Crewe Heritage Centre is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for its 2025 season, starting on Friday 18 April when the museum reopens its doors to the public.

The volunteer-run centre, off Vernon Way, is open this Easter weekend from Good Friday, 10am to 4.30pm.

Admission includes access to permanent displays like the ride-on miniature railway, the model railway collection, a number of display locomotives, and the InterCity APT.

There will be opportunities to witness conservation in action as it continues to undergo a programme of restoration work.

Crewe Heritage Centre has a ride-on miniature railway, model railway collection, a number of display locomotives and more (Crewe Heritage Centre).

This year's events calendar includes celebrations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day and activities marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of the UK's modern railways.

The opening weekend features drop-in activities where visitors can join in creating a 'Railway 200' mural and make a railway hat and badge with local artist Francesca Chinnery.

This Railway 200 theme will continue later in the year too, with more activities planned for September. 

Crewe Heritage Centre chair, Gordon Heddon, told Nub News: "Last year was one of our busiest yet. We welcomed over 14,500 people to our site, and we hope to see even more this season.

"Crewe was quite literally born from the arrival of the railways and the remarkable rail history we have here in our town is an important part of our national story.

"We were therefore always very keen to take part in this nationwide celebration of our remarkable past."

Crewe Heritage Centre first opened in 1987. One of its main attractions is the InterCity APT (Crewe Heritage Centre).

Also new for 2025 are changes to Crewe Heritage Centre's museum visitor experience with the café and gift shop now accessed via the exhibition hall.

There has also been an overhaul of the shop offerings, with Crewe-themed gifts and pocket money options new for the 2025 season.

The café and gift shop are integral to Crewe Heritage Centre's operation, bringing in vital funds helping the centre to advance its mission of safeguarding and securing the heritage of Crewe.

Gordon said: "The shop has seen some major changes and we are really excited to see what people make of it.

"Meanwhile, café users will now get to enjoy their drinks and snacks whilst sat right next to the Robert Burns Class 87 locomotive.

"As a registered charity, any income we can generate from admissions, sales, and donations is always gratefully received.

For 2025, there has also been an overhaul of Crewe Heritage Centre's shop offerings, with Crewe-themed gifts and pocket money options (Crewe Heritage Centre).

"It is all reinvested straight back in to our cause to protect and share Crewe's heritage for the benefit of all."

Crewe Heritage Centre's 2025 season runs from Friday 18 April to Sunday 2 November and is open for weekend and bank holiday entries.

The 1987-built centre is also open for admission on Wednesdays during Cheshire East school holidays.

Standard admission is £8 with concessions available for individuals and family groups, with under-5s free.

READ MORE: 'Discover it all' with Crewe college's last open evening of the year.

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