GO TO TOWN Ashby de la Zouch – battlements and bazaars Lose yourself amongst the remains of Ashby’s fascinating 15th-century castle. Elsewhere, browse Ashby’s market and independent shops, visit the town’s intriguing museum or take a dip in the seasonal outdoor lido at Hood Park Leisure Centre.
Attractions GUIDE Great places to visit, hidden treasures, attractions and events across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire
IT’S GREAT OUTDOORS Pull on your walking boots: Try one of our 22 circular walks or take on the 75-mile National Forest Way. In spring, enjoy a bluebell walk at Lodge Hill Bluebells or join a guided walk as part of the National Forest Walking Festival in May.
Welcome to the
NATIONAL FOREST
Swap two feet for two wheels: Experience the Forest by bike: bring your own or hire one from Hicks Lodge: the National Forest Cycle Centre or Rosliston Forestry Centre. Woodlands Explore one of our many woodlands including the Woodland Trust’s flagship Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, Leicestershire County
Burton upon Trent – beer and football Long Britain’s beer capital, a tour of the National Brewery Centre and Marston’s Brewery provide insights into its heritage. You can get active in the Meadowside Leisure Centre, while just outside of the town lies St George’s Park, home of the FA’s National Football Centre and key to England’s sporting future.
Council’s Beacon Hill Country Park, Donisthorpe Woodland Park & Snibston Country Park and Forestry Commission’s Sence Valley Forest Park. Go fishing: Fishing is available at Springwood Fisheries in Lount and Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes in Rosliston as well as other venues listed overleaf. Run wild: The Forest hosts two popular parkruns at Conkers and Rosliston. Endurance runners will also enjoy the Go Ultra challenge events.
Walk free in the
Swadlincote – clay and coalmining Famous for coal and clay mining the town today has a variety of offerings all framed by woodland,
to suit every taste. The Pipeworks, in the heart of the town centre, boasts a cinema, food & drink and retail outlets. Coalville – collieries and countryside Coalville owes its existence to the coal industry, dating back to medieval times. Today, wildlife is returning to Coalville’s former industrial sites, as is shown by a visit to Snibston Country Park or the Grange Nature Reserve.
BEAUTIFULLY RELAXING SPAS
Melbourne– abbey and arts This attractive Georgian town not only has a rich history - with imposing 12th-century church, 14thcentury castle ruins, 18thcentury Melbourne Hall and, nearby Calke Abbey – it’s also a bustling market town with local produce, galleries, antiques shops and clothing alongside a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bistros.
FOREST
Roots to the
Spending a whole day at one of our luxurious spas is pure, pampering heaven. Whether you need the calming influence of a short break or just a quick fix with some individual treatments, here are some places that can help you really relax and recharge: Hoar Cross Hall, near Burton upon Trent, a spa resort set in a Grade II stately home. Champneys, the original health spa set in 31 acres
of beautiful parkland near Ashby de la Zouch. Reeds Health Club & Spa at the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel sits in the heart of Kegworth village and boasts Marco Pierre White cuisine. Visit the Health Club & Spa at St George’s Park, home to the FA’s National Football Centre near Burton upon Trent, to sample a few treatments, sauna, and steam room in a contemporary setting.
PAST
Quench your
THIRST
Timber The International Forest Festival
6/7/8 July 2018 In the heart of the National Forest
timberfestival.org.uk
Tourist Information Centres Ashby de la Zouch, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU Tel: 01530 411767 Email: ashby.tic@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Swadlincote, Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, West Street, Swadlincote DE11 9DG Tel: 01283 222848 Email: tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk
Photo credits: the National Forest partners and venues, 2020 Vision/Ben Hall, Chris Beech, Ian Kenny, Jacqui Rock, Kevin Tebutt & Wild Rumpus/Teneight. The paper used for this publication is an FSC certified product produced at an ISO 9001 certified mill.
To help plan your visit and browse accommodation venues in the National Forest please visit visitnationalforest.co.uk
Spread over three counties and covering 200 square miles, the National Forest is a wonderfully varied landscape that is greening the heart of the country. Spend some time here and you can explore ancient forests and newly planted woodland mixed with wild flower meadows and rugged rocky uplands. But take a closer look and you’ll find there’s much more to discover. Whether you are interested in history and heritage, family fun, arts
and crafts or just looking for somewhere to go for a relaxing stroll or cycle along beautiful paths and trails, this guide can give you some inspiration for a day out or longer stay.
