WHY GO
Ride a vintage tram through a recreated period street and out into Derbyshire countryside at the National Tramway Museum.
At Crich, the sound of a tram bell sets the scene for a day of transport history you can climb aboard. Heritage trams run from a recreated street towards open countryside, while exhibitions and preserved vehicles tell the story of everyday journeys in another era. Hop off to explore, watch the trams pass the period buildings, or add a woodland walk before returning for another ride. With tram travel included in admission, the museum rewards a leisurely visit and a curious eye for detail.
Before you set out
Details and coordinates can be incomplete or out of date. Check current access, conditions, weather and your route with the site operator before travelling. This is not live navigation or emergency guidance.
Plan a safe visit
Editorial review: 30 October 2026. Conditions may change.
Approach
Follow the museum’s brown signs to the main visitor car park, then walk through Admissions to the period street and Town End tram stop. Use the ramp beside the Admissions exit and the marked smooth tarmac route to avoid steps and cobbles. Allow approximately five minutes one way from the main car park; the access guide warns that busy events may use overflow parking with an additional 300 m walk.
Walking time from arrival (one way)
5 minutes (approximate)
Terrain & steps
Compacted aggregate and tarmac parking, cobbled period streets with tram rails, and a smoother wheelchair/buggy route. Optional outdoor paths add slopes and different surfaces; boarding most historic trams involves steps.
Accessibility
The museum provides ramps or lifts to visitor facilities, a smooth route through cobbled areas and 13 Blue Badge spaces near the entrance. Wheelchair hire is available; ask in advance. Accessible toilets are at several visitor buildings and Wakebridge. There is no Changing Places facility. The new Blackpool 645 Access Tram has a wheelchair lift, but the live page still says booking will open soon: its operating dates and booking process are unable to confirm at this time, so contact the museum before relying on a ride.
Access & restrictions
Ticketed admission includes parking and tram rides. Published adult tickets are £24 online before 9am on the visit date or £26 on arrival; children aged 4–15 are £15/£16, and under-fours enter free. Full-price tickets normally include return admission for 12 months, with event exclusions. Under-16s need an accompanying adult. Dogs on leads are admitted free. Whatstandwell station is about one mile away up a steep hill; check bus timetables before travel.
Facilities
Tram rides, collection displays and exhibitions, period street, woodland areas and family activities; Tram Stop Café, Red Lion pub, shops and ice creams; toilets, accessible toilets and wheelchair hire. Parking is included. The operator currently reports its EV charging stations out of order.
Seasonal considerations
The regular autumn 2026 season runs through 1 November: weekdays 10am–4.30pm, weekends 10am–5.30pm, with last admission at 3pm/4pm respectively. Friday 30 October is open. Tramlight on 7–8 November is a special event with separate admission conditions. The operator flags local road closures; check its travel page and current council updates before setting out. Later regular opening dates are unable to confirm at this time.
Sources & further reading
The references behind this entry. Use current site guidance for visiting arrangements.
