Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world’s needles.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey – a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated.
Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
One of the most unique museums in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, the museum also has a superb Gift Shop selling souvenirs and a good selection of the finest quality needles, many of which are locally produced. We also stock unusual needles and offer a mail order service.
The 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 and an audio trail provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch came to dominate the world needle trade.
You can also step back in time and experience the largely unchanged atmosphere of an original scouring (polishing) mill. Much of the original Victorian water powered machinery remains as the only water powered scouring mill left in the world. The waterwheel itself is currently undergoing repairs, but would normally operate on Tuesday afternoons and weekends (March to October), and also for schools and group visits. Please contact the museum for the latest updates.
For our younger visitors we have an attractive and well equipped adventure play area, which has seating in the form of picnic benches, and is situated very close to our coffee bar.
The equipment includes:
- An extensive sandpit with a rope bridge across the middle and tunnel;
- A climbing wall;
- A wooden adventure trail;
- A bank of three swings suitable for all ages;
- A small springer-type seesaw and rocker for our very young visitors.
The area is made secure by a fence. Entrance is through the museum shop.
Lots of events on, exhibitions and workshops all year round plus a walking trail that takes you to Arrow Valley Park.