PLACES TO VISIT

We have listed below a few ideas for places to visit which are situated in Burton-on-Trent and South Derbyshire, or are within easy travelling distance.

If anyone would like to suggest additions to this list please email

eddie@burton-on-trent.com

  Coors Visitor Centre

Houses the UK's premier museum dedicated to brewing with shire horses, historic vehicles, a micro-brewery, authentic cooperage and much more.

Marstons Visitor Centre

A fully guided tour to see the time honoured brewing methods in action. Visit the working cooperage and see the impressive Burton Union System of brewing, and enjoy a sample.

Swadlincote Ski and Snowboarding Centre

For skiing, snowboarding, sno-tubing, and tobogganing for all levels of competence on several dry ski slopes or tracked toboggan runs. Independent practice or supervised and instructed lessons.

Tamworth Snowdome

A 170 metre long slope covered in real snow, now with the worlds first snowmobile track, with ice skating and the UK's only childrens snowplay area.

Tutbury Castle

An 11th century fortress. Famous for being the prison of Mary Queen of Scots during the period 1569 - 1585. Castle ruined by Parliamentary forces in 1646, but still worth a visit.

Ashby Castle

A very impressive ruin just asking to be explored from the depths of its dark underground passageways to the energetic climb to the top of the Hastings Tower. Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a fascinating castle.

Tamworth Castle

Superb Norman castle dating from 1180's which replaced a pallisade and wooden tower of earlier origin. Step inside the delightfully restored period rooms.

Donington Park

Grand Prix Racing circuit hosting, The British Superbike Championship, The British Touring Car Championship, The MotoGP and many more. Also home to the exhibition of the worlds largest collection of Grand Prix Cars.

 

Branston Water Park

40 acres of lakes used for wind surfing, model boaters and anglers. Wide variety of bird life, footpath around the lake, children's play area and picnic facilities.

 

Blithfield Reservoir

Opened in 1953 it comprises of 790 acres of surface water divided into two halves by a causeway. One side being a nature reserve permitting only fishing, but the other allows sailing and fishing.

Carsington Water

Opened in 1992 it is England's 9th largest reservoir. It is a favourite leisure venue and has won numerous awards. With a Visitor Centre, an Education Centre and shops there is plenty to do.

Foremark Reservoir

Built in the 1970's and covers an area of 230 acres. Excellent wildlife habitat and water sports centre with cycling, horse riding and walking trails.

Twycross Zoo

This 50 acre zoo is home to around 1000 animals most of which are endangered species. It is also home to the original Typhoo TV chimps.

Burton Albion Football Club

Formed in 1950. In 2005 moved into a purpose built state of the art ground and stadium costing £7.2 Currently playing non league football in the Football Conference.

Burton Rugby Football Club

Established in 1870 as Burton Football Club, and as such is one of the oldest in the world. They moved to their present home at Peel Croft in 1910.

National Memorial Arboretum

Provides a living and lasting focus for remembrance.  A haven of peace and contemplation. The location benefits from a unique wildlife habitat.

Conkers Visitor Centre

An award winning attraction which is a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep you and your family engaged for hours.

 

Rosliston Forestry Centre

A young woodland site with meadows, ponds, fishing lake and play areas, offers the opportunity to enjoy a range of pastimes and activities, many of them free of charge.

 

Clay Mills Pumping Station

A living museum of four beam engines by Gimson of Leicester 1885, five boilers by Thompson 1936/7, a steam driven workshop, a forge and a dynamo house with 1890's Compton dynamo driven by a Buxton and Thornley steam engine.

 

Burton Market

90 outside stalls with 50 indoor stalls and shops, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Barton Marina

A recently constructed £5 million marina, with a pub, 3 restaurants, 7 retail units, all linked with a stunning promenade. Over 300 narrowboats permanently moored. Scenic walks around the lakes and woodland. Connected to the Trent and Mersey canal.

 

Jannel Cruisers and Marina

A local family owned business dealing with canal boating, boat sales, chandlery, moorings etc. Based at Shobnall Marina on the Trent and Mersey canal

 

Lichfield Cathedral

Is the mother church of the diocese of Lichfield, which covers the whole of Staffordshire, much of Shropshire and part of the West Midlands. Open everyday

 

Catton Hall

Is situated between Walton on Trent and Alrewas and holds various events all year round, including outdoor pursuits, agricultural and game fairs.

 

Sudbury Hall

An intriguing seventeenth century family home with exquisite carvings, delicate plasterwork and fine paintings.  It also displays the National Trust Museum of Childhood.

 

Dovedale

One of Derbyshire's finest and popular Dales. Amongst  places to see are Thorpe, Milldale, the famous Stepping Stones across the River Dove, the Tissington Trail, and much more for those who love the great outdoors and getting away from it all.

Melbourne Hall and Gardens

A delightful house full of history dating back to the thirteenth century.  The gardens are also a place to visit if you are seeking a relaxing, thoughtful stroll.

 

Calke Abbey and Park

A vivid example of a great country house, with extraordinary contents, historic park and restored garden.

 

Staunton Harold - Reservoir and Visitors Centre

210 acre reservoir, visitor centre and wildlife meadow, with bird watching, dinghy and sailboarding, and of course walks which link with Calke Abbey.

Staunton Harold - Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts

The Georgian Courtyard is occupied by workshops, galleries, studios, tearooms and Church, which was built in 1324

Staunton Harold Hall

Originally built in 1653 is now an established Sue Ryder Home.

