Tug of War Endurance.

COMMUTE

You’re right next to the A38 here so access to nearby towns and the motorways for heading further afield is easy. Burton upon Trent is six miles to the north, with Derby just beyond, while Lichfield is 10 miles to the south. Fast trains from Lichfield to London take 1h18m, or 40 mins to Birmingham.

Main image / Barton Marina by Martin Jones

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.