Forge Mill Needle Museum

There is more to a needle museum than meets the eye

Did you know that in Victorian times Redditch was producing 90% of all the needles in the world? Our museum tells the fascinating story of how a needle was made and the processes involved.

A highlight of your visit is entering the only remaining water powered scouring mill left in the world. This is largely unchanged and gives a real opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a working mill.

The museum also houses a whole floor of needle and fishing tackle treasures where you can explore the largest public collection of needles on display in the country. These include a fantastic range of Victorian sewing needles as well as needles that have been used for everything from sewing panels on space shuttles to micro surgery.

Forge Mill hosts a varied temporary exhibition programme; often with a link to textiles, quilts and embroidery. Details of the annual programme can be found on the website.

On site is also the Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre which tells the story of the medieval Cistercian abbey of Bordesley.

A short walk away, across the meadows lie the ruins of the abbey which can be explored at any time. Light refreshments can be purchased from the Mill View Coffee Bar which has a delicious range of homemade cake, quality coffee and seasonal lunch options.

Picnics can be enjoyed within the natural setting of the grounds which includes a children's play area with a large sandpit.