Estate & Letting Agents In Shirley

Shirley is one of Solihull’s largest suburban areas, positioned 3 miles south of Solihull town centre and approximately 6 miles southeast of Birmingham. The A34 Stratford Road forms its main artery, historically known as Shirley Street when first recorded in 1322 as “Schirleystret.” The name Shirley itself derives from “Syrley,” meaning “bright clearing” in Old English, first documented around 1240.

The earliest known settlement in the area was Berry Mound Camp at Solihull Lodge, an Iron Age hillfort dating to the 1st century BC covering approximately 11 acres. This rare example of a univallate hillfort with timber revetments demonstrates the site’s defensive importance during the period.

During the 18th century, Shirley’s location on the Stratford Road turnpike (operational 1725-1872) made it a stopping point for travellers. Coaching inns like the Red Lion and Saracens Head, which still stand today, served this traffic. Less savoury activities including bull-baiting and prize-fighting also took place here, prompting residents to petition for their own church. St James’s Church was built in 1831 on its own parish created in 1843.

Shirley’s housing stock reflects its development across different periods. The area includes substantial quantities of 1920s and 1930s semi-detached and detached houses built during Shirley’s rapid expansion between the wars. Post-war developments brought additional housing estates, including the Cranmore Housing Estate and the Shakespeare self-build scheme.

Victorian and Edwardian properties appear in older sections near the original Shirley Street (now part of Stratford Road), while more recent developments include modern apartments and retirement properties.

Sought-after properties: Properties in sought-after roads like Tythe Barn Lane, Swinbrook Way, and Birchy Close command premium prices. The Monkspath and Blossomfield areas on Shirley’s eastern boundary offer larger family homes, whilst Solihull Lodge and Shirley Heath feature a mixture of property types including bungalows and extended family homes.

Shirley sits at an important junction in Solihull’s transport network, with the A34 Stratford Road running through its centre as a major north-south route.

• Car & Road: The M42 motorway is minutes away at Junction 4, providing rapid connections throughout the Midlands and to the M6 and M5 networks. The M42 links directly to the M40, opening up routes to Oxford and London. The A34 itself connects Birmingham city centre (approximately 6 miles north) with Stratford-upon-Avon. Journey times into Birmingham take around 15-20 minutes by car, while Solihull town centre is just 3 miles away.
• Train: Shirley railway station, opened in 1908, provides regular services on the North Warwickshire Line. West Midlands Trains operates approximately 2 trains per hour to Birmingham Moor Street (15 minutes), with continuing services to Kidderminster and occasionally Worcester. Southbound services run to Whitlocks End and Stratford-upon-Avon (around 40 minutes). The station handles over 350,000 passengers annually.

Shirley offers a range of destinations for residents seeking local activities, historical interest, and outdoor recreation.

• Shirley Park: This Green Flag-awarded park lies at the heart of the shopping district off Stratford Road. The park features play equipment for children, free tennis courts, football and rugby pitches, a skate park, outdoor gym equipment, and a dedicated dog agility area. Formal ornamental gardens and walking trails including a one-mile route provide quieter spaces. The park underwent £600,000 of improvements in 2014. (Stratford Road, Shirley B90 3AL)
• St James’s Church: Built in 1831 and enlarged in 1882, this parish church is notable for having its altar at the western end, possibly to distance it from earlier disreputable activities near the Plume of Feathers pub opposite. The churchyard contains 23 war graves and a 1921 war memorial.
• Stratford-upon-Avon Canal: The canal skirts Shirley’s western edge, offering a traffic-free walking and cycling route. Walkers can follow the towpath north to Kings Norton (4 miles) or south towards Stratford-upon-Avon, passing through peaceful countryside and observing narrowboats navigating the locks.
• Shirley Golf Club: Established on the site of Shirley’s former racecourse (operational mid-19th century to 1953), this members’ club offers an 18-hole course and facilities for golfers of all abilities. The club is regarded as one of the West Midlands’ quality golfing destinations.