Magical village with Christmas light house that looks like Netflix film

Britain’s ‘maddest lights’ house is shining brightly, reminiscent of a scene from ‘s Eddie Murphy film Candy Lane, while nearby cottages evoke memories of Cameron Diaz’s romantic comedy The Holiday.

Welcome to the quaint village on the outskirts of that feels like stepping into a festive film.

There’s even a chocolate box building that could be plucked straight from Muppets Christmas Carol and a well-known local pub that exudes the warmth and cosiness of scenes from Bridget Jones’ Diary.

This is the delightful village of Finstall – one of Bromsgrove’s best kept secrets.

Picturesque throughout the year, it transforms into a free festive spectacle for thousands of Worcestershire families every December.

This small enclave near the Redditch border attracts crowds nightly for the special ‘Christmas house’ adorned by couple Malcolm and Wendy Molloy.

Their home on Alcester Road, Finstall, can be seen twinkling from afar, lighting up the crisp winter night sky until New Year.

The detached house with its extravagant display was even featured on Channel 5 show Britain’s Maddest Christmas Lights.

It’s the closest you’ll get in the Midlands to experiencing new movie Candy Lane or Matthew Broderick and Danny De Vito film Deck The Halls, reports .

The Molloys have a donation box for charity for those who can spare some change, but it’s an affordable, or even free, way to entertain the young or Christmas enthusiasts during what can often be an expensive time of year.

A real-life Candy Lane house near Birmingham

Wendy, 63, and Malcolm, a 65-year-old building contractor affectionately known as ‘Molly’, annually transform their four-bedroom detached house into a festive spectacle. Despite the energy-efficient LED lights adding over £1,000 to their electricity bill, the couple is motivated by the happiness it brings to numerous families.

Eddie Murphy may have the 12 Days of Christmas in Candy Lane, but this beloved couple boast reindeers on the roof and giant snowmen instead.

It’s a spectacular display that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Old school charm and fairytale cottages reminiscent of The Holiday

Situated on the outskirts of Bromsgrove, Finstall is enveloped by countryside and close to the picturesque Worcester and Birmingham Canal that offers a magical walk to Tardebigge.

Fairytale cottages with smoke wafting from chimneys, akin to scenes from The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, are scattered around.

Fields where sheep graze and occasional sightings of herons and Canadian Geese flying by contribute to this idyllic setting that forms part of the Monarch’s Way walk.

According to Rightmove, homes in Finstall fetched an average of £419,909 over the past year. Terraced houses were cheaper at £305,000 and semi-detached properties at £348,333.

However, most sales were for detached houses that sold for an average price of £489,269.

The village hall boasts a massive Christmas tree where locals congregate for an annual carol concert, reminiscent of scenes from the festive film Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke.

Cosy award-winning British pub in Finstall

The Cross Inn pub, located at the heart of the village, was acquired by Black Country Ales in 2018. It offers a cosy retreat on a winter’s night, serving real ales and ciders, mulled wine or Prosecco to toast the season.

While it doesn’t offer elaborate meals, it does provide hearty cobs and scotch eggs on the counter, along with packets of crisps and pork scratchings.

For those brave enough to face the chill, there’s a spacious beer garden at this historic pub, which was named Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2019.

Friendly and vibrant, it’s a quintessential British pub, akin to those depicted in films like Bridget Jones’ Diary. Just keep your eyes peeled for a Mr Darcy.

Short stroll from Bromsgrove’s culinary scene

A mere 15-minute walk away lies Aston Fields and Bromsgrove Train Station, the final stop on Birmingham’s Cross City Line.

With a plethora of bustling restaurants and bars including Ascotts and Banners, this area has quickly gained a reputation as Bromsgrove’s gastronomic hotspot.

Also located here is the small Canary and Kitchen restaurant on New Road, run by Solihull-born Masterchef contestant Mike Eaglesfield.

There are plenty of bars too, such as 3a bin bar and The Ladybird pub, perfect for enjoying a festive cocktail or mulled cider.