Worcestershire Tourist Guide - Articles
Redditch
Redditch lies in the county of Worcestershire, a saucer-shaped area with the low lying plains of the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley surrounded by hills - the Malverns in the west, the Cotswolds in the south and the Abberley and Clee hills to the northwest.
In the 19th century ‘La Redidich’ possibly derived from "Red-Dych" referring to the red clay found on the banks of the River Arrow was a small hamlet that expanded around a 12th century Cistercian abbey at Bordesley.The remains of the abbey can still be seen on the outskirts of the town alongside the restored Forge Mill Needle Museum.
Redditch was famous for the manufacture of articles such as needles and fishhooks.
Lying on the River Arrow, Redditch is now a so-called new town after accepting an ‘overspill’ from the nearby conurbation of Birmingham.
In subsequent years Redditch has seen massive growth and continued development such as the 900 acre Arrow Valley Park where two million trees have been planted, refurbishment of the Kingfisher Centre into one of the largest shopping centres in the West Midlands.
The community now benefit from one of the greenest and most thoughtfully landscaped towns in the country.
Today, visitors to this town can enjoy exploring the rich history, immersing themselves in the culture and local lifestyle, and enjoy an array of recreational and leisure activities. From beautiful scenery to exciting nightlife, there is something for everyone here in Redditch.
For those into outdoor recreation there is plenty to enjoy and explore. Beautiful parks, woodlands and the surrounding Worcestershire countryside enables visitors to soak up the scenery and enjoy some great walks as well as exciting recreational activities. You will find that the town offers easy access to major road and motorway networks so you can also explore a little further afield, which means you can make the most of your time in this area.
You will find a varied and interesting range of eateries in the town, from traditional English 'pub grub' to snacks, restaurants with international cuisine, or good old English fish and chips. You can also choose from a variety of good accommodation in the area, whatever your choice you will enjoy comfort and a warm welcome as well as great service.
FORGE NEEDLE MUSEUM
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.
The Mill buildings are Grade II listed and look stunning next to the large Mill pond.
The Mill still operates water powered machinery which was used in the needle industry dating back to Victorian times.
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.The monks from the Abbey used the River Arrow to provide food and water power. The Abbey site is a protected ancient monument.
The museum has a superb Gift Shop selling souvenirs and a good selection of the finest quality needles, many of which are locally produced.
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane
Riverside
Redditch
B98 8HY
Telephone: 01527 62509
Email: info@forgemill.org.uk
www.forgemill.org.uk
ARROW VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch, 900 acres in size. The park was created in the 1970's by The Redditch Development Corporation and is Redditch's greenest asset, and has a Green Flag Award for excellence.
The country park has many beautiful features including a 29 acre man made lake in the centre, and Forge Mill Museum to the north. The park stretches over 2.5 miles from Bordesley Abbey southwards to Washford Mill. The River Arrow meanders through the park providing excellent wildlife habitats, interesting walks, and cycleways for visitors.
The Countryside Centre is located in the centre of the park providing enviromental information, gift shop, cafe, water sports and conference facilities. The centre as built in 2000 and opened by David Bellamy. It demonstrates many forms of alternative technology such as solar panels, wood fuel heating and reed bed sewage solutions.
There are a large number of way marked footpaths which you can follow from the centre. Cycle ways and horse routes allow you to explore the park by other modes of transport. There are many activities run from the centre including weekly health walks, craft and enviromental activity days at weekends and in school holidays.
A tarmac foot path gives full disabled access around the park and the lake and park is open to walking, jogging and cycling. The focal point of the park is the Visitor Centre, situated on the edge of the lake, with a cafe over looking Arrow Valley Lake and toilet facilities.
In the north of the park is Forge Mill Needle Museum which can be visited from the countryside centre by following The Millers Trail. The circular trail is only 2 miles long and can be completed in 1.25 hours.
