Discover Britain's last working bellfoundry, crafting and restoring bells with centuries-old techniques since the 1850s.

John Taylor & Co. is Britain's only remaining bellfoundry, operating continuously since the 1850s as a living museum of traditional bell-making craftsmanship. This historic venue offers visitors a unique glimpse into centuries-old bell founding techniques combined with modern expertise, showcasing the skilled artistry that goes into creating and restoring bells for churches, towers, and heritage sites worldwide. The foundry employs around 30 dedicated craftsmen and specialists, many with over 40 years of experience, who work alongside designers using cutting-edge CAD technology. Visitors can experience the working bellfoundry environment where bells are shaped, tuned, and meticulously restored using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. Many staff members are passionate bell ringers themselves, bringing authentic knowledge and enthusiasm to their work. This venue is ideal for families interested in traditional British craftsmanship, industrial heritage, and engineering. It appeals to school groups, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how bells are made and maintained. By visiting, families support the preservation of a rare and endangered traditional skill while learning about Britain's industrial heritage and the role bells play in community and cultural significance.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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S M

2 months ago

Fantastic tour and people. The lady working in the museum (sorry we didn't catch your name) really did go the extra mile for our son which was appreciated. Big thanks to David for showing us his workshop, really interesting to see how one person has to be skilled in mutiple diciplines to produce such fantastic hand bells. 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔

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Christopher Slater

10 months ago

An excellent tour with really friendly volunteers, showing you the history and the current working practices of this historic bell factory.

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Rose Parker

a year ago

Such an interesting working museum. History in the present. An afternoon well spent and being ringers we were able to book the bells too.

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Rachel B

2 years ago

A very interesting tour, but the tour group had far too many people in it, several people couldn't hear what the tour guide was saying. Obviously the bell foundry was a working establishment, so there were machines going, the workers had the radio on and the poor tour guide was trying to conduct his tour group of about 16 people! A microphone would have been really helpful....such a shame, as it was a really good tour overall.

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Steve Ashley

5 years ago

The tour of the foundry was utterly fascinating, educational and so much to see in a working foundry. There was so much to photograph and I especially enjoyed the museum at the end which offered a chance to test a wide range of different bells. Noisy but fun!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026