TEMPTING TREATS You’ll find local produce at farmers’ markets in Ashby de la Zouch, (3rd Sunday of the month), Castle Donnington (2nd Saturday) and Burton upon Trent, (2nd Thursday). Alternatively, visit one of our fabulous farm shops like Betty’s Farm and Shop in Willington, Cattows Farm Shop in Heather, Hill Farm Shop in Packington and Scaddows near Ticknall.
Wander through
BLUEBELLS
Thirsty? In Burton upon Trent, the home of beer, you can whet your whistle at the Burton Bridge Brewery or the William Worthington, at the National Brewery Centre.
Time for another? Other breweries in the Forest include the Tap House near Ashby de la Zouch, Boot Beer Brewery in Repton, Tollgate Brewery at Calke Abbey, and the John Thompson Inn, Ingleby, home to the oldest microbrewery in the country. Alternatively, why not tour Burleighs Gin Distillery in Nanpantan for a tot of their London Dry Gin.
CREATIVITY GROWS ON TREES Make pottery personal and paint it at The Mug Tug at Barton Marina, The Mug Tug Too at Mercia Marina, Crackpotz Ceramic Café in Alrewas, Paint a Pot Craft Studios at the Ferrers Centre and Chatterbox Ceramic Café in Tutbury. Continuing the art theme, there’s the annual Festival of the Creative and Performing Arts in Melbourne during September, the vibrant Ashby Arts Festival in May and the new Timber Festival in July where music, art, philosophy
and sustainability will weave together into an exhilarating weekend in the heart of the Forest. For music fans, there’s Download, Bearded Theory and Bloodstock festivals and for the foodies there’s the Edible Forest in September and the popular Sausage & Cider Festivals. For a full list of events see visitnationalforest.co.uk or contact a Tourist Information Centre.
Make magical
MOMENTS
FOREST EXPERIENCES & OUTDOOR LEISURE Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery
Mercia Marina
Catton Hall & Park
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Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW Tel. 01283 703332 merciamarina.co.uk As well as a boating destination, Derbyshire’s biggest marina is perfect for walkers, cyclists or people who want to shop & enjoy crafts, gallery, restaurant, hairdresser, homewares, cappuccino & cake.
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Annwell Lane, Smisby, Ashby de la Zouch, Derbyshire LE65 2TA Tel. 01530 413700 bluebellnursery.com This beautiful nine-acre woodland garden has a large collection of rare and unusual trees and shrubs. A visit here is always interesting whatever the time of year.
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National Forest Llama Treks Bradgate Park
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Pot Kiln Lakeside Café & Fishing Lake
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BartonunderNeedwood
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Charnwood Forest Alpacas
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Ashby Road, Boundary, Leicestershire, DE11 7BA Tel: 01283 552854 pukkapacas.com Experience a wonderful walk with alpacas followed by some delicious food in the Chilli Bean Kitchen.
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Melbourne Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Lount LE65 1RS Tel. 01283 763350 fieldsportuk.co.uk This award winning outdoor activity centre, based in the heart of The National Forest, is fantastic fun for everyone. No previous experience required as expert instructors provide instruction.
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Moira 10
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Loughborough
Shepshed
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Coalville
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Markfield
Melbourne Hall and Gardens
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Steam Railway Forest Experiences & Outdoor Leisure
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
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Family Fun Heritage Forest Culture
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Calke Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8DN Tel. 01332 865081 stwater.co.uk/my-severn-trent/our-visitorsites/staunton-harold/ Staunton Harold Reservoir, owned and managed by Severn Trent is an attractive, relaxing haven for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and families, providing an interesting & varied day out.
Welcome to the NATIONAL FOREST If you’re coming by car or coach, the National Forest is easily accessible from all parts of the country. If you are coming by train full timetables are available by calling 03457 484950 or visiting nationalrail.co.uk
Advanced Booking Required
Dog Friendly
Toilets
Charges Apply
Free Entry
Walking Trails
Children’s Play Area
Parking
Wheelchair Access
Cycling Trails
Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre
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Money Hill Farm, Stretton en le Field, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 8AE Tel. 01283 762248 forest4wd.co.uk Get an introduction to safe off-road driving with expert instructor-led training, which gives the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the skills required.