Arrow Valley Visitors Centre
Battens Drive,
South Moons Moat,
Redditch,
Worcestershire,
B98 0LJ
Telephone: 01527 591106
Opening Hours
Summer (Apr-Oct) 10 - 5pm
Winter (Nov -Mar) 10 - 4:30 PM
In the 19th century ‘La Redidich’ possibly derived from "Red-Dych" referring to the red clay found on the banks of the River Arrow was a small hamlet that expanded around a 12th century Cistercian abbey at Bordesley.The remains of the abbey can still be seen on the outskirts of the town alongside the restored Forge Mill Needle Museum.
Redditch was famous for the manufacture of articles such as needles and fishhooks.
Lying on the River Arrow, Redditch is now a so-called new town after accepting an ‘overspill’ from the nearby conurbation of Birmingham.
In subsequent years Redditch has seen massive growth and continued development such as the 900 acre Arrow Valley Park where two million trees have been planted, refurbishment of the Kingfisher Centre into one of the largest shopping centres in the West Midlands.
The community now benefit from one of the greenest and most thoughtfully landscaped towns in the country.
Today, visitors to this town can enjoy exploring the rich history, immersing themselves in the culture and local lifestyle, and enjoy an array of recreational and leisure activities. From beautiful scenery to exciting nightlife, there is something for everyone here in Redditch.
For those into outdoor recreation there is plenty to enjoy and explore. Beautiful parks, woodlands and the surrounding Worcestershire countryside enables visitors to soak up the scenery and enjoy some great walks as well as exciting recreational activities. You will find that the town offers easy access to major road and motorway networks so you can also explore a little further afield, which means you can make the most of your time in this area.
You will find a varied and interesting range of eateries in the town, from traditional English 'pub grub' to snacks, restaurants with international cuisine, or good old English fish and chips. You can also choose from a variety of good accommodation in the area, whatever your choice you will enjoy comfort and a warm welcome as well as great service.
FORGE NEEDLE MUSEUM
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.
The Mill buildings are Grade II listed and look stunning next to the large Mill pond.
The Mill still operates water powered machinery which was used in the needle industry dating back to Victorian times.
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.The monks from the Abbey used the River Arrow to provide food and water power. The Abbey site is a protected ancient monument.
The museum has a superb Gift Shop selling souvenirs and a good selection of the finest quality needles, many of which are locally produced.
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane
Riverside
Redditch
B98 8HY
Telephone: 01527 62509
Email: info@forgemill.org.uk
www.forgemill.org.uk
ARROW VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch, 900 acres in size. The park was created in the 1970's by The Redditch Development Corporation and is Redditch's greenest asset, and has a Green Flag Award for excellence.
The country park has many beautiful features including a 29 acre man made lake in the centre, and Forge Mill Museum to the north. The park stretches over 2.5 miles from Bordesley Abbey southwards to Washford Mill. The River Arrow meanders through the park providing excellent wildlife habitats, interesting walks, and cycleways for visitors.
The Countryside Centre is located in the centre of the park providing enviromental information, gift shop, cafe, water sports and conference facilities. The centre as built in 2000 and opened by David Bellamy. It demonstrates many forms of alternative technology such as solar panels, wood fuel heating and reed bed sewage solutions.
There are a large number of way marked footpaths which you can follow from the centre. Cycle ways and horse routes allow you to explore the park by other modes of transport. There are many activities run from the centre including weekly health walks, craft and enviromental activity days at weekends and in school holidays.
A tarmac foot path gives full disabled access around the park and the lake and park is open to walking, jogging and cycling. The focal point of the park is the Visitor Centre, situated on the edge of the lake, with a cafe over looking Arrow Valley Lake and toilet facilities.
In the north of the park is Forge Mill Needle Museum which can be visited from the countryside centre by following The Millers Trail. The circular trail is only 2 miles long and can be completed in 1.25 hours.
Arrow Valley Visitors Centre
Battens Drive,
South Moons Moat,
Redditch,
Worcestershire,
B98 0LJ
Telephone: 01527 591106
Opening Hours
Summer (Apr-Oct) 10 - 5pm
Winter (Nov -Mar) 10 - 4:30 PM
