This charming Derbyshire village is one of my favourites and was once the setting of a long running television drama series

I lived in Crich when I was a child, went to school in the village and my family still live there.

It's a picturesque place situated on the edge of the Derbyshire Dales, known for its beautiful and tranquil countryside, the National Tramway Museum and the prominent memorial tower; Crich Stand.

Growing up in the 90s there was much excitement when the BBC selected the village as the location for hit television series Peak Practice which aired between 1993 and 2002.

The first eleven series were filmed in and around Crich which was transformed into Cardale and local homes were used including – Chestnut Bank, Fritchley which was the practice called “The Beeches”; Archway House, Crich, was Beth Glover’s house and Melkridge House, Fritchley was Jack Kerruish’s house. Shops were temporarily renamed and the Market Place was once transformed into an out-door market.

We enjoyed watching the filming and some of my family had their homes used as locations and members of the cast would regularly be spotted in local pubs.

Crich is probably best known for Crich Stand and as a child I loved exploring the trails surrounding the Stand and searching for fossils. It was built in 1923 and serves as a war memorial to the fallen members of the Sherwood Foresters regiment and its successor, the Mercian Regiment.

I have climbed the spiral staircase to the viewing area, to admire the panoramic views several times. On clear days visitors can see seven counties and various landmarks. A pilgrimage takes place on the first Sunday of July each year for a memorial service at the Stand. There is also a traditional tea room in the grounds of the memorial serving home made cakes, soup and pastries.

Crich is home of the Crich Tramway Village - home of the National Tramway Museum.

The unique open-air museum and heritage attraction is a favourite of my children. It combines a period village with a working tramway, allowing visitors to explore history and ride vintage trams. It is a family-friendly destination with attractions like a Woodland Walk, a sculpture trail and special events that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.

Crich is a Celtic name meaning "hill," and the village itself has a high number of listed buildings of national importance, including the 12th-century St Mary's Church, where my parents got married. Other notable buildings include Crich Baptist Chapel, built in 1877.

There's also a bustling village marketplace. My dad visits The Loaf daily for their sourdough. The small independent artisan bakery makes a range of breads, pastries, scones and cakes.

The award-winning Crich Butchers is another village gem selling a range of fresh local meat including homemade sausage, bacon, pork pies, scotch eggs and meat pies. Currently on sale are Christmas day hampers and boxing day buffet hampers which include all the festive goodies you could wish for. There's also a good selection of fruit and vegetables available outside the shop.

Cardale Fish Bar is a popular traditional chippy. Google reviewers claim they serve the 'best fish n chips ever tasted" and praise friendly staff and giant portions.

In terms of pubs The Old Black Swan on Bowns Hill, built in 1700s, oozes olde worlde charm. It reopened after a revamp in 2023 and I've heard great things about their homemade pizzas which I'll definitely try next time I'm in the village.

The Cliff Inn is a traditional grit stone pub at the top of the village, built about 1800. It's full of character and I've enjoyed a good Sunday roast here - there's no portion control, just a very generous serving of hearty food with plenty of leftovers to take home for the dog.

The Comrades Club has been a fixture throughout my life - we've hosted family funerals and birthday parties here. Weekends as a child meant a Pando Pop and a packet of crisps while watching our relatives playing pool. The club, which is also home to the Crich and District British Legion Branch, offers real ales and a programme of live entertainment.

A GP surgery, pharmacy and fire station are all present in the village and Crich is also home to a good recreation ground - or as we’ve always called it 'the rec' - which has a wooden apparatus and a zip line. It's also the site for the annual Crich Village Fete which is a great community event that includes stalls, music, performances from local clubs and food and drink.