All Aboard for Crich and a cottage break
What Crich offers for Self-Catering Breaks
The village of Crich in Derbyshire is situated close to the Peak District National Park. With traditional stone-built cottages and tree lined streets, Crich is a wonderful location for a cottage holiday, especially for the active family. Viewers of the medical television drama, ‘Peak Practice’ may see familiar places, as the village was used as the location for the fictional village of Cardale.
When taking a self-catering break in the village, don’t miss its most famous attraction, the National Tramway Museum which is located within the Crich Tramway Village. The Tramway Village itself is a recreation of a settlement from yesteryear, complete with period buildings. These include a pub, restaurant, sweet shop and workshops. It’s a great day out for the kids, with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Families can wander through the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail overlooking the Derwent Valley and choose from different picnic areas. For kids aged three to eight, backpacks are supplied with ideas for activities. You can even take your pet dog along to the museum.
As for the National Tramway Museum itself, it’s a fun peep at days gone by, as you tour the tram depots. More than 70 vehicles form the collection. Restored to their former glory, they offer a colourful and interesting insight into the evolution of public transport. You can ride on one, too on a 1-mile track.
If you want to experience the best views whilst on a cottage break, which on a good day may even stretch across five counties, climb the hill to Crich Stand. This landmark at the top of a 950-foot hill serves as a memorial to fallen soldiers in the two world wars. You’ll also see the Crich Beacon, built to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Although a village, Crich has its fair share of attractions to offer visitors enjoying a cottage holiday here. Crich enjoys an excellent location from which to discover some of the best of Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park. The village is just 8 miles from the attractive town of Matlock and the nearby Heights of Abraham country park complete with cable car, woodland walks and impressive river and whirlpool rapids.
Those enjoying a romantic cottage holiday may be interested in visiting one of the National Trust properties that Derbyshire has to offer such as Hardwick Hall located close to Chesterfield or Kedleston Hall near Quarndon or Calke Abbey at Ticknall. If large country houses are your thing then these wonderful National Trust properties shouldn’t disappoint. Entry is free for National Trust members.
If after spending all that time in the countryside you long for some hustle and bustle then the city of Derby is just 10 miles away. Holidaymakers staying in Crich can enjoy city amenities for shopping and dining plus Derby has a number of free museums. Visiting Derby Cathedral is another recommendation, as is Derby QUAD, an arts and media centre showcasing art, photography and film.
For history enthusiasts, there is Pickford House, a museum within a beautiful Georgian townhouse displaying furnishings and costumes from the period. If you are a fan of fine bone china, you’ve no doubt heard of Royal Crown Derby and the Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre is the place to learn about the processes in its manufacture. In addition to the displays, you can join a factory tour.
Derby also has its own tourist information centre which you can visit for free advice and information on what to do in the city and in the Peak District National Park.
Crich and the surrounding area welcomes enthusiastic tourists and backpackers every year, all keen to soak up everything this part of Derbyshire has to offer. Whether you are interested in romantic cottages, log cabins or pet-friendly cottages, we hope you find the best self-catering accommodation for you on Country Cottages Online.
Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Crich, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Derbyshire.