Redditch’s rich heritage is a captivating blend of industrial past and medieval charm. Visitors can explore the world’s largest needle collection at the Forge Mill Needle Museum and uncover the intriguing history of Bordesley Abbey’s ruins – all for just €8.27 per person. With a flexible reservation system and accessible facilities, this experience promises an immersive journey through Redditch’s remarkable past. Prepare to be enthralled as you discover the stories hidden within these remarkable sites.

Contents show

Key Points

Entry fees for the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey in Redditch start from €8.27 per person with a free cancellation policy.
The Forge Mill Needle Museum houses the world’s largest public collection of needles and showcases the history of Redditch’s needle and fishing tackle industries.
Bordesley Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, offers insights into the religious and economic influences on Redditch’s development through its extensive excavated ruins.
The sites offer accessible facilities for visitors, including wheelchair-friendly access, audio tours, braille signage, and sensory-friendly resources.
Reservations for the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey can be made without upfront payment, and flexible starting times are available for planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Ticket Information and Pricing

Although the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey offer an affordable entry fee starting from €8.27 per person, visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve their spot now without paying anything upfront.

The pass is valid for 1 day, allowing guests to explore the museum’s vast needle collection and the ruins of the medieval Bordesley Abbey at their own pace.

Plus, visitors can check availability for starting times to plan their day accordingly. With these flexible options, travelers can easily fit this cultural experience into their itinerary.

Historical Significance of Redditch

Redditch’s historical significance lies in its central role within the global needle industry. For over 300 years, the town produced 90% of the world’s needles.

The Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey site illustrates this heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Bordesley Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, was extensively excavated and provides insight into the region’s medieval past.

Destroyed in 1538 by Henry VIII, the abbey’s ruins offer a glimpse into the religious and economic influences that shaped Redditch’s development. Today, the site showcases the town’s rich industrial and architectural history.

Highlights of the Forge Mill Needle Museum

The Forge Mill Needle Museum houses the world’s largest public collection of needles, showcasing Redditch’s rich industrial heritage.

Visitors can explore:

Models and recreated scenes that illustrate the intricate needle production process.
Contemporary textile art exhibitions highlighting the skill and artistry of needlework.
Engaging displays that trace the history of the needle and fishing tackle industries, which once thrived in this region.

Through these immersive exhibits, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into Redditch’s past as the "needle capital of the world", where 90% of the world’s needles were once produced.

Exploring the Ruins of Bordesley Abbey

After exploring the Forge Mill Needle Museum, visitors can venture to the ruins of Bordesley Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey that was destroyed in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the order of King Henry VIII.

The extensive excavations have revealed the abbey’s impressive scale and architectural features, including the foundations of the church, chapter house, and dormitory.

Visitors can wander through the grounds, imagining the abbey’s former grandeur and learning about its role in the local community.

The Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre provides additional historical context and insights into the site’s significance.

More Great Tours Nearby

Self-Guided Tour Experience

Visitors embarking on the self-guided tour can expect to enjoy the rich history and industrial heritage of the region.

The tour allows guests to:

Explore the expansive ruins of the 12th-century Bordesley Abbey, uncovering the site’s fascinating past as a Cistercian monastery.
Discover the Forge Mill Needle Museum, housing the world’s largest public collection of needles and offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s needle-making legacy.
Access the coffee bar, gift shop, and outdoor grounds, providing a well-rounded experience beyond the historical attractions.

With a blend of educational insights and hands-on exploration, the self-guided tour offers visitors an engaging and comprehensive understanding of Redditch’s industrial and monastic heritage.

Amenities and Facilities

Complementing the self-guided tour experience, the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey site offers a range of amenities and facilities to enhance visitors’ overall experience.

On-site, a cozy coffee bar serves refreshments and light snacks, perfect for a mid-tour break. The gift shop provides the opportunity to browse and purchase souvenirs, including locally produced quality needles, as mementos of the visit.

Importantly, the facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all guests. With these thoughtful additions, the site caters to the diverse needs and preferences of its visitors, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey site prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Key accessibility features include:

Wheelchair-friendly facilities throughout the museum and abbey grounds, including ramps, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms.
Audio tours and braille signage available for visitors with visual impairments.
Sensory-friendly resources, such as noise-cancelling headphones and activity packs, to accommodate visitors with autism or other sensory processing needs.

The site’s commitment to inclusion allows guests of all abilities to explore the rich history and heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries.

Planning Your Visit

To plan your visit, travelers can conveniently reach the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey site by car, with ample free parking available on-site. Ticket prices start at €8.27 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Visitors can enjoy a full day exploring the museum’s impressive needle collection and the ruins of the medieval Bordesley Abbey.

| Ticket Information | Value |

| — | — |

| Price | From €8.27 per person |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |

| Validity | 1 day |

The site offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to discover the heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries at their own pace. Amenities include a coffee bar and gift shop, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

The Sum Up

Redditch’s Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey offer a captivating glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. With affordable entry, flexible reservations, and accessibility features, visitors can explore the world’s largest needle collection and the medieval abbey ruins. It’s an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: