Discover Burton-upon-Trent

Burton-upon-Trent offers several themes to help you plan your trip: abbey remains and historic architecture, nature watching along the River Trent, gardens and paths, as well as cultural events. If you are looking for a hotel in Burton-upon-Trent, you can structure your stay around your interests—for example, with a focus on history, scenery or a specific cultural offering.

Abbey, Church and Market Hall

The remains of Burton Abbey are in the centre of Burton upon Trent, on the west bank of the river. Burton Abbey was founded by Wulfric Spot in 1002 and is a Scheduled Monument. The remains include underground features, standing structures and earthworks visible above ground. The site therefore encompasses different forms of historical traces, from visible remains to those below ground.

The Church of St Modwen also offers a glimpse into architectural history: the Palladian parish church was built between 1719 and 1726 and preserves a 15th-century font. The church and the font thus date from different periods; the contrast brings together the early 18th-century construction phase and an older furnishing.

Burton upon Trent Market Hall was completed in 1883 and extended in 1925. Its eclectic Renaissance architecture and notable stone carvings create a different design accent from the Palladian style of the Church of St Modwen. The two buildings therefore differ both in the periods in which they were built and in their architectural design.

The River Trent and Green Spaces

The Trent Washlands lie on the floodplain of the River Trent, which flows through Burton upon Trent. Visitors can spot herons, dragonflies and damselflies there. Which animals you see depends on the season, so nature watching may vary according to when you travel.

Stapenhill Gardens include formal gardens, open grassland, woodland and a play area. The gardens also feature a swan sculpture with a planter, erected by the Borough Council in 1953.

Five wooden sculptures and five rubbing posts stand along the paths at Stapenhill Hollows. These offer several specific features to discover while spending time outdoors.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The TTV Burton Washlands Circular Walk follows the Trent Valley Way along the River Trent as far as the Leicester Line Bridge viaduct. An easy walk, it crosses grassland and farm tracks. Its route, destination and terrain provide concrete points to consider when planning a walk.

A 5.5-mile section of towpath along the Trent & Mersey Canal in Burton upon Trent has been renewed and widened. The improved towpath between Branston Water Park and Dove Aqueduct offers a traffic-free route all year round for walkers, boaters and cyclists. The improvement project also included enhancing wildlife habitats along the canal.

Different criteria matter when choosing a route: for the circular walk, the easy hike and its grassland and farm tracks are the main features. For the canal route, the year-round traffic-free path and the explicitly named user groups are key.

Culture, Workshops and Tastings

The Brewhouse Arts Centre offers live music, comedy, theatre and other arts events. There are also hands-on workshops. As the event programme and workshop availability change, it is worth checking the venue’s current events calendar before your trip.

Beers from the Heritage Brewing Company can be sampled at the Taproom and pub, The Burton Bridge Inn. Check the current taproom arrangements before visiting.

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, a museum and archive featuring Victorian steam pumping engines, is in Stretton, near Burton-upon-Trent. Visits take place on Thursdays and Saturdays; you can watch volunteers at work and take part in a guided tour.

Discover more destinations: Cheddleton, Perton, Brocton, Dunston, Gayton, Stafford, Seisdon, Endon.

For the broader travel overview: Staffordshire.