Barton Marina

As well as being home to more than 300 boats, Barton Marina is a lovely place to visit and explore the varied local countryside including canal towpaths and woodland walks.  

The National Forest contains many waterways and Barton Marina, on the Trent and Mersey Canal, is one of the biggest marinas in the area. The whole family will enjoy strolling past the rows of impressive boats moored at Barton and then you can have a snack or more hearty meal at one of the marina’s cafés or restaurants. If you are looking to enjoy some browsing and shopping during your visit, Barton Marina has several independent and family-run businesses, offering everything from leather goods, high-end clothing and accessories, local and ethical food produce, and contemporary art. 

When you are ready to explore the local area, you can set off on the pathways to enjoy wildlife spotting along this important habitat.  

Walkers can enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile wander around the marina and its network of paths around the lakes and woodland. However, if you are feeling more intrepid, why not do the eight-mile silver circuit? It is a route created to celebrate 25 years since trees were first planted in the National Forest and passes through Needwood Forest and the Trent Valley.  

With its rich mix of fascinating boats, shops, restaurants and local wildlife walks, Barton Marina is a great place to explore the landscape and industrial heritage of Staffordshire.  

• Cafes and restaurants 
• Facilities for mooring boats  
• Retail outlets 
• Walking trails 
• Disabled parking

• Waterfront pub open: Licensing hours 
• Shops open: 10am-4.30pm