Business Details
Your Heritage Destination in Redditch
We are a unique heritage attraction in Redditch, preserving the history of needle making and medieval monastic life. Our site combines the Victorian Forge Mill Museum with the excavated ruins of Bordesley Abbey, offering immersive exhibits and recreated scenes that illustrate Redditch's global dominance in needle production. Our team curates engaging exhibitions, educational workshops, and family-friendly activities, supported by a dedicated volunteer workforce. The visitor experience is enhanced by our on-site coffee bar serving seasonal refreshments and a gift shop featuring locally produced needles and souvenirs. We host regular events including guided tours, craft workshops, and seasonal trails to engage both local and international visitors.Accessibility is prioritised through our facilities and group visit planning services, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. Our archives provide valuable resources for family history research and academic study, maintaining Worcestershire's cultural heritage. We collaborate with educational institutions to deliver curriculum-linked programmes for school groups. The museum operates seasonally with extended hours during peak periods, offering flexible visitation options. Our commitment to historical preservation is matched by our focus on creating memorable visitor experiences through authentic storytelling and interactive displays.
Services
Museum Entry
Guided Tours
Educational Workshops
Venue Hire
Archives Access
Gift Shop
Coffee Bar
Walking Trails
Exhibitions
Family Events
Highlights and features
- We offer unique insight into Redditch's global needle-making heritage
- Our site combines industrial and monastic history in one location
- We provide seasonal family-friendly workshops and events
- Our volunteer-supported coffee bar offers locally sourced refreshments
- We maintain extensive historical archives for public research
Services
Museum Entry
Explore our Victorian needle mill exhibits and medieval abbey ruins. The ticket includes access to all permanent displays, seasonal exhibitions, and guided tours. Our interactive galleries demonstrate traditional manufacturing techniques that made Redditch the global needle production centre.
Educational Workshops
Curriculum-linked history and heritage sessions for Key Stages 1-4. Activities include replica machinery demonstrations, archaeological handling sessions, and craft workshops. Booking includes risk assessment support and teacher planning visits.
Venue Hire
Historic setting for weddings, conferences, and private functions. The 16th-century barn and landscaped grounds accommodate 20-150 guests. Packages include museum access, catering options, and period-specific decorations for immersive events.
Archives Access
Specialist local history resources including family trees, industrial records, and archaeological findings. Our archive catalogue contains 12,000+ items available for public research by appointment. Staff provide assistance with genealogy and historical enquiries.
Seasonal Events
Themed trails, craft workshops, and historical reenactments throughout the year. Current programme includes Halloween trails, Christmas markets, and Victorian heritage days. Events include special access to restricted areas and expert-led demonstrations.
Questions
What are the current opening hours?
We're open daily 10:00-16:00 April-October, with grounds access until 16:30. Check website for winter hours and seasonal event schedules.
Are there family ticket options?
Yes, we offer family tickets for 2 adults + 2 children, and group discounts for parties of 10+. Concessions available for students and seniors.
Can I host a wedding at the venue?
Yes, our 16th-century barn and abbey ruins provide a unique setting for civil ceremonies and receptions. We offer exclusive hire packages with catering options.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Our main paths are wheelchair accessible with ramps at key points. The museum has lift access to all floors and accessible toilets available.
Do you have parking facilities?
Yes, we offer free on-site parking for 100+ vehicles with designated disabled spaces. Coach parking available by prior arrangement.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted in outdoor areas but not inside museum buildings.
Reviews (6)
Ketki Mahajan
Sep 18, 2021
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Very visual and knowledgeable experience.. It was good to see you mill that was providing 90% of the world's Needle's at one point in history. Well kept and informative museum.. The pop up of Marvel art was also beautiful..!!
Samantha Lewis
Sep 17, 2021
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Lovely walking area. Lots of streams. Just mind the cow, although they keep their distance and they don't cause any problems. My dog really enjoyed her roll in the cow pat
MartinR
Sep 14, 2021
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A fascinating little museum! Very interesting to see how needles of all shapes and sizes were made, and also the hard and dangerous lives that the workers endured. Many hundreds of examples of different needles, needle boxes, etc and then a couple of floors of workshops showing different parts of the process. Small car park close by; teas/coffees/cakes and some light snacks; toilets. Great play area for small children. Tickets are good for return visits - but you will have probably seen it all on your first visit.
Salli Chi
Aug 12, 2021
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The place maybe small but it was very interesting. Definitely a place to take the kids because of the play area. Coffee is average but everyone is friendly and nice. I think their magnet is definitely worth buying! Be sure to bring something to feed the ducks by the mill if you have kids!
Mark Gittus
Aug 11, 2021
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Dudnt go into the museum but it looked attractive and well kept. Kids playground behind which went went for, massive sandpit to play in. Nice refreshments kiosk with plenty of seating. Toilets and on site parking.
Pat Trott
Jul 25, 2021
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Very interesting and the staff are very helpful and kind. They even opened the shop especially for us. There was an exhibition there on Marvel comic books and the artist was on site. A lovely young man who was a joy to chat with. Also the grounds are beautiful to walk around and they are dog friendly. Highly recommended and the cake is delicious. We'll worth a visit.
