Taylor's Bell Foundry Museum
Step into the last working bell foundry in the UK, a living museum of Victorian engineering and the ancient craft of bell casting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the furnace roar!
Taylor's Bell Foundry Museum
Best Time
See the furnace roar!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the last working bell foundry in the UK, a living museum of Victorian engineering and the ancient craft of bell casting.
"A great experience even if you have no connection to bells or bell ringing. "
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience, especially casting days. Don't miss out!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic foundry.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
5 · 16 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
belltrust.co.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bell Casting Day
Foundry Floor
Witness the intense heat and skill of a live bell casting. A truly unique and unforgettable spectacle.
Historic Machinery
Museum Floor
See original 19th-century machinery still in operation, a testament to enduring engineering and craftsmanship.
Knowledgeable Volunteer Guides
Throughout the Museum
Engage with passionate volunteers who share fascinating insights into bell making and company history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Plan for a Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience, especially casting days. Don't miss out!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic foundry.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
So much history to absorb; a single visit might not be enough.
🚗 Parking Advice
No onsite parking. Street parking nearby is usually available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Essential for the full experience, especially casting days. Don't miss out!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring the historic foundry.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
So much history to absorb; a single visit might not be enough.
🚗 Parking Advice
No onsite parking. Street parking nearby is usually available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Taylor's Bell Foundry Museum for its authentic historical experience and the passion of its volunteer guides. The chance to see original machinery in operation and, for some, witness a live bell casting, makes for an unforgettable visit. While parking isn't on-site, the immersive journey into the last working bell foundry in the UK is highly recommended.
"Incredible experience! We were lucky and managed to visit on a casting day, so the cast furnace was roaring away.
Our tour guide was an extremely knowledgeable volunteer that taught us about all aspects of bell manufacturing and the history of the company.
Fully recommend, a great day out."
Sam Harvey
"Well worth a visit, recently revamped and we took part in the full workshop and museum tour. Quite geeky but fun if you love proper engineering and/or you are a bell ringer :) Currently open during the week but may open weekends soon."
Sandra Taylor
"The last bell foundry in the country. A great experience even if you have no connection to bells or bell ringing.
Still as it was intended in c1859. You can immerse yourself in genuine history. The staff and volunteers are all friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable.
Machinery and equipment from a seemingly bygone era being operated by young people today with pride and real endeavour.
It really deserves more than one visit to absorb the feel of the place."
Graham Kelsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Loughborough. While there's no dedicated parking on-site, visitors often find street parking on nearby roads. Public transport options are available, but checking local routes is advised.
No, there is no parking directly at Taylor's Bell Foundry Museum. Visitors typically park on side streets nearby without issue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small fee for museum entry, with an additional charge for guided tours. Booking tours in advance is recommended.
Yes, you can visit the museum independently. However, a guided tour offers a much deeper understanding of the history and processes.
Some tickets provide a year's free access to the museum, offering great value for repeat visits.
The museum is currently open during the week, with potential for weekend openings soon. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A casting day is when the foundry actively melts and pours metal to create bells. Visitors lucky enough to be there on such a day witness the furnace roaring and the skilled process firsthand.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who explain bell manufacturing, the company's history, and showcase the historic machinery. Some tours include a video break.
The museum offers a unique look at engineering and history. While it might be 'geeky' for some, children interested in how things are made could find it fascinating.
Yes, the historic machinery from c.1859 is often operated by young people, showcasing genuine history and endeavor.
Yes, there is an excellent little gift shop attached to the museum, offering items related to bells and the foundry.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have extensive dining facilities. Visitors often plan meals before or after their visit, or explore nearby cafes and restaurants in Loughborough.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the historic machinery and unique atmosphere. It's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions upon arrival.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit