National Forest Walking Festival Guide: Burton Base

Experience the National Forest Walking Festival from Burton upon Trent

Each spring, the National Forest comes alive with hikers, ramblers, and nature lovers participating in the annual National Forest Walking Festival. Spanning across 200 square miles of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, this multi-day celebration highlights the transformation of former industrial and coalfield landscapes into lush, biodiverse woodlands. With dozens of guided and self-guided routes designed for all abilities, the festival attracts walkers from across the UK who want to discover vibrant wildlife habitats, historic waterways, and rolling countryside.

Burton upon Trent sits directly on the western boundary of the National Forest, making it an exceptional base for festival attendees. When you stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge on Bridge Street, you are perfectly situated on the A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton railway station, allowing you to venture effortlessly to starting points throughout the region.

Top Walking Routes and Trailheads Near Burton

Whether you are tackling long-distance trekking along the National Forest Way or looking for gentle waterside strolls, the area surrounding Burton upon Trent provides an extensive variety of walking options during the festival.

1. The Trent Washlands and Stapenhill Gardens

You do not even need to drive to join in the outdoor spirit. Just moments from Bridge Street, you can step out onto paths running along the River Trent. The Trent Washlands offer tranquil meadows, floodplain habitats, and boardwalk trails teeming with birdlife. Cross the historic pedestrian Ferry Bridge to explore Stapenhill Gardens, famous for its landscaped floral displays, giant stone swan sculpture, and woodland paths that connect directly to broader East Staffordshire trail networks.

2. The National Forest Way

The National Forest Way is a premier 75-mile long-distance trail linking the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire. Several key stages wind through or around Burton upon Trent. Hikers can join the trail near Branston Water Park—a premier wetland reserve created from a restored gravel pit—and follow routes through young woods, canal towpaths, and pastoral hillsides toward Tatenhill and the Needwood Forest area.

3. Rosliston Forestry Centre

Located just a short drive south of Burton, Rosliston Forestry Centre is a flagship hub for the National Forest. During the Walking Festival, Rosliston regularly hosts themed guided walks focusing on woodland heritage, birdwatching, and tree identification. Its network of surfaced paths, hidden sculptures, and peaceful fishing lakes makes it an accessible, family-friendly destination for an afternoon of outdoor exploration.

4. Jackson's Bank and the Needwood Estate

For those who love ancient trees and rich woodland ecology, Jackson's Bank lies within the historical Needwood Forest area just west of the town. Spring brings carpets of bluebells beneath ancient oaks, hornbeams, and sweet chestnuts. It is a tranquil contrast to the newly planted saplings of the developing National Forest sites, demonstrating centuries of forestry heritage side by side.

Dining and Evening Atmosphere in Burton upon Trent

After a full day spent traversing countryside stiles and forest tracks, walkers need great food and a welcoming atmosphere. While Three Queens Hotel does not have an on-site restaurant or bar, our central position on Bridge Street puts you just a five-minute walk from the vibrant town centre of Burton upon Trent.

Known across the world as the capital of British brewing, Burton boasts an incredible array of historic pubs, traditional coaching inns, and independent taprooms where you can sample world-class ales brewed right in town. Head into town for your morning espresso and a hearty cooked breakfast at a local cafe, or choose from international restaurants, gastro pubs, and pizzerias for a relaxing evening meal. Everything you need to fuel your hikes is right on the doorstep in the surrounding town.

Rest and Recover at Three Queens Hotel

When you return from the trails, Three Queens Hotel provides a quiet, restful retreat to unwind. With 62 comfortable rooms, we accommodate solo ramblers, couples, walking groups, and families exploring the outdoors together.

Our wide selection of accommodation includes Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and our four-poster Suite. Every room features an en-suite private bathroom complete with complimentary toiletries, perfect for a soothing bath or hot shower after miles on your feet. You can view all our layouts and choose the best option for your group by browsing our rooms and suites.

In your room, you will find tea and coffee making facilities to brew a welcoming hot drink, along with a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio channels, and a hair dryer. Stay connected with friends or check tomorrow's trail map using our free WiFi, available throughout the hotel. If your walking clothing gets caught in sudden spring showers or mud, take advantage of our 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service to keep your gear fresh for your next excursion. Daily housekeeping ensures your space is always tidy upon your return.

Practical Amenities for Festival Walkers

Planning travel logistics during a multi-day walking event can be challenging, but our facilities help make your stay straightforward:

• Free On-Site Parking: Guests travelling by car can leave their vehicle securely in our on-site car park at no additional charge, offering effortless departures to trailheads each morning.
• Flexible Reception Hours: Our reception desk is staffed from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, ensuring assistance is available round the clock.
• Direct Dial Telephones: Communicate easily during your stay with direct-dial phones in every guest room.

Book Your Walking Festival Getaway

Whether you plan to tackle challenging sections of the National Forest Way or simply soak up scenic woodland walks along the River Trent, Burton upon Trent offers the ideal starting point. Make your reservation today to guarantee your room for the festival season. Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel and look forward to an invigorating walking holiday in Staffordshire.

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