Discover Burton-upon-Trent

Burton-upon-Trent combines urban history, riverside landscapes, culture and brewing traditions. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find historical sites, waterside paths, opportunities for observing nature, events and insights into the local beer culture here. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether your days should be shaped more by sightseeing, walks, active routes or shared discoveries.

History and notable buildings

Burton Abbey is one of the town's most impressive historical points of interest. The abbey was founded in 1002 by Wulfric Spot. The remains include underground features, standing remains and earthworks visible above ground. They are located in the centre of Burton upon Trent on the western bank of the river. For a trip focused on history, the site provides a tangible reason to explore Burton-upon-Trent's medieval past in greater detail.

The Church of St Modwen adds a distinctly different architectural accent. The Palladian parish church was built in 1719–26 and preserves a 15th-century font. Burton upon Trent Market Hall adds its own architectural history to the townscape: it was completed in 1883 and extended in 1925. Its eclectic Renaissance architecture and remarkable stone carvings make it an interesting subject for anyone who is not looking for just one individual building during a visit to the town.

Washlands, gardens and waterside paths

The Trent Washlands lie on the floodplain of the River Trent, which flows through Burton upon Trent. There you can observe herons, dragonflies and damselflies. The landscape is therefore particularly appealing to travellers who want to include peaceful moments in nature alongside cultural experiences. The TTV Burton Washlands Circular Walk follows the Trent Valley Way along the River Trent to the viaduct of the Leicester Line Bridge. The easy walk passes through grassland and agricultural tracks and offers a different perspective on the surrounding area.

Another opportunity for exercise is provided by the towpath along the Trent & Mersey Canal. A 5.5-mile section in Burton upon Trent has been renewed and widened. The improved route from Branston Water Park to the Dove Aqueduct provides a traffic-free route for pedestrians, boaters and cyclists all year round. The improvement project also included enhancing wildlife habitats along the canal. Anyone looking for holiday accommodation for a trip involving walks or cycle rides can consider such paths an important part of their daily planning.

Stapenhill Gardens combine formal gardens, open grassland, woodland and a play area. Five wooden sculptures and five rubbing posts stand along the paths from Stapenhill Hollows. The gardens also contain a swan sculpture with a planter, which the Borough Council commissioned in 1953. This creates several opportunities for discovery without every day of the trip having to focus on the same activity.

Culture, workshops and brewing traditions

The Brewhouse Arts Centre offers live music, comedy, theatre and other arts events. Practical workshops are also available. This allows you to add a cultural programme to your trip planning that goes beyond historical sightseeing and walks. Which event you include depends on the programme at the time; the range of themes nevertheless extends from the stage to hands-on participation.

Burton-upon-Trent is also closely associated with beer. The beers of the Heritage Brewing Company are brewed by the same team by hand using traditional methods. They can be sampled in the taproom and at The Burton Bridge Inn pub. This local perspective on the brewing craft is a suitable addition if you also want to include culinary and regional themes in your trip planning when choosing your accommodation.

Excursions in the surrounding area and suitable trip planning

In the area around Burton upon Trent, Claymills Victorian Pumping Station welcomes visitors on Thursdays and Saturdays. There you can watch the volunteers at work and take part in a guided tour. The site is a museum and archive with Victorian steam pumping engines. For a stay with children or several generations, such an additional discovery can provide variety alongside nature and cultural destinations, without all travellers having to share the same interests.

If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Burton-upon-Trent, you can use this desired mix as the basis for your further selection and divide your days between the town, waterways, gardens, observing nature and brewing culture.

Further places for trip planning

If you would also like to visit other destinations, here is a compact selection: Meerbrook, Cheddleton, Penkridge, Drointon, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanchurch, Great Haywood and Himley.

For the higher-level travel overview: Staffordshire.