Barton Marina Day Out: Guide from Burton upon Trent

A Relaxing Waterside Escape: Barton Marina

Nestled just south of Burton upon Trent in the picturesque village of Barton-under-Needwood, Barton Marina is one of Staffordshire's premier waterfront leisure destinations. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful walk alongside narrowboats, browse artisan boutiques, or catch an independent film, a visit to Barton Marina offers an idyllic day out. Positioned along the Trent and Mersey Canal and surrounded by woodland lakes, it brings together the natural beauty of the National Forest with a vibrant collection of independent shops and eateries.

For visitors staying in Burton upon Trent, Barton Marina is an easy and rewarding trip. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your day out at the marina, followed by a comfortable return to the Three Queens Hotel.

Getting to Barton Marina from Burton upon Trent

One of the best features of Barton Marina is how accessible it is from Burton upon Trent. Situated directly off the A38 corridor, the journey covers roughly five miles and takes around 10 to 12 minutes by car. Guests at Three Queens Hotel can make use of our free on-site parking, making it simple to hop into the car after a restful night and set out for a morning by the water.

If you prefer public transport or travelling without a car, local bus services run regularly from Burton town centre towards Lichfield via Barton-under-Needwood, with bus stops located within walking distance of the marina entrance. Local taxis are also widely available and can whisk you between Burton and the marina in no time at all.

Exploring the Promenade and Independent Boutiques

At the heart of Barton Marina is its distinctive Victorian-style brick wharf, home to a thoughtfully curated selection of independent retailers. Rather than typical high-street chains, you will find specialty shops run by passionate locals.

Spend an unhurried morning browsing through:

• Fashion and Accessories: Discover stylish clothing boutiques, quality footwear, and unique jewellery that you will not find in standard shopping centres.
• Gifts and Homeware: Browse locally crafted home furnishings, artisanal candles, bespoke ceramics, and coastal-inspired crafts.
• Art and Galleries: Explore contemporary artwork, landscape photography, and prints showcasing the Staffordshire countryside.
• Local Produce: The on-site farm butcher and specialty food shops offer high-quality regional meats, cheeses, preserves, and confectionery to take home.

Waterfront Dining and The Red Carpet Cinema

When it is time for refreshments, Barton Marina offers exceptional lakeside options. The Waterfront pub is a standout destination, featuring broad timber terraces looking directly over the 300-berth marina basin. It is a fantastic spot to settle in for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon drink while watching narrowboats glide along the calm waters.

For coffee, light bites, and sweet treats, the marina cafe provides a welcoming space to unwind indoors or sit outdoors on sunny days. If you are a film lover, be sure to visit The Red Carpet Cinema & Cafe Bar. This boutique, independent two-screen cinema offers a cosy and distinctive movie-going experience, screening a blend of current releases, independent arthouse titles, and live theatre broadcasts.

Lakeside Nature Walks and Birdwatching

Beyond the shops and cafes, Barton Marina encompasses extensive natural parkland and walking routes. Developed from former sand and gravel quarries, the site was reclaimed and planted as part of the National Forest, creating two expansive lakes and mature woodland paths.

The walking trails around the perimeter of the lakes are level, well-surfaced, and provide scenic viewpoints over the water. Birdwatchers regularly spot herons, kingfishers, swans, and seasonal wildfowl along the banks. You can also extend your stroll onto the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal, heading north towards Branston or south toward Wychnor for a classic British canal walk.

Evening Dining in Burton upon Trent

After a full day around the marina, head back to Burton upon Trent to sample the town's renowned hospitality. The Three Queens Hotel is situated on Bridge Street, just a five-minute walk from the bustling town centre. Burton boasts a rich brewing heritage and is home to a fantastic array of historic pubs, traditional alehouses, and independent restaurants serving international cuisines, from Italian and Indian to modern British classics. You can spend your evening exploring the local dining scene before strolling comfortably back to the hotel.

Rest and Unwind at Three Queens Hotel

Conveniently located on Bridge Street, just one mile from Burton railway station, Three Queens Hotel provides a welcoming base for your Staffordshire travels. With 62 private en-suite bedrooms, we cater to all types of travellers.

Guests can explore our diverse selection of accommodation when they view our rooms, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside our self-contained Mews Apartment and an elegant four-poster Suite. Every room features a private en-suite bathroom, flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, direct dial phone, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities to refresh you after a day out on the water.

Throughout your stay, you can stay connected with free WiFi, take advantage of daily housekeeping, and utilise our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service. Our reception is open from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, with a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist you at any hour. Coupled with our hassle-free, free on-site car parking, we ensure your trip to Barton Marina and the wider Staffordshire region is relaxing from start to finish.

Ready to plan your countryside and canal excursion? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel today and experience the best of Burton upon Trent and Barton Marina.

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