Branston: Water, Trails and Nature

Water, trails and open countryside give Branston its distinctive character. By the River Trent are both the Branston Leas Trail and the golf course at Branston Golf & Country Club; at Branston Water Park, paths lead through woodland and wetlands. There is also a nature reserve, golf and an architecturally interesting church building. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can consider whether you would prefer to spend your days on nature trails, by the lake, playing golf or taking in the local architecture.

Around Branston Water Park

A level footpath runs around the entire lake at Branston Water Park. Along the way, it passes through woodland, wetlands and a wildflower meadow; there are also several viewing platforms and picnic benches beside the path. This offers a practical way to experience the park’s landscape on a walk around the water.

The lake has an unusual origin story: it developed from a gravel pit that naturally filled with water after it was disused in the 1950s. Today it is home to carp, bream, tench, pike, roach, perch and eels. This variety of species is as much a part of the lake as the landscape along the path. The Hub Cafe is on the Branston Water Park grounds, next to the car park. As facilities can change, it is best to check what is currently available before your visit.

Trails through varied landscapes

For a longer riverside walk, the 2.6-mile Branston Leas Trail is a distinct option. It follows the banks of the River Trent and goes around Branston Leas Nature Reserve, passing young woodland and open countryside. The nature reserve covers 82 acres and was developed as a habitat for nature and wildlife. Unlike the lake circuit, this trail combines a stated distance with a riverside setting, young woodland and open terrain.

Stage 9 of the National Forest Way offers a different kind of route: it leads from Rosliston Forestry Centre towards Branston Water Park. The route follows roads, unsurfaced tracks, paths, forest roads and farmland. This mix sets the stage apart from the trails around the lake and Branston Leas Nature Reserve. When planning your days, you can therefore first consider whether you are looking for a circuit around a lake, a riverside trail or a longer stage with varied surfaces and landscapes.

Golf and architecture as additional highlights

Golf is also among the established activities in Branston. The 18-hole championship course at Branston Golf & Country Club runs along the River Trent. Woodland Adventure Golf is set in the wooded surroundings of Branston.

St Saviour’s Church in Branston, designed by architect Vincent Cook, is a cultural landmark. Along with the nature trails and golf options, it broadens the range of interests that can shape your travel plans. If you are planning around different interests, you can group the activities by type: trails and landscapes, outdoor activities or architecture. This makes the kind of stay you want a useful starting point for looking for a holiday apartment in Branston, without assuming a particular property or location.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kinver, Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Cheddleton, Stone, Brocton, Dunston, Hamstall Ridware.

For the main travel overview: Staffordshire.