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Conkers
Forest Harvest
Thornton Reservoir
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Trent Adventure
Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, LE65 12RU Tel. 01332 864529 greenwooddays.co.uk Learn traditional greenwood skills in a fantastic woodland workshop including Windsor Chair making, willow weaving, greenwood turning and more. Courses from 1-7 days, 1-1 sessions and family days. All levels welcome.
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Reservoir Road, Thornton, Leicestershire LE67 1AR Tel. 01332 865081 stwater.co.uk/my-severn-trent/our-visitorsites/thornton/ Thornton Reservoir, owned and managed by Severn Trent, is a peaceful, picturesque location that offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
Woodmill Workshop, Woodmill, Yoxall, Staffordshire DE13 8PG Tel. 07802 401995 forestharvest.co.uk Join a self-guided tour of a 30 year old forest garden where you will find lots of ideas for sustainable living and good gardening practices. See website for open days.
Highfields Happy Hens
Willesley Woodside, Moira, Swadlincote, Leicestershire LE65 2UP Tel. 01530 274533 aecatering.co.uk This former opencast coal mine has been transformed into an exciting cycling and walking destination for all ages and abilities. With an excellent café, children’s play area & bike hire.
Woodland Survival Crafts
Tropical Birdland
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Postern Road, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent DE13 9SJ Tel. 01283 533933 adventurefarm.co.uk A day of adventure awaits whatever the weather! Meet and feed the animals, explore the outdoor Funfield and take on the drop slides in the huge indoor play area.
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Spring Wood, Staunton Harold Estate, Melbourne DE73 8BJ Tel. 07736 225035 woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com Supplying a wide variety of quality Bush craft courses since 1995. Focused days for schools, approved training courses for outdoor professionals and great days for businesses, families and individuals.
Rebound Trampoline Park
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Smisby Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2UE Tel. 01530 567045 reboundashby.co.uk A 22,000 square foot indoor trampoline park filled with over 10,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines. Come along and join the fun or enjoy a coffee in our Relax Café.
HERITAGE
Twycross Zoo
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Burton Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 3PX Tel. 0844 474 1777 twycrosszoo.org Twycross is the only zoo in the UK to have every type of great ape (gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee and bonobo) as well as being home to many other iconic species.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle
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Century Theatre
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National Memorial Arboretum
Ferrers Centre
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Ashby de la Zouch Museum LE65 1HU Tel: 01530 560090 ashbymuseum.org.uk
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Sutton Cheney, Nuneaton, Leicestershire CV13 0AD Tel. 01455 290429 bosworthbattlefield.org.uk Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells the timeless and dramatic story of the Battle of Bosworth on Monday 22nd August 1485, which marked a major turning point in English history.
Ticknall, Derby, Derbyshire DE73 7JF (for SatNav) Tel. 01332 863822 nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. Beyond the house, there’s over 600 acres of inspiring parkland to explore.
Sealwood Cottage and Vineyard
Sealwood Lane, Linton, Derbyshire DE12 6PA Tel. 01283 761371 sealwoodcottage.co.uk Raise a glass of English wine at our South Derbyshire vineyard with on-site selfcatering accommodation and caravan park. Regular tours and wine tasting events held throughout the year.
For all the latest information on events, attractions and more visit visitnationalforest.co.uk
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SPORTS
Castle Donington Museum 41 DE74 2JA Tel: 01332 812711 castledoningtonmuseum.org.uk Diseworth Heritage Centre DE74 2DA Tel: 07891 628292 diseworthcentre.org
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Grace Dieu Priory LE67 5UG Tel: 01530 223201 gracedieupriory.org.uk
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Kegworth Museum DE74 2DA Tel: 01509 670137
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Measham Museum 45 DE12 7HU Tel: 01530 271724 meashammuseum.btck.co.uk
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
North West Leicestershire Museums
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Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold, near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1RU Tel. 01332 864863 ferrerscentre.co.uk 16 craft workshops within a magnificent Georgian courtyard. Includes arts and crafts, bespoke framing service, Ferrers gallery, artisan bakery and deli, hairdressers, textiles, automata, artists studios & tearoom.
Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR Tel. 01283 245100 thenma.org.uk The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance. A growing, living tribute, it is home to 350 memorials, around 30,000 trees and a diverse range of wildlife.
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Calke Abbey National Trust
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Century Theatre, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LN Tel. 01530 278444 centurytheatre.co.uk At the end of WW2, when many theatres were destroyed, Britain’s oldest travelling theatre was created to offer a completely mobile stage, auditorium, dressing rooms and box office.
