Life as a SEN mum

It turns out Crich Tramway Village is a little bit like marmite. We seem to love it, as does my mum, and I know plenty of others that do. But it seems like there are lots out there that feel it’s very much one of those where once you’ve been you never want to go back. I can sense the shock, and I know, I was shocked too. There is so much to do when you’re there, and so many events throughout the year that are included in your free returns, that if you’re local it just makes sense to make the most of those free returns and make it a regular day out.

While we actually had half term where it didn’t rain (the shocks just keep coming don’t they), we wanted to make sure we got out as much as possible, but given that it is cooler and everything at this time of year just seems a bit damp, we decided picnics might not be the best idea and so we wanted to make sure that we weren’t going to be spending an absolute fortune on entry fees to then also need to be buying food and drink when there. Particularly not when we are now close to Christmas and let’s face it, even if you’re prepared with gifts, the upcoming costs of food and festive days out really do add up. If you have just come across my blog and wonder how we managed free entry we made our first visit of the year back in spring, as all entry comes with free 12 months (very few exceptions to the free return) we were able to use this for free entry during half term.

One thing that is done well at Crich is the amount of “extras” that are actually included in the entrance prices, which would often be quite costly at other places. The biggest one for us was face painting. Charlotte absolutely loves having her face painted, but let’s be honest it can be costly. I understand fully that the people they get in to do the face painting are independent businesses, but it is something a lot of families would have to really think about. That being said, we have been to places before where they have simply got members of staff to do the face painting and still charged, for a job that I could have actually done myself. I don’t mind paying for those who’s business it is, and in this case I wouldn’t have been too bothered, as the quality was very good and as we’d saved on the entrance fee it wouldn’t have been a big outlay. As opposed to when we recently visited Statfold and their face painter was charging from £10-£25, with add ons for £3-£5 which is just excessive in my opinion. Again I do understand that these people have to make a living, but often it just seems to price a lot of people out of the market.

Alongside this, there was also various shows and story times going on throughout the day. In the exhibition hall you could jump on a tram and listen to a spooky story. As always, audience participation is a must, but it is an absolute must and good fun for all ages. For those with younger kids, there were also puppet shows going on in the Learning Centre and there were games for kids of all ages at various times near to Town end tram stop. If you jumped on one of the working trams and head down towards the woodland walk and mining exhibition where there was also a free trail, which when completed could be handed in for a treat. We didn’t do the woodland walk as we simply ran out of time to be able to fit everything in. Next to the bandstand was also a marquee for free crafts (different crafts on different days), again, this is one of those that I often see additional charges for, and whilst they usually are minimal, it’s always nice for decent craft activities that are suitable for a wide range of ages and that don’t need to be pre booked or cost extra, so you can enjoy your day at your own pace.

As always you can ride on the trams as many times as you like throughout the day, let the kids burn off some energy on the park and even grab yourself a pint from the Red Lion or have a bite to eat in the cafe.

This is definitely one you need to add to your list for next October half term. Plenty of Halloween themed activities, but also plenty to do if you aren’t particularly into Halloween and just want a nice family day out.