On the water suggested itinerary for groups in The National Forest

Messing about on the water

Morning

Enjoy a guided tour around Shardlow Heritage Centre in the historic Inland Port. Located at the eastern end of the Trent & Mersey Canal, Shardlow is one of only two surviving inland canal ports in the country.

Lunch

Barton Marina is an essential canal-side stop-off point to the south of Burton upon Trent. You can stroll through the adjacent woodlands, browse around the lovely shops and enjoy lunch at the Waterfront pub and restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, walk to nearby Branston Water Park - a wonderful place to watch wildlife due to its wide variety of meadows, woodland and wetland habitats.

Other ideas for lazy days on waterways

Barton Marina

Barton under Needwood,
Staffordshire

Superb Waterside destination with pub/restaurant, 13 retail shops, lakes, fishery, nature walk, garden centre and boat marina. The Waterfront Pub and restaurant is open every day including Christmas Day. Shops open every day except Christmas Day.

Trent Washlands

A large area of the River Trent floodplain close to Burton on Trent town centre. Attractions include Stapenhill Gardens, the Viking ship play area, a sculpture trail and nature walks. Wildlife can be found throughout the site, especially in the Burton Mail Woodland and on wildfowl scrapes. Angling, canoeing and rowing take place on the river through membership of local clubs.

Canal Boat Hire

Embark on a relaxing canal boat holiday with Aqua Narrowboat Hire. Or for a shorter trip hop on at Moira Furnace to cruise along the recently restored Ashby Canal to Conkers.