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South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1BR Tel. 01530 413343 english-heritage.org.uk Enjoy the impressive ruins of a medieval manor house turned castle, climb to the top of the great tower and walk the underground passage.
Bosworth Battlefield
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Duke Street, Burton upon Trent DE14 1AA brewhouse.co.uk Located in the very heart of Burton upon Trent, The Brewhouse is the perfect place to enjoy theatre, comedy, live music, exhibitions and workshops, or relax in our café/bar.
Horninglow Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1NG Tel. 01283 532880 nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk The National Brewery Centre celebrates the social history of the development of brewing - the real life experiences and stories of the people who helped to build Burton’s world-renowned brewing reputation.
Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone, Leicestershire CV13 6NW battlefieldline.co.uk Take a trip aboard a steam or diesel heritage train operating from Shackerstone, Market Bosworth and Shenton stations runs between March and December. See website for the full timetable.
Lindridge Lane, Desford, Leicestershire LE9 9GN Tel. 01455 824603 tropicalbirdland.com Set in 6.5 acres of English countryside, Tropical Birdland is home to over 250 birds with a variety of free-flying parrots, aviaries, chick room, woodland area, outdoor children’s play area and restaurant.
Brewhouse Arts Centre
Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6AT Tel. 01283 224667 moirafurnace.org This ancient blast furnace beside the Ashby Canal is now the centre of a great day out with a play area, woodlands, picnic sites, tea room, craft village and events throughout the year.
National Brewery Centre
Battlefield Line
Stonehurst Farm, Bond Lane, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7AR Tel. 01509 413216 stonehurstfarm.co.uk There is something for everyone here, with friendly farm animals, play areas, fantastic motor museum, farm shop and teashop selling home made produce. Plus the chance to ride on a tractor.
National Forest Adventure Farm
Poplars Farm, Twyford, Barrow upon Trent, Derbyshire DE73 7HJ Tel. 07876 751599 trentadventure.co.uk Park your car, pack a picnic and hire a canoe. Explore South Derbyshire from the beautiful rivers and canals and get picked up at the end of your adventure.
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Stonehurst Family Farm 26
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Highfields Farm, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derby DE65 6LS Tel. 01293 735063 highfieldshappyhens.co.uk A unique open farm experience for all ages where you can feed the animals, collect eggs and much more! Tractor and trailers rides and chick handling Saturdays & school holidays.
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Burton Road, Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 8JX Tel. 01283 563483 roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk If you’re looking for family fun or quiet woodland walks you’ve found the right place. All year round, our mix of woodland and meadow, ponds and play areas are perfect.
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Rawdon Road (B586), Moira, Nr. Ashby de la Zouch DE12 6GA Tel. 01283 216633 visitconkers.com A whole day of family adventures! 120 acres to explore with outdoor play, the Barefoot Walk, CONKERCHOO and much more. Indoors, experience the adventure play zone and new 4D cinema.
Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8LP Tel. 01283 217200 jnlswadlincote.co.uk Enjoy sensational snow action all year round in the heart of The National Forest. Try sno-tubing, tobogganing and the viper slide. Also skiing and snowboarding, with lessons available for every level.
Please contact venues directly for opening times and admission prices.
Restaurant/Café
Rosliston Forestry Centre
Swadlincote Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, West Street, Swadlincote DE11 9DG Tel: 01283 222848 Email: tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk
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to BIRMINGHAM
Tourist Information
Ashby de la Zouch North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU Tel: 01530 411767 Email: ashby.tic@nwleicestershire.gov.uk
Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EN Tel. 01332862502 melbournehall.com Once the home of Lord Melbourne who gave his name to the Australian city, this historic home and gardens with their famous wrought iron arbour, guarantees a tranquil time.
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Tamworth
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
FOREST CULTURE
50 Ibstock
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Manor Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2FW Tel. 01455 290429 doningtonleheath.org.uk Step back in time through the doors of the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath. A stunning refurbishment lets you experience the life of people in the 17th-century.
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Polly Botts Lane, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire LE67 9QE Tel. 01530 248040 nationaltrust.org.uk/stoneywell Zig-zagging from a rocky outcrop, Stoneywell is the realisation of one man’s Arts and Crafts vision. Explore quirky rooms filled with family treasures whilst outside, every turn conjures childhood holiday memories.
