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Crewe Heritage Centre, Cheshire

 

Crewe Rallway Station - this image is by Chris McKenna and is copyright free

Crewe Heritage Centre is based at the former London Midland And Scottish Railways Yard at Crewe in Cheshire. Until 2008 the Heritage Centre was known as The Railway Age, reflecting Crewe's role in the history of railways. The Liverpool to Manchester line, with trains pulled by Stephenson's Rocket, opened on 15th September 1830. Within two years the company's shares had doubled in value, which set off a furious rush to build railways. By 1848 most of Britain's main regional railway companies had been established. So many people worked for the railways that entire towns were established to house them. Crewe is the most famous, built by Grand Junction Railway in an unpopulated area of Cheshire in the 1840s. The town originated around an important rail junction, where Grand Junction decided to build their locomotive works. The informal early settlement around the works was turned into a planned town by Grand Junction's chief engineer Joseph Locke. Crewe railway station is still a major interchange on the West Coast Mainline.

 

The Heritage Centre displays locomotives, including the Advanced Passenger Train. Crewe is also used as a base for historic train charters running on the mainline. The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, and Vintage Train Excursions run tours through Crewe, and visitors to the Heritage Centre can view charter trains. Crewe's remarkable signal boxes recreate the work that went into operating railway networks of the past. The Exeter West Box has been rebuilt to create its appearance in 1960, simulating rail operations in the former Western Region in the last days of steam. The Exhibition Hall also has many exhibits devoted to the history of road travel, which was eventually to supercede rail travel. The road collection includes historic buses, cars, trucks, and even ice cream vans.

Address: Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, England, CW1 2DB

Opening Times: open weekends only 10am - 4.30 pm, last admission 3.30pm. Weekday admission is only possible by prior arrangement - use contact details below.

Directions: Travelling by rail to the Heritage Centre will allow "buy one get one free" admission, on production of a valid ticket to Crewe. The Heritage Centre is about a twenty minute walk from the station. Turn left out of the station, and then turn right into Mill Street. Continue down Mill Street, and then turn right into Vernon Way. By car come off the M6 at junction 16, following signs for Crewe and brown tourist signs for "The Railway Age". Click here for an interactive map centred on Crewe Heritage Centre.

Access: Most of the site is level, but there is no wheelchair access to signal boxes. Adapted toilet facilities are provided.

Contact:

telephone: 01270 212130

web site: http://www.creweheritagecentre.co.uk/