01283 523800   |   frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk
1 Bridge Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1SY
3 September 2026 • Travel Guide
Day Trip to Trentham Gardens from Burton upon Trent

Planning Your Day Trip to Trentham Gardens

Located on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, the Trentham Estate is one of Staffordshire's most celebrated visitor destinations. Spanning 725 acres, it combines historic formal landscape design, contemporary perennial planting, a magnificent mile-long lake, and an expansive outdoor shopping village. For travellers staying in Burton upon Trent, Trentham makes for an effortless and rewarding day out, sitting just 30 miles away via the convenient A38 and A50 corridors.

Whether you are an avid horticulturist, a family seeking outdoor entertainment, or someone who simply enjoys picturesque waterside walking trails, Trentham has plenty to offer across an entire day. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your excursion from Burton upon Trent.

Getting to Trentham from Burton upon Trent

The journey from the Three Queens Hotel & Lodge to Trentham Gardens takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes by car. Drivers can head out onto the A38 northbound, merge onto the A50 towards Stoke-on-Trent, and follow the clear brown tourist signs leading straight to the estate entrance on the A34. With free on-site parking waiting for you back at our hotel, exploring the wider county by car could not be more straightforward.

If you prefer using public transport, Burton upon Trent railway station is just one mile from our doors. Regular train connections run via Derby or Tamworth towards Stoke-on-Trent, where local bus services and taxis link directly to the gardens.

Highlights of the Trentham Estate

Once you arrive, there is a vast amount of ground to cover. To get the most out of your visit, consider prioritizing these popular highlights:

  • The Italian Gardens: Revitalized by acclaimed designers Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf, these vast formal gardens showcase magnificent schemes of perennials, grasses, and formal parterres surrounding historic fountains.
  • The Capability Brown Lake: Enjoy a peaceful two-mile stroll around the historic lake landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Along the waterside, you will spot varied wildlife, woodlands, and sweeping views across the estate.
  • The Fairy Trail: Dotted throughout the woodlands and formal gardens are dozens of intricately crafted wire fairy sculptures by artist Robin Wight. Hunting for these whimsical figures is a favourite pastime for visitors of all ages.
  • Trentham Shopping Village: Featuring dozens of timber lodges, the shopping village offers independent boutiques, craft shops, outdoor clothing outlets, and regional lifestyle stores. It is also an ideal spot to stop for lunch or afternoon tea.
  • Trentham Monkey Forest: Situated adjacent to the main gardens, this unique attraction allows visitors to walk through 60 acres of woodland where 140 Barbary macaques roam freely without cages or bars.

Making a Day of It: Dining and Practical Tips

To enjoy a relaxed morning, step out into Burton upon Trent before you hit the road. Our hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from the bustling town centre, where you will find an assortment of traditional bakeries, independent coffee houses, and breakfast cafes. Grab a fresh coffee and a morning pastry before joining the A38.

At Trentham, outdoor picnic areas are plentiful if you wish to pack lunch, or you can sample one of the many eateries located in the timber lodge village. When your day draws to a close, return to Burton to experience the town's rich brewing heritage. The town centre is home to numerous historic pubs, modern craft ale taprooms, and varied international restaurants where you can unwind over dinner.

Relax and Unwind at Three Queens Hotel

After a full day spent walking the lakeside trails and exploring the Italian Gardens, you will appreciate a comfortable and tranquil base to return to. The Three Queens Hotel & Lodge features 62 well-appointed rooms tailored to every type of traveller. Whether you need a Single room for a solo getaway, a Standard Double, an Executive Twin, a spacious Family or Quadruple room, an independent Mews Apartment, or our romantic four-poster Suite, you will find an option that matches your itinerary.

Every guest room includes an en-suite private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, direct dial phone, hair dryer, and tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind with a hot cuppa. You can also take advantage of our free high-speed WiFi to share your holiday photos from the fairy trail or plan tomorrow's sightseeing.

With our reception staffed from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, your stay in Burton upon Trent is supported around the clock.

Ready to start planning your Staffordshire break? Explore our varied hotel room types and book your stay online today to secure the best rates for your visit to Trentham Gardens and beyond.

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

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