Trentham Gardens Day Trip: Guide from Burton upon Trent

A Spectacular Staffordshire Destination

Located on the southern edge of Stoke-on-Trent, the Trentham Estate is one of Staffordshire's premier visitor attractions. Spanning hundreds of acres of historic parkland, formal landscape architecture, and pristine natural waterways, Trentham Gardens offers a versatile day out for garden enthusiasts, families, and casual sightseers alike. If you are staying in Burton upon Trent, Trentham is a straightforward and rewarding day-trip destination that showcases the very best of the county's heritage and outdoor beauty.

From the contemporary planting of the Italian Gardens to tranquil strolls around the Capability Brown-designed lake, a visit here allows you to immerse yourself in nature before returning to the historic brewing town of Burton upon Trent for an evening of local dining.

Getting to Trentham Gardens from Burton upon Trent

One of the greatest advantages of using Burton upon Trent as your travel hub is its central position on the A38 corridor and easy road links to the A50. The drive from Three Queens Hotel to Trentham Gardens covers approximately 28 miles and typically takes between 35 and 45 minutes by car via the A50 westbound.

Guests setting out from Three Queens Hotel benefit from our free on-site parking, making it simple to load up your vehicle and hit the road at your own pace. If you prefer public transport, Burton upon Trent railway station is located just one mile from the hotel, offering regional rail connections via Derby or Stoke-on-Trent with connecting local buses to Trentham.

Top Things to See and Do at Trentham

Whether you plan to spend an entire afternoon or a full day exploring, Trentham Estate provides a wealth of attractions across its expansive grounds:

The Italian Gardens and Floral Labyrinths

At the heart of the estate lie the restored Italian Gardens, renowned for their modern perennial plantings designed by Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf. These vast formal beds burst into colour throughout spring and summer, set against the dramatic backdrop of historic stone balustrades, fountains, and statue remnants of the original Trentham Hall. Surrounding woodlands and floral labyrinths offer peaceful corners to sit, relax, and take in the horticulture.

Lakeside Walks and the Fairy Trail

A picturesque walking trail encircles the mile-long Capability Brown lake. As you walk the level perimeter path, keep an eye out for the whimsical wire fairy sculptures crafted by artist Robin Wight, suspended along the water's edge and hidden among the trees. The circular route provides lovely viewpoints of the surrounding woods, boat trips across the water during peak seasons, and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting, including herons, swans, and diverse waterfowl.

Trentham Shopping Village

Adjacent to the gardens is the Trentham Shopping Village, an open-air timber lodge village home to over 80 independent boutiques, regional craft shops, lifestyle stores, and an expansive garden centre. The shopping village also houses numerous independent cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries where you can stop for afternoon tea, light lunches, or coffee during your visit.

Trentham Monkey Forest

Situated within a separate woodland enclosure on the estate grounds is the Trentham Monkey Forest. This conservation sanctuary is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques living without bars or cages across 60 acres of English forest. A dedicated walking pathway allows visitors to observe these fascinating primates up close in a natural environment, making it a fantastic addition to your day trip, especially when visiting with family.

Evenings in Burton upon Trent: Dining and Craft Ales

After a full day of walking through the gardens and browsing the shops at Trentham, you can head back down the A50 to Burton upon Trent. The hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from the town centre, placing you within easy reach of Burton's vibrant selection of restaurants, traditional taverns, and international bistros.

As the historic brewing capital of the UK, Burton is home to several historic pubs where you can sample world-famous pale ales and regional craft beers alongside classic pub menus. Whether you fancy wood-fired pizza, Indian fine dining, or a hearty gastropub meal, you will find plenty of choices just a short stroll from Bridge Street.

Relax at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When your day is complete, return to Three Queens Hotel & Lodge for a restful night. Conveniently located on Bridge Street, our 62-room property is an ideal base for exploring Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and the wider Midlands.

We offer a comprehensive selection of room layouts to suit every travel itinerary, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside our spacious Mews Apartment and an elegant four-poster Suite. Every room features a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and a direct dial telephone.

During your stay, take advantage of our complimentary high-speed WiFi, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service. Our reception desk is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a dedicated night porter between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am to assist you whenever you arrive.

Explore our comfortable rooms to find the ideal layout for your next Staffordshire getaway, or book your stay online with Three Queens Hotel today.

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