Crich Tramway Village in Derbyshire is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family day. Home to the National Tramway Museum, the popular day-trip destination offers the unique opportunity to take a trip back to a bygone age.
With vintage trams transporting families along traditional village streets into open countryside with breathtaking views of the Derwent Valley, both kids and adults alike will be bowled over by the charm and beauty of Crich.
With plenty to explore, learn from, and experience in and around the area, the tramway village is a tranquil yet stimulating place for the family to enjoy. Boasting a warm and friendly atmosphere, Crich Tramway Village is thrilled to have a large collection of happy volunteers working with them, including Neil White, a retired engineer who has been passionately volunteering at the attraction for the past eight years.
Neil said: “It’s a great place, and it's very unique. It's certainly the biggest and best tramway museum in the UK. We've got nearly 80 trams in total in the collection. It's totally unique in the things that we've got, but moreover, it's a nice family atmosphere. It's just the right size."
Crich Tramway Village attracts people from all walks of life, with plenty to do, no matter what your interests are. Neil added: “We get a lot of grandparents bringing their grandchildren because their parents are working - so that is certainly a great day out. We have coach parties of people of all ages. There is something to do for everybody.
"We have lots of other features, not just trams, for people to enjoy. We’ve got the woodland walk, we've got various outdoor activities including a zipwire. A sweet shop, ice cream shop, cafe, pub."
The site is also home to an exciting calendar of events, from nostalgic days celebrating the eras of the past, to magical nature-filled celebrations, motor events and more.
Neil revealed: “One of our most popular events is our World War Two event. We stage it as if it was World War Two but on the homefront. Then we have re-enactors and so on and it usually pulls in about 2,500 people.
“We have other events that are not so much related to the tramway, and we do events for kids in the school holidays. Colouring in, building with LEGO®, looking at birds and wildlife and things in the woodland walk.
“In September, we have an event called Tram Weekend, where we run every tram that's possible to run. That's very popular with enthusiasts or people who have waited all year to go on a particular tram."
The attraction is proud to be dog friendly, and what's more, when you've visited the attraction once, you will gain free entry for the rest of the year.
Events to look forward to this year
Memories of the 1940s
An enchanting visit for everyone from vintage lovers to history enthusiasts or people who simply want to revel in the nostalgia of their earlier years, this event is a celebration of all things 40s.
Running from April 9 until April 10, Memories of the 1940s is a chance to step back to 1940s Britain on the homefront, with live entertainment, a range of nostalgic events and a magnificent 1940s vehicle display. Re-enactors will also be mingling and there will be group displays along the Woodland Walk.
Magical May
Running from Sunday, April 30 until Monday, May 1, the Magical May event at Crich Tramway Village is the perfect place to experience some springtime magic and welcome in warmth and light that the season brings.
Boasting a popular fairy trail, visitors can meet the Fairy Queen and make a wish, as well as make their own wand or fairy crown, make fairy dens, and attend wizarding school. The event will show Morris dancing, and invites guests to have a go at Maypole dancing on May 1, with live music and face painting.
Barking Mad – a Day Out With Your Dog
This heart-warming and wholesome canine day out is running in conjunction with Just for dogs, Ashbourne, on Sunday, May 21, from 10am until 5pm. Dog lovers everywhere will be able to see their furry best friend's tail wag as they explore a magnificent new place, and enjoy the Fun Dog Show.
There will be a small charge to enter the dog show, which will go directly to Just for dogs, and there will be stalls selling dog-themed items.
Seaside Fun
Celebrating the memory of traditional British seaside holidays, the Seaside Fun event at Crich Tramway Village will offer a Howard Brothers Funfair, a mini beach, bingo and crafts, and Punch and Judy. There will also be a face painter and balloon modeller for the children.
The event will be running from Saturday, May 27, until Friday, June 2.
Crime at Crich
On Sunday, June 25, visitors will be welcomed to help solve the mystery of the missing necklace at the Crime at Crich Event. Curated to be suitable for both adults and children, guests will be challenged with helping Inspector Corner of the Yard find out who stole Lady Matlock's Necklace by uncovering clues, interviewing suspects, and putting their detective skills to the test.
Classic Motorcycle Day
The Classic Motorcycle Day will be returning to Crich Tramway Village on July 2. Perfect for classic motorbike enthusiasts, the day offers the chance to peruse a magical variety of over 300 stunning classic motorcycles built prior to July 1998.
The day is run in conjunction with Vincent H.R.D. Owners’ Club, is sponsored by Derwent Waste Management, and includes live music from The Moonshiners in the afternoon.
To explore a full list of events at Crich Tramway Village, click here.
