Experience the magic of bellfounding at the UK's last working bellfoundry

Step into history and witness craftsmanship like no other at Taylor’s Bellfoundry, the last remaining working bellfoundry in the UK. Discover how tradition and skill combine to create the unmistakable sound of a Taylor’s bell.

Your tour begins with an engaging introduction to the fascinating Taylor’s story. From there, you’ll journey into the heart of the Victorian factory, where the Full Foundry Works come to life. Stroll through the atmospheric, ever-changing Victorian yard, where bells arrive for restoration and depart for their new homes, resonating with purpose.

Explore the joinery shop and see how our skilled craftsmen craft bell wheels, carillon claviers, and essential components of bell installations. Step into the mesmerising tuning shop, where the sound of each bell is perfected with remarkable precision—a truly magical experience for your ears and eyes.

Your tour also includes access to the casting hall viewing platform, and you’ll watch a short video unveiling the intricate bellfounding process.

All tickets include an annual pass to visit our brand-new Interactive Museum on the day and as many times as you like for one year. Dive deeper into the art and history of bellfounding in two immersive galleries filled with exhibits, stories, and hands-on displays that bring this age-old craft to life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about this rare craft, a visit to Taylor’s Bellfoundry promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and be part of a living legacy!

Experience a live casting at Taylor's Bellfoundry!

Join us for an unforgettable experience at Taylor’s Bellfoundry, where history and craftsmanship come to life. In addition to our fascinating Bellfoundry Tour, you’ll have the chance to witness a live Casting, a remarkable tradition preserved through the generations.

What to expect

Your tour begins with an engaging introduction to the Taylor's story, setting the stage for your exploration of our Victorian factory. From there, you’ll embark on a journey through the heart of the bell-making process, including:

• The Victorian-Covered Yard: See where bells arrive for restoration and depart for their new homes.
• The Joinery Shop: Discover how our skilled craftsmen create essential components like bell wheels and carillon claviers.
• The Tuning Shop: Experience the magic of our expert tuners as they perfect the iconic sound of Taylor's bells.
• The Casting Hall: From a dedicated viewing platform, watch molten metal take shape as we cast new bells—a truly extraordinary sight.

Important information

• Duration: Foundry tours last approximately 2 hours and are led by our knowledgeable guides, who will be delighted to answer your questions.
• Age Limit: Tours are suitable for children aged 9 and older.
• Safety Requirements: Visitors must wear flat, closed shoes. In colder months, we recommend dressing warmly and avoiding loose clothing.
• Variety: As a working foundry, what you see may vary depending on current projects, but there’s always plenty to discover.
• All tickets include an annual pass to visit our brand-new Interactive Museum on the day and as many times as you like for one year.

Book a private tour to experience this special place together

We offer private tours for groups of 10 to 35 people. To book your tour, simply complete and submit the form with the required details. If you have any questions, feel free to call us on 01509 638 500, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Tour Availability

We offer private tours on the following days:

• Monday afternoons: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
• Tuesday mornings: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Friday afternoons: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Please note: We do not offer tours on weekends, evenings, or bank holidays, and we are unable to adjust time slots.

Additional information

• On Fridays, our staff work a half day, so the workforce will not be present for afternoon tours.
• Castings do not take place during Private Tour slots, but there will always be plenty to see and enjoy!
• Museum entry is included in the price of the ticket. For afternoon tours, we recommend coming to enjoy and look around the Museum before your tour.

We will invoice for a 50% deposit in advance with the balance being paid by invoice based on final numbers after the visit.

Group Booking Enquiry Form

We aim to reply within 3 working days