Redditch

About

Redditch is a town in North-East Worcestershire, just 15 miles South of Birmingham. Redditch grew up during the Middle-Ages and at one point was the international centre for the needle and fishing tackle industry. During the 1960s Redditch was developed as a flagship town using new methods and new town-planning. Redditch has many places of interest for the visitor such as Bordesley Abbey, the Forge Mill Needle Museum and the Palace Theatre.

The modern Kingfisher Shopping Centre ranked 20th out of 100 centres in the UK features mosaics by sculptor and artist Sir Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi, a new restaurant quarter, cinema and gym. Outside of the shopping centre, the Church Green conservation area houses the 18th century St Stephens Church, bandstand with events throughout the year, Bartleet Fountain and established open air market.

The Edwardian Palace Theatre shows a mix of new and well known acts and along with golf, sports centres, a National standard BMX track, wild life, Green Flag Countryside Parks, bars, restaurants, cafes and bingo hall Redditch is a great place to visit.

Forge Mill Needle Museum.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 and is working on Tuesday afternoons and on weekends.

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.

 

Redditch Tourist Information Centre

Palace Theatre
Alcester Street
Redditch
B98 8AE
Telephone / Fax: +44 (0) 1527 60806
E-mail: info.centre@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
Website: http://redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/leisure-and-culture/tourist-information-centre.aspx

Opening Times:
Monday – Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday 9.30am-1.30pm