Barton Marina
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Published May 22nd 2015
Boats, birds and bountiful refreshments
Whether you like 'messing about in boats', watching wildlife, shopping, eating fabulous food, or simply enjoy a woodland walk, then Barton Marina has something for just about everyone.
Purpose built in 2001, the site is one of the finest inland waterways marina in the UK. Situated on the Trent & Mersey Canal, the marina is easily accessible by the many colourful boats that make this location their home, either permanently or on a temporary basis. But with the main A38 just a stone's throw away, it is just as easy to get to by car.
Barton Marina, near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, forms part of an 85 acre National Forest woodland site with visitors free to wander around the two large lakes that dominate the location.
Visitors are free to wander around the lakes and sit at the various benches dotted along the waters' edge where you can relax and enjoy the usually abundant birdlife.
Swans, ducks, coots and geese are all common visitors to the lakes, but I have also spotted herons and even a cormorant on one occasion.
But as well as the obvious attraction for nature and wildlife lovers, there are plenty of other reasons to visit this particular attraction.
The marina has numerous shops for visitors to explore, but there are also plenty of eateries to enjoy including the quaintly titled The Butcher, The Baker, The Ice Cream Maker, the NIPA Thai restaurant, and The Apple Tree Coffee Shop which won the UK's Best Hot Chocolate award in 2013.
There is also The Waterfront pub and restaurant which serves food daily and has a number of guest ales.
And the most recent addition is The Red Carpet Cinema and Café Ba www.redcarpetcinema.co.uk/ 01283 716257, which is open from 10am to 11pm, 7 days a week. There are two screens showing films daily with prices ranging from £4.50 before noon to £8.50 at 5pm or after.
Purpose built in 2001, the site is one of the finest inland waterways marina in the UK. Situated on the Trent & Mersey Canal, the marina is easily accessible by the many colourful boats that make this location their home, either permanently or on a temporary basis. But with the main A38 just a stone's throw away, it is just as easy to get to by car.
Barton Marina, near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, forms part of an 85 acre National Forest woodland site with visitors free to wander around the two large lakes that dominate the location.
Swans, ducks, coots and geese are all common visitors to the lakes, but I have also spotted herons and even a cormorant on one occasion.
But as well as the obvious attraction for nature and wildlife lovers, there are plenty of other reasons to visit this particular attraction.
The marina has numerous shops for visitors to explore, but there are also plenty of eateries to enjoy including the quaintly titled The Butcher, The Baker, The Ice Cream Maker, the NIPA Thai restaurant, and The Apple Tree Coffee Shop which won the UK's Best Hot Chocolate award in 2013.
There is also The Waterfront pub and restaurant which serves food daily and has a number of guest ales.
And the most recent addition is The Red Carpet Cinema and Café Ba www.redcarpetcinema.co.uk/ 01283 716257, which is open from 10am to 11pm, 7 days a week. There are two screens showing films daily with prices ranging from £4.50 before noon to £8.50 at 5pm or after.
Why? Canal-boats, shopping and wildlife in one place
When: All year
Phone: 01283 711666
Website: bartonmarina.co.uk
Where: Barton Turns, Barton under Needwood, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 8DZ
Cost: Free entry but cinema tickets from £4.50
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