Donington le Heath 1620s House & Garden
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23 West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DG tel. 01283 222600 sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk Discover the industrial history and heritage of South Derbyshire’s once prolific pottery industry. See everything from bricks and toilets to elaborate art pottery.
Stoneywell National Trust
Meadow Lane, Stretton, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 0DA Tel. 01283 509929 claymills.org.uk Discover our fascinating industrial heritage at the most complete Victorian Pumping Station in the UK. See more than 20 stationary steam engines, including two working, five storey high, Gimson beam engines.
National Forest Way (NFW)
Train Station
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Measham
FAMILY FUN
Hicks Lodge: The National Forest Cycle Centre
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National Forest Boundary
Dual Carriageway
Staunton Harold Visitor Centre
Milton, Derbyshire, DE65 6EG Tel: 01332 865081 stwater.co.uk/my-severn-trent/ourvisitor-sites/foremark-reservoir/ Foremark Reservoir is owned and managed by Severn Trent. The site is an attractive mix of grassland and woodland, with plenty of open space, perfect for a family day out.
Greenwood Days
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Sports
Foremark Reservoir
Forest Four Wheel Drive
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LICHFIELD
Motorway
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5
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A Road
Stapenhill Road, Burton upon Trent DE15 9AP eaststaffsbc.gov.uk Stapenhill Gardens is Burton upon Trent’s premier park. Pay a visit to see the iconic Swan statue, the new Diversitree artwork and stunning Victorian tiered floral planting.
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Ashby-de-la-Zouch
NFW Link Path
Stapenhill Gardens 5
MAP 4
Overseal
Kegworth
Melbourne
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16 36 20 32 53 9
Woodville
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B Road
Field Sport UK
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Alrewas
Shortheath Road, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BW Tel. 01283 763777 shortheathwater.co.uk Well stocked coarse fishing lake open daily for day tickets with the Lakeside Bistro serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, Tuesday to Sunday. Lakeview Lodge selfcatering accommodation available all year.
Castle Donington
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49 Swadlincote 56 17 55 25
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8
Shortheath Water
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15 51 23 Burton upon Trent 38
New Street, Measham, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7JN Tel. 01530 273901 Day tickets available for 22 peg well stocked carp lake, lakeside café serving delicious food, in beautiful surroundings with woodland walk. Visit to see dragonflies, butterflies, bird life and fishing.
Lichfield Road (A38), Branston, Burton DE14 3HD eaststaffsbc.gov.uk Situated just off the A38, this once opencast gravel pit is now a nature park complete with café, children’s play area and a relaxing circular path around the lake.
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Willington
260 Lichfield Road Barton Under Needwood, Burton upon Trent DE13 8ED Tel. 01283 711702 nationalforestllamatreks.co.uk Experience the great outdoors by going for a walk that’s out of the ordinary, alongside the lovely, calming influence of a llama. We offer treks, introductory sessions and group bookings.
Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HE Tel. 0116 236 2713 bradgatepark.org Explore the 830 acres of wild & rugged countryside – home of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic 9 day Queen. Exhibitions tell the story of the park in our Visitor Centre.
Branston Water Park
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Uttoxeter
Sharpe’s Pottery Museum
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Catton Park, Catton, Derbyshire DE12 8LN catton-hall.com Catton Park hosts a calendar of events throughout the summer months from Music Festivals to Horse Trials, Classic Car Shows to a Fireworks Festival. See website for full calendar of events.
Green Bank Leisure Centre
Sir John Moore Heritage Centre DE12 7AH Tel: 01530 273629 sirjohnmoore.org.uk
Civic Way, Swadlincote DE11 0AD Tel. 01283216269 activenation.org.uk Aspiring climbers, from beginners to experts, can enjoy this state-of-the-art indoor climbing zone in South Derbyshire. Join the 1,500 intrepid explorers, who have so far scaled the 16 stations.
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Swannington Heritage 47 Trust Mill LE67 8QU Tel: 01530 222833 swannington-heritage.co.uk Whitwick Historial Group 48 Resource Centre LE67 5HA Tel: 01530 411767 whitwickhistoricalgroup.org.uk
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Swadlincote Family Golf Centre – N1Golf
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19 William Nadin Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 0BB Tel. 01283 229839 swadlincotegolfcentre.com A fun and relaxed venue with highly experienced PGA Qualified Golf Coaches. New for Spring 2018 - 18 Hole Dinosaur Adventure Crazy Golf for all ages to explore and enjoy.