Fun Historical Outings Around Redditch | Home Instead

For a real taste of local history on your next adventure in the Redditch area with a senior, our team recommends that you stop by one of these great locations.

The Forge Mill Needle Museum

The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an intriguing spot to explore the history of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Step inside and view models and recreated scenes that depict how needles were once crafted. Understandably, Redditch supplied 90% of the world’s needles at one time. Also within walking distance of the museum are the ruins of the once-majestic Bordesley Abbey. Established in the 12th century, the Cistercian Abbey was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538.

The Visitor Centre, set in a reconstructed 16th century barn, narrates the Abbey’s story. Peruse the museum’s Gift Shop for souvenirs and select from a range of high-quality needles, many made by local artisans. Unusual needles are also on offer, and there is a mail order service.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s cottage is a beautiful thatched cottage in the Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. It is famously known as the home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. Originally built around 1597, the cottage is now a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors all year round. The cottage is a two-storey building made of wattle and daub and features a thatched roof and a garden. The inside of the building is very simple and contains two rooms on each floor and a single open fireplace. There is also a small room, known as the “priest’s room”, which was used as an escape route if necessary. The original house has been extended over the centuries and now includes a tearoom, shop, and visitors’ centre. The site is much larger than the original building, but the original structure remains intact and has been carefully preserved. The cottage is now a museum and visitors can explore the building and its grounds. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Hathaway family, including Anne Hathaway’s life and her relationship with Shakespeare. There are also displays about the local area, as well as information about the cottage itself. Anne Hathaway’s cottage is a lovely place to visit and is a reminder of a time gone by. It is a great place to explore and learn about the life of one of England’s most famous writers.

Coughton Court

Coughton Court in Warwickshire is a stunning Tudor-style manor house and a Grade I listed building. It is a family home that has been in the Throckmorton family since 1409. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, and is open to the public. The house has a rich history and was the scene of many important events. It was the home of the Gunpowder Plot conspirator Francis Tresham, and in 1583, Elizabeth I visited the house.

In the 19th century, the Throckmorton family used the house to shelter Catholic priests, and it was later a major centre of Catholic recusancy. The house has been carefully preserved, and many of its original features remain. Inside, there are many fine period features, including 17th century panelling, historic furnishings and artworks. Outside, the gardens feature a variety of trees, flower beds and a lake. Coughton Court is a wonderful place to visit, with something to suit all tastes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or gardens, this is a great place to explore.

Packwood House

Packwood House is a Grade I listed 16th-century Elizabethan manor house in the Warwickshire village of Lapworth. The house was built in 1560 by the Greswolde family and later sold to the Lyttelton family in 1637. Packwood House is particularly renowned for its Tudor architecture, which has been carefully preserved over the years, and the house still contains many of its original features.

The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which contain features such as a yew tree maze, a wildflower meadow and a rockery. Visitors can also enjoy the National Trust’s collection of furniture, ceramics and paintings in the house. The grounds of Packwood House are home to an abundance of wildlife, and there are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. Packwood House also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, theatre performances and film screenings. Packwood House is a wonderful place to visit, and its beautiful Tudor architecture and stunning gardens make it a real gem in Warwickshire.

Do you want to find out about the benefits of home care in the Redditch area? Give our team a call at Redditch | Home Instead on 01564 741 620 to find out more.