Kedleston Hall Day Trip: Guide from Burton upon Trent

Discovering Kedleston Hall: A Gem of Neo-Classical Splendour

Rising majestically from the rolling Derbyshire countryside, Kedleston Hall stands as one of the finest surviving examples of 18th-century neo-classical architecture in the United Kingdom. Designed for the Curzon family by renowned architect Robert Adam, this National Trust estate was conceived not merely as a domestic home, but as a showpiece intended to dazzle, entertain, and impress the political and social elite of Georgian society.

For travellers staying in Burton upon Trent, Kedleston Hall makes an exceptional day trip. Located approximately 18 miles north of our town, it allows you to immerse yourself in exquisite architecture, vast historical collections, and expansive parkland walks before returning south to relax in comfort at Three Queens Hotel.

Getting to Kedleston Hall from Burton upon Trent

Three Queens Hotel is situated on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, positioned conveniently along the A38 corridor. This prime location makes setting off for Derbyshire straightforward and stress-free.

Travelling by Car: The drive from Three Queens Hotel takes roughly 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Head north on the A38 towards Derby, join the A52 (Ashbourne Road) heading west, and follow the brown tourist signs through the picturesque village of Quarndon directly into the Kedleston estate. One of the primary conveniences of staying with us is our free on-site parking, ensuring your vehicle is safe and ready whenever you choose to depart.

Travelling by Public Transport: If you prefer to travel without a car, Burton train station is situated just one mile from our hotel. Regular train services run directly from Burton to Derby railway station, taking between 10 and 15 minutes. From Derby city centre, you can connect with local bus routes running towards Kedleston or take a short taxi journey directly to the estate gates.

Highlights of a Visit to Kedleston Hall

Whether you are an avid historian, a lover of landscape architecture, or simply looking for a relaxing day outdoors, Kedleston Hall offers a wealth of sights to explore throughout your visit.

The Neo-Classical Mansion

The interior of Kedleston Hall was built to showcase the Curzon family's extensive collection of classical art and sculpture. Walking into the Marble Hall is an unforgettable experience, flanked by twenty fluted alabaster columns sourced from the family's own quarries in nearby Redmile. Beyond the Marble Hall lies the spectacular domed Saloon, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, with light pouring through an ornate skylight high above.

The estate also houses the Eastern Museum, created to display the vast collection of artefacts, textiles, and ceremonial items acquired by George Nathaniel Curzon during his time as Viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905. Film enthusiasts may also recognise the mansion's opulent state rooms as the primary filming location for the 2008 historical drama The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley.

Historic Parkland and Lakeside Trails

Beyond the mansion walls lie hundreds of acres of managed parkland originally landscaped by Robert Adam. Today, the grounds remain home to ancient veteran trees, rich birdlife, and a herd of longhorn cattle. Walking trails of varying lengths wind around the estate, taking visitors past the ornamental bridge, the Georgian fishing pavilion, and the serene upper and lower lakes. These sweeping paths provide wonderful photographic opportunities across all four seasons.

Dining Options for Your Day Trip

While exploring the estate, visitors can take advantage of the National Trust's catering facilities on site, where hot lunches, light snacks, and afternoon teas are available in the hall's historic restaurant areas and courtyard kiosks.

After a full day wandering the grounds and state rooms, return to Burton upon Trent to enjoy your evening meal. Three Queens Hotel is located just a five-minute walk from the bustling town centre, where you will find an extensive variety of traditional English pubs, international restaurants, and independent bistros. As Britain's historic brewing capital, Burton is celebrated for its historic watering holes serving real ales and hearty pub dishes, giving you plenty of dining choices within an easy evening stroll of your room.

Unwind at Three Queens Hotel

At the conclusion of your day trip, return to the quiet comfort of Three Queens Hotel. With 62 well-appointed rooms, we cater to every type of traveller, from solo explorers and couples to larger groups and families.

You can choose from a broad variety of accommodation, including our Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, self-contained Mews Apartment, or our romantic four-poster Suite. You can browse our complete collection on our rooms page.

Every bedroom at Three Queens Hotel features a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind. Catch up on entertainment with our flat-screen TVs featuring Freeview channels and radio, or keep in touch with family using our complimentary high-speed WiFi. A direct dial telephone is also provided in each room for your convenience.

To ensure a pleasant stay, our property offers daily housekeeping, a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, and dedicated team members on site around the clock. Our reception desk is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with a night porter available between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am to assist with late arrivals or evening enquiries.

Plan Your Visit to Staffordshire and Derbyshire

Kedleston Hall remains an unmissable destination for anyone visiting the East Midlands, and Burton upon Trent provides an affordable, convenient springboard for exploring the region's rich heritage.

Ready to plan your countryside excursion? Secure your room directly online through our booking page to find the best rates for your upcoming trip, or reach out to our team directly on 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

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