Redditch

A planned industrial new town known for needle and fishing tackle manufacturing, Redditch features modern attractions alongside heritage sites and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town offers good shopping and access to the Midlands' natural areas.

Things to do

• Redditch Town Centre Shopping — Browse the modern Kingfisher Shopping Centre and historic high street for retail therapy and local independent shops.
• Arrow Valley Country Park — Explore 470 acres of parkland with lakes, walking trails, and recreational facilities just south of the town centre.
• Needle Museum — Visit this unique museum dedicated to Redditch's heritage as the world's leading needle manufacturer, housed in the historic needle factory.
• Forge Mill Needle Museum — Tour the preserved Victorian needle factory with working demonstrations and exhibits showcasing the town's industrial past.
• Enginuity Science Centre — Engage with hands-on science and engineering exhibits at this interactive museum exploring industrial innovation and technology.
• Bordesley Abbey — Walk through the ruins of this 12th-century Cistercian monastery set in peaceful grounds with an adjacent museum.
• Church of St Stephen — Admire this Grade I listed medieval church featuring impressive stained glass windows and historic architecture in the town centre.

Food to try

• Traditional Fish and Chips — Seek out local chippy shops for fresh battered fish served with thick-cut chips, a Midlands staple.
• Black Country Faggots — Sample this traditional Worcestershire dish of pork offal and herbs served with peas and gravy at local pubs.
• Worcestershire Sauce-Based Dishes — Try local specialities featuring HP Sauce or Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, the region's famous condiment.
• Sunday Roast at Historic Pubs — Enjoy a traditional roast dinner with Yorkshire puddings at one of Redditch's many traditional ale houses.
• Midlands Oatcakes — Taste these savoury griddle cakes filled with cheese or bacon, a regional favourite from the wider Midlands area.

Local customs & good to know

• Needle and Fishing Tackle Heritage — Redditch's identity is deeply tied to its manufacturing past, so local museums and heritage sites offer insight into this unique industrial legacy.
• Market Day Tradition — Visit the town centre on market days to experience local traders and the community atmosphere that remains central to Redditch life.
• Easy Access to Cotswolds and Birmingham — Use Redditch as a base for exploring nearby attractions; it's ideally positioned between the Cotswolds and Birmingham's cultural offerings.
• New Town Planning Layout — The town's distinctive radial road system and designated green spaces reflect its planned new town design from the 1960s, creating an organized layout that's easy to navigate.