A Scenic Barton Marina Day Out from Burton upon Trent

Nestled in the Staffordshire countryside just outside the village of Barton-under-Needwood, Barton Marina is one of the area's most charming destinations. Located only a short drive south down the A38 corridor from Burton upon Trent, this award-winning inland marina offers a delightful mix of waterside scenery, boutique shopping, and relaxed outdoor leisure. Whether you are visiting for a quiet weekend retreat or exploring the best of Staffordshire, spending a day out at Barton Marina is an absolute must.

Getting to Barton Marina from Burton upon Trent

One of the finest aspects of a visit to Barton Marina is its sheer convenience from Burton upon Trent. Situated just over five miles south of Burton town centre, the journey takes around ten to fifteen minutes by car. Drivers can head straight down the A38 and follow the clearly marked signs for Barton-under-Needwood and the marina entrance. Guests staying at Three Queens Hotel benefit from our free on-site parking, ensuring a completely stress-free start to your morning as you set off to explore the local waterways.

A Peaceful Waterside Atmosphere

Opened at the turn of the millennium, Barton Marina was developed from former sand and gravel quarries that were landscaped into a haven for narrowboats and native wildlife. Today, it berths more than three hundred canal boats on the Trent and Mersey Canal network. As you arrive, the gentle chime of rigging against boat masts and the mirror-like reflections on the water immediately set a calming tone. Taking a stroll around the marina pontoons allows you to admire the colourful traditional narrowboats, chat with boaters, and soak in the slower pace of life on the water.

Independent Shopping and Artisan Boutiques

Unlike standard high-street shopping complexes, the retail area at Barton Marina is built with traditional timber styling, reminiscent of historic dockside warehouses. It houses a curated selection of independent retailers, making it a wonderful place to pick up unique gifts, homeware, and fashion.

• Fashion and Accessories: Discover independent clothing boutiques offering quality men's and women's apparel, footwear, and country clothing.
• Gifts and Homewares: Explore bespoke interior shops packed with artisan candles, soft furnishings, handmade craft items, and greetings cards.
• Local Produce and Delicatessens: Pop into the local butcher and farm shop counters to pick up artisanal cheeses, baked treats, and speciality preserves sourced from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
• Art Galleries: Browse original artwork, sculpture, and photography from talented British artists depicting countryside landscapes and maritime themes.

Lakeside Walks and Nature Trails

If you enjoy walking, Barton Marina offers much more than just a retail promenade. The site is surrounded by two extensive lakes and several acres of woodland, which form a valuable sanctuary for local wildlife. A network of well-maintained circular footpaths loops around the main lake and into the surrounding woods, offering level walking routes suitable for a leisurely afternoon amble.

Birdwatchers will find plenty to keep them occupied, with herons, kingfishers, swans, and varied waterfowl frequently spotted across the water. For those seeking a longer route, you can easily connect directly to the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath, which stretches for miles in either direction towards Wychnor, Alrewas, or back towards the outskirts of Burton.

Waterside Dining and Entertainment

After a morning spent browsing the shops and strolling around the lakes, Barton Marina offers several independent cafes, restaurants, and pubs right along the waterside. The Waterfront pub is a central feature of the marina, providing expansive outdoor seating where you can enjoy a drink or a hearty lunch overlooking the boats. For something sweet, there are welcoming tea rooms and ice cream parlours offering fresh cakes and barista-made coffees.

Film lovers should also make time to visit The Red Carpet Cinema and Cafe Bar, located right on site. This independent boutique cinema combines contemporary film screenings with a relaxed dining environment, making it a popular choice for an afternoon matinée or an evening showing in comfortable, intimate screening rooms.

Spend the Evening in Burton upon Trent

After a full afternoon by the water, make the quick trip back up the A38 corridor to Burton upon Trent. The town centre is packed with historic character, famous across the world as the capital of British brewing. A short five-minute walk from our front door brings you to a wide variety of local pubs, historic alehouses, and independent restaurants serving everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Whether you fancy sampling local craft ales or enjoying a relaxed evening meal, Burton town centre has options to suit every palate.

Relax and Recharge at Three Queens Hotel

When your day is complete, return to the comfort of Three Queens Hotel & Lodge. Conveniently situated on Bridge Street, our hotel features 62 well-appointed bedrooms designed to offer a peaceful night's rest. Take a look at our range of comfortable guest rooms to find the ideal layout for your stay. We offer Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside our spacious Mews Apartment and a romantic four-poster Suite.

Every bedroom includes a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, a direct dial phone, and a hair dryer. After a day outdoors, you can unwind with our in-room tea and coffee making facilities and stay connected using our free WiFi. Our friendly reception team is available from 8am to 10pm, backed by a night porter from 10pm to 8am, and we also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

Start Planning Your Staffordshire Getaway

With its blend of tranquil water views, boutique shopping, and picturesque countryside walking routes, Barton Marina is one of East Staffordshire's premier destinations for a relaxing day out. Paired with the convenient location and free parking at Three Queens Hotel, organising your trip could not be simpler. Book your stay today or call our team directly on 01283 523800 to arrange your next Staffordshire adventure.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.