WE ARE SORRY TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY 20 MARCH UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
See full statement from Rubicon Leisure below.

Forge Mill Needle Museum

Experience the fascinating story of needle making in Victorian times

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Bordesley Abbey

Explore the excavated ruins of this medieval Cistercian Abbey

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Visitor Centre

Learn the history of Bordesley Abbey from development to destruction

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Closure due to Covid-19 Advice – Rubicon Leisure Official Statement

At times like these, the well-being of our staff, customers, and partners is more important than ever. In line with government advice regarding Covid-19, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, whilst still supporting them to get outside and exercise as much as possible.

Following the Government announcement on 20 March 2020, we are closing the Abbey Stadium Sports Centre, Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, and Batchley, Oakenshaw, Winyates Green and Windmill Community Centres until further notice. As you are aware we took the decision on Monday to close the The Palace Theatre Redditch and this will remain in place until further notice.

To support and encourage people to stay active we will be putting virtual classes online for our members and their families. Our cafes at Arrow Valley Visitor Centre and Lake and at Pitcheroak Golf Course will remain open on a takeaway only and contactless payment basis only.

We want to thank all our customers and staff for their support during the outbreak. Over the coming days we will looking at how we can support the local community during what will be an extremely difficult period. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

www.rubiconleisure.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

One of the most unique museums in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, the museum also has a superb Gift Shop selling souvenirs and a good selection of the finest quality needles, many of which are locally produced. We also stock unusual needles and offer a mail order service.

Our Current Exhibition

Our exhibitions programme has finished for 2019. Please come back and see us from February onwards for 2020’s exciting range of activities.