Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre!

For the latest news, prices and booking information please visit our dedicated website http://www.forgemill.org.uk/

Forge Mill Needle Museum

The Forge Mill Needle Museum tells the fascinating and sometimes gruesome story of needle making in Victorian times.The Mill is a listed building which houses original water powered machinery. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made and how Redditch came to dominate the world needle trade. The museum was opened by the Queen in 1983.

Step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a Victorian needle polishing mill. The scouring mill is the only one of its kind remaining in the world!

Bordesley Abbey

Just a short walk from the Mill are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey; a medieval Cistercian Abbey, which has been extensively excavated . The Visitor Centre tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its early development in the 12th century to its destruction in the 16th century by Henry VIII, during the dissolution.

• Encounter a human skeleton from the 15th century, learn about medieval death and disease.
• Hear the spooky ghost story of the black dog of Arden!
• See the unique 800 year old medieval mill timbers from the earliest metal working mill in the country.
• Discover how the 12th century monks and lay brothers worked and worshipped.
• Explore the remains of the Abbey accompanied by brother Nicholas in our audio tour of the site.
• Enjoy Brother Bears family fun challenge throughout the gallery. Try our archaeology back pack for budding archaeologists.

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum has a changing temporary exhibitions programme throughout the year. The programme is varied and caters for different audiences. For more information see our website. http://www.forgemill.org.uk/index.htm

Events 

The museum has an exciting events programme for the year; including workshops, family event days, outdoor theatre and talks. Please see our website, http://www.forgemill.org.uk/events.htm.

Contemporary textiles

The museum has become a regional centre for textile lovers. We host two textile exhibitions a year and run popular textile workshops with leading artists.

Gift Shop

The museum has a superb shop selling souvenirs and a wide selection of high quality needles.

We stock unusual needles and offer a mail order service, for more information please visit our website here: http://www.forgemill.org.uk/shop.htm

Information

• Free Parking.
• Play area (New extended play area opening Spring 2011)
• Baby changing facilities
• Coffee bar providing light refreshments (limited opening hours particularly in Winter)
• Picnic tables in the museum grounds.
• Ice cream and cold drinks in the museum shop.
• Bicycle stands.
• Children's activities/trails for galleries.
• Free audio tours of both sites
• Facilities for disabled visitors:
• Designated car parking, and toilet, a manual wheel chair is available, hearing loop , braille and large type guides on request.

Opening Times

Easter to September

Mon-Fri 11 am-4.30 pm

Sat & Sunday 11am-4 pm

February to Easter & October to November 

Tues-Fri 11am-4pm

Sat & Sunday 1-4pm

December & January

Closed

Ticket Charges

Reddicard concessions available.

Admission to the museum is FREE to Redditch residents on a Wednesday. Please bring proof of postcode.

Audio Tours FREE                    

How to find us

• From the north: J2 off M42. A441 towards Redditch. Museum located off second roundabout after motorway.
• From the south: From A435 onto A4023 (Coventry Highway). Follow signs to A441 Birmingham/ Riverside. Museum located off Sainsburys/ Homebase roundabout.
• By bus: From Redditch Bus station take the “First 146” bus to Abbey Stadium.

Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesely Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, Worcs. B98 8HY.
Telephone: 01527 62509
Email: museum@redditchbc.gov.uk

WWW: http://www.forgemill.org.uk/