Forge Mill Needle Museum

The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 and it is dedicated to showcasing the needle and fishing tackle industry that took place in Redditch in Victorian times. This is a fascinating museum and of interest to all age groups.  There is ample parking on site, a gift shop and picnic tables for those that wish to bring their own food. There is no restaurant or cafe on site. 

There are exhibitions and demonstrations and many examples of needles and the work that has been made using fine needles in the leather and textile industries. The museum is right by the ruins of Bordesley Abbey which is the site of a medieval Cistercian Abbey with extensive excavations. The Visitor Centre which is housed in a 16th century barn documents the history of the Abbey until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1538. 

Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY. Tel: 01527 62509

For more photographs of the Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey click here 

You can also view the photos on You Tube

Kidderminster

Kidderminster is a town just seventeen miles south of Birmingham. It is famous for its carpet industry history. Some of the famous names in carpets come from the town of Kidderminster. The town is full of wonderful architecture from old mill buildings, many of which are situated along the canal waterways.

A settlement has been at Kidderminster since Anglo Saxon times but the invention of the power loom and large scale carpet production has always been an important part of the economy. Carpets are still made in the town today. Brintons Carpets is a firm that started carpet making in the town in 1785 and it is still going strong.

There are three shopping areas in Kidderminster with Weavers Wharf being the latest addition. Many major brands are present here and the old mill buildings have been used to house various retail outlets.


For more photographs of Kidderminster click here or view on You Tube

Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove in Worcestershire is just 13 miles south west of Birmingham near the M42 Junction of the M5. Surrounded in beautiful countryside with the Lickey, Clent and Waseley Hills beyond, a settlement has been here since as early as the 9th century.

The town used to be famous for its nail making and wool. Today it has a vibrant services and industrial economy. The town is served with good shopping facilities and there are plenty of places to visit nearby. The Avoncroft Museum is one popular destination with its restored buildings and the privately owned Hagley Hall and the National Trust Hanbury Hall are top favourites when visiting Bromsgrove. There is also the Needle Museum in Redditch.

For more photographs of Bromsgrove click here or view on You Tube

Pershore

 About 5 miles from Evesham on the banks of the Avon lies Pershore surrounded by orchards, a former coaching post on the London to Holyhead road it is now a peaceful and graceful English market town.

Pershore's pride and glory is it's Abbey, an architectural gem, parts of which date back to the 11th century. The town centre is full of charm, specialist shops and Georgian architecture, it has been designated as a town of major architectural importance by the Council of British Archeology , and listed as an outstanding conservation area.

Evesham Country Park

Evesham Country Park features a large garden centre and a courtyard of Trade Outlets. There is a light railway which passes through the beautiful countryside and also a farm shop.

With good parking facilities there are is also a restaurant, cafe and snack facilities. 

Evesham Country Park • Evesham • Worcestershire • WR11 4TP