Things to do in Burton upon Trent

Famous for its canals and brewing history, the town of Burton upon Trent has much to offer visitors on a jaunt to the Midlands. With a bustling, canal-side marina, idyllic Stapenhill Gardens and the National Brewery Centre, Burton is a great place to explore. Historically, Burton was established around 1200 as a monastery, developing over the years into a market town. Here are some of its highlights…

Visit the Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
A great illustration of engineering innovation from Victorian England, this Pumping Station has been restored to its former glory and is enjoyed as a tourist attraction all year round. It dates back to 1885 and now serves as a museum, offering a varied programme which includes talks and tours. If you are interested in engineering, or you want to see something different make sure you pop in.

Don’t miss the National Brewery Centre
This is not your typical museum visit – and with the recent boom in craft brewing, there’s no better time to hop along to the National Brewery Centre, which showcases a collection of historic dray vehicles and a microbrewery. The science and development of the brewing process is showcased throughout. The museum is also a popular wedding venue, so if you ever fancied getting hitched in a brewery, it might be worth seeking inspiration here first.

Stop by the Barton Marina
Staffordshire’s finest canal attraction is the place to be on a sunny summer day. It’s not actually in Burton upon Trent but if you take the A5121 and then continue on the A38, this will lead you straight to the scenic marina. Catch a flick at the cinema, be tempted by its menu of places to eat and drink, have a dig around in the quaint shops or bring your camera and snap the narrowboats. We recommend the Red Carpet Cinema and Café Bar, offering the genius combination of pizza and a movie under one roof. If you prefer a wholesome farm shop experience, don’t miss the Butcher Baker Ice Cream Maker for fresh, seasonal fare.

Stroll around the Stapenhill Gardens
This lovely oasis was established in 1933 when Henry Goodger donated the land that Stapenhill Gardens was built on in memory of his mother. The gardens have since expanded, becoming a landmark to which thousands of people flock, especially in spring and summer. In April, a sea of glowing tulips blossoms and skimming across the surface of its lake, you’ll find majestic swans. You can even take a walk to St Peter’s Bridge and then tuck in a hearty meal in the nearby pub.

Explore the Branston Water Park
The picturesque nature reserve, surrounded by woodland and a myriad of wildlife has been awarded the Green Flag for seven consecutive years. The water park is picturesque and it’s ideal for walks along the canal and dog walking. If you enjoy wildlife, there’s a designated birdwatching area where, if you are lucky, you’ll see some of the area’s amazing birdlife. The lake is often used for model boating, fishing and picnicking – making it the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon with a hamper full of nibbles and a good book.

Getting around all these sights doesn't need to be difficult, hire a car from only £25 per day from our brand new Burton branch. Call 01283 527480 to book or visit the branch at James Brindley Way, DE13 0LB.

When you have finished exploring the exciting Burton upon Trent, you can travel a bit up north to Chesterfield!