Sharpes Pottery Museum and Magic Attic

Sharpes Pottery was one of the earliest potter works to be built in South Derbyshire.  Founded in 1821 by Thomas Sharpe, it's archives house decorative and applied art and social history and industry exhibitions.  The Magic Attic is also a fascinating archive of Burton Daily Mail Newspaper's historical documents and over 20,000 photographs relating to Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire. Our "Yesterday" photographs are provided by The Magic Attic.

Moira Furnace

A nineteenth century blast furnace preserved by English Heritage, housing touchscreens and displays.  Also on this historic site are various craft workshops, limekilns, tramways and towpaths.

Ashby Canal

Canal restoration which has continued north of Moira Furnace and terminates immediately outside Conkers Water Centre.

Sarah's Wood

This 25 acre woodland overlooking the Conkers Waterside Centre has been designed for children of all abilities.

Beehive Farm Rosliston

Situated in 65 acres of woodland, facilities include animal farm, gift shops and tea roms, woodland walks, picnic areas, caravan and camping site and three fishing lakes.

The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre

Open 7 days a week, offers a varied programme of events for all ages, promoting culture and how is can enhance peoples lives.

Burton Ghost and History Walks

Ghost walks on Sunday evenings in the Market Square outside the Royal Oak.  History walks on Friday and Saturday. Book tickets from tourist office:  01283 508111

Cineworld Multiplex Cinema

Cineworld has a deluxe screen and a bar. Ten screens to pick the latest releases. Promotions such as 'bargain Tuesday' and reduced rates before 6pm  Good choice of snacks and icecream.

Coopers Square Shopping Centre

Over 70 stores ranging from high street fashions to specialist shops are located on one level with easy access.  Plenty of parking and excellent public transport.

Byrkley Park Garden Centre - Rangemore

Set in a Victorian walled garden situated between Hoar Cross and Tatenhill.  A great outing for the discerning gardener.  Garden restaurant and award winning delicatessen. 

Cornmill Ceramics Cafe - Tutbury

Paint your own ceramics.  Extensive range of bisque ware to choose from.  Can be collected or posted by arrangement.

Georgian Crystal Glassworks - Tutbury

Painstakingly made by craftsmen from glass manufactured in the factory.  The pieces are formed and blown using old-age techniques and then decorated by gifted artists using the finest diamond cutting tools.

Meadowside Leisure Centre

Has two swimming pools, squash courts, sportshall, creche.  Hosts National events.  Bar and cafeteria offers a wide range of meals.

Sinai Park, Shobnall  

A recreation of the historic parkland setting around Sinai House.  House a former sanatorium for aged monks of the Burton Abbey.  An 18th Century style hunting park landscape has been recreated together with an historically accurate orchard.

Stapenhill Gardens

Beautiful, seasonal garden setting along side the River Trent.  Bring some bread to feed the swans or take a stroll along the riverside washlands.

Uttoxeter Race Course

A great day at the races - something for everyone, whether you're new to racing, want to spend a special day out or if you're a real follower of the sport of Kings.  Fun and excitement guaranteed.  Take plenty of money!

Alton Towers

Where?  oh ...... the Country's most famous theme park!

Fradley Junction

Is the picturesque meeting place for the Trent & Mersey and Coventry canals.  Also a favourite amongst anglers and canalside strollers.  Enjoy a meal at the Swan canalside inn.

Snibston Discovery Park - Nr Ashby de la Zouch

Set in the heart of the National Forest on the site of a former colliery.  Explore the impact of everyday life technology, with over 90 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits.

The National Space Centre - Nr Leicester

Find yourself immersed in an awe-inspiring journey in space rockets, satellites and capsules, and find yourself transported across the galaxy.

Tutbury Museum

Contains information on local history, pottery and glass artefacts.  Wartime information includes details of the Fauld explosion, the biggest non-nuclear explosion in World War II

 

Green Bank Leisure Centre - Swadlincote

With swimming pools, fitness suite, sports hall and squash courts, bar and restaurant.

Shobnall Leisure Complex

A major complex for all sporting enthusiasts.  Sports hall, athletics track, synthetic all-weather pitch, bowls, golf, tennis, and much more for young and old.

Branston Golf and Country Club

Golf course alongside the River Trent with gym and fitness studio, sauna, pool, beauty salon and restaurant.

Craythorne Golf Club - Stretton

Golf course and driving range open to the public.  Pub/restaurant serving a variety of hot and cold meals.

Burton-on-Trent Golf Club

Founded in 1894, offering a real challenge even for the experienced golfer. A private golf club but accepts visitors by prior appointment.  Official club handicap essential.

Cannock Chase

The largest surviving area of lowland heathland in the Midlands, where wild deer roam. Beautiful location for wonderful walks.

Cannock Chase Museum - Hednesford

This museum once housed the Valley Colliery training centre for men and boys venturing out in their lives as coal miners.  The area is free for everyone to enjoy and attracts visitors who are interested in outdoor life, with a picnic area, circular walks, nature reserve, coffee and gift shop.

Samuel Johnson's Birthplace - Lichfield

The author of the 'first' English Dictionary.  Enjoy a journey through his life via furniture, pictures, personal items manuscripts and CD-ROM   Free for everyone to enjoy.

Shugborough Hall

17th Century mansion on designated parkland on Cannock Chase.  This being the seat of the Earls of Lichfield, is steeped in history.

The Pen Room, 60 Frederick Street, Hockley.  Birmingham.

Displays of writing equipment made by pen companies in Birmingham.  Try your hand at scribing with pens of yesteryear, including steel pens, quills, reed pens and early typewriters.

Free for all to enjoy.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Enjoy live demonstrations of the art of traditional jewellery making, telling the story of the Jewellery Quarter and it's metal working heritage.  Free for all to enjoy.

Uttoxeter Market

A twice weekly open air market. Open Wednesday and Saturday.