Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time visiting, you may have some questions about what to expect. To help, we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
How long does a bellfoundry tour last?
A Classic Foundry Tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 mins and is led by one of our expert guides who will be happy to answer your questions.
A Casting Tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Taylor’s is a working foundry, so what you see on the day will vary according to current jobs. We cannot guarantee that a casting will take place on the day of your visit, but there is always plenty to see and enjoy!
After booking you will receive further practical information about visiting us. We strongly recommend all visitors read this information carefully!
Children aged nine and older are welcome on our tours.
What should I wear?
Visitors must wear flat, closed shoes to take part in the tour. We also recommend wrapping up warmly in winter and avoiding loose clothing.
Can I bring my dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome onsite, but we kindly ask that no other animals are brought onto the premises. If you plan to visit with a service animal, please inform us in advance,
What is the best day to see a casting?
Castings usually take place on a Thursday afternoon, but not every Thursday. Dates are released on the website once we have confirmation from the foundry. Dates might only be released up to a week in advance and tickets will only be available online. A Casting Tour is slightly more expensive than a Classic Tour.
Tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis. We cannot exceed the number of tickets we have put on the system for each tour.
Do you have a café?
At the moment we don’t have a café. But we are delighted to offer tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits for you to enjoy. Every cup helps us get closer to creating our goal of being able to offer a cosy café at some point in the future. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
We are just a 5-minute walk from the town which has a selection of cafes and restaurants.
Toilets
Accessible, gender-neutral toilets are available within the museum, equipped with baby-changing facilities and a lift for convenience.
What are the opening hours for the museum and Gift Shop?
November-March
Wednesday-Friday
1st Saturday in the month
10.00am – 4.00pm
April-October
Tuesday-Friday
1st Saturday in the month
10.00am – 4.00pm
Last entry is at 3.30pm
Age 12 and over: £5.00
Age 11 and under: Free
Mobility and family-friendly accessibility information
We offer step-free access to the casting hall viewing platform via a lift, making it accessible to wheelchair users, pushchairs, and individuals with limited mobility.
Wheelchair users are welcome to join our foundry tours and visit the museum. However, please note that mobility scooters are not allowed indoors.
Please be aware that our bellfoundry tours involve approximately 90 minutes of walking, which may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Children aged 9 and over are welcome on our tours.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, feel free to contact us at 01509 638 500, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
If you still need more information, feel free to call us on 01509 638 500 or email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.