Crich

The village name is pronounced 'CRY-CH'

Peak Practice, a popular TV series set in the fictional village of Cardale, is in fact Crich. Many locations around the area have also been used in the filming of Peak Practice.

St Mary's Church

The site of St Mary's Church dates from around 1135 during the Norman era. There is a little Norman evidence within the church, but most of the exterior dates from the 14th century. Today, it is a grade one listed building. For further details, see the St Mary's Church web site.

Crich National Tramway Museum

The Crich Cliff Quarry was originally owned by George Stephenson (whose portrait now appears on the reverse of £5 notes). Nowadays, it is trams of the National Tramway Museum that travel along the quarry floor. The admission price in 2008 is £10.00 for adults and £5.00 for children (3-15 years old) which gives unlimited journeys on the trams.

Started in 1959 it now houses over 50 trams, of which a third are in full working order. The number of trams that convey the public along the route (about 20 minutes round trip) varies with the number of visitors. This produces the unusual situation by which an increase in visitors means an increase in the number of trams and a decrease in the time between each tram departing. Thus, there is never usually long to wait for a tram.

Wheelchair access is reasonable for most of the site, the major problem being the uneven cobbles and flag stones (to give it the authentic appearance). Due to the narrow access points, only one tram is wide enough for wheelchairs. This does run from time to time. There are no problems for collapsible prams.

Trams are coming back into fashion as a modern transportation system. At the end of the 1950s, most cities were dismantling their tram way; only Blackpool has had a continuous tram service, but now Tyneside has its 'Supertram' Metro (opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1980), Sheffield has reintroduced the tram in 1994 (also called the 'SUPERTRAM'), Nottingham has a Super tram system, Manchester has got its recently operating MetroLink, Croydon (in south London) started its tram service in 2000 There are also plans for Birmingham and Bristol to reintroduce trams.

So, the Crich National Tram Museum may not be just looking back at the past, but rather looking forward to the future!

It has a picnic area, adventure playground, large car park, and magnificent views over the Derwent valley. There is a realistic recreation of an early 1900s street scene, which has been used on many occasions by film and television producers.

In 2008 it will be open:

• daily 9th February to 24th February 10:30am to 4pm
• weekends in March 10:30am to 4pm
• daily 21st March to 2nd November 10am to 5:30pm

For further details see the National Tramway Museum web site.

Crich War Memorial

Above the Quarry is the war memorial of the Sherwood Foresters (Nottingham and Derbyshire regiment). It is a gentle 30 minute walk from the Tram Museum car park to the memorial (and back). The War Memorial in the unique form of a lighthouse is situated on the hill overlooking the village of Crich and the National Tramway Village. Known as Crich Stand, this is probably Derbyshire's most famous landmark. Access is allowed to the public and on a clear day it is possible to see seven counties - Lincoln to the East and the Wrekin to the West. Opening times (weather permitting) are 9am to 5pm between April and September; 9am to 4pm between October and March.

Entrance to the War Memorial is 10p (in 2003). If vehicles are brought to the site, the cost is £1 (in 2003) for cars and motor cycles £2 (in 2003). There is a small tea shop with picnic area and souvenir shop on the site. Toilets (including disabled) are available.

Crich Links

For further information on Crich see Crich Web.

The National Tramway Museum web site.

There is a Crich Parish Council Web site which covers the villages of Crich, Fritchley and Whatstandwell.

The St Mary's Church Web site