Branston Water Park
A serene wetland haven transformed from a gravel pit, offering scenic walks, abundant wildlife, and fishing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Branston Water Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wetland haven transformed from a gravel pit, offering scenic walks, abundant wildlife, and fishing opportunities.
"Great short walk around the pond, great food at the canteen with a couple of tables."
🚶♀️ Easy Accessible Paths
Paths are well-maintained and clear, perfect for wheelchairs, prams, and leisurely strolls. :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Carp Fishing Hotspot
Known for its carp fishing opportunities. Check local regulations before casting a line. :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Lake
Central area
A picturesque wetland habitat teeming with birdlife and offering stunning reflections, especially at golden hour.
Trent and Mersey Canal Path
Adjacent to the park
Enjoy leisurely strolls or bike rides, spotting canal boats and diverse wildlife along this scenic waterway.
The Hub Cafe
Near the car park
A popular spot for refreshments, offering hot and cold food with lovely views of the park.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Fishing & Walking Hub
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Accessible Paths
Paths are well-maintained and clear, perfect for wheelchairs, prams, and leisurely strolls. :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Carp Fishing Hotspot
Known for its carp fishing opportunities. Check local regulations before casting a line. :fishing_pole:
📸 Nature Photography
Abundant wildlife and scenic views make it a dream for photographers, especially during sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:
☕ Refuel at The Hub
Enjoy great food and drinks at The Hub cafe, a convenient stop during your visit. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Accessible Paths
Paths are well-maintained and clear, perfect for wheelchairs, prams, and leisurely strolls. :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Carp Fishing Hotspot
Known for its carp fishing opportunities. Check local regulations before casting a line. :fishing_pole:
📸 Nature Photography
Abundant wildlife and scenic views make it a dream for photographers, especially during sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:
☕ Refuel at The Hub
Enjoy great food and drinks at The Hub cafe, a convenient stop during your visit. :coffee:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A great place for dog walks, but remember to keep them on a lead to protect the wildlife. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Branston Water Park for its beautiful scenery, accessible walking paths, and the convenience of The Hub cafe. It's a well-maintained spot for nature lovers, families, and anglers, offering a peaceful escape with plenty of wildlife to observe. Some minor traffic noise near the car park is noted, but generally considered minimal.
"Located next to the A38 (traffic noise is minimal and then only near the car park) the park offers beautiful scenery and several walking route options. It's possible to cycle to Barton Marina in about 20 minutes (or a good hour's walk) plus routes to many other local places and beauty spots.
The Hub cafe offers an excellent choice of hot & cold drinks as well as great food (hot and cold).
The new toilet block was long overdue but is ideal.
There are plenty of fishing spots, plentiful parking and almost limitless photo opportunities."
Dave Knight
"Great short walk around the pond, great food at the canteen with a couple of tables.
Plenty of parking.
Easy walk with clear path easy for elderly, zimmers and wheelchairs"
Randall Hutter
"May 2025
This is a great place to take the family.
There's a lovely cafe and two super clean toilets just by a large free car park.
A well maintained path is good for walkers, runners, or cyclists and goes all around the water
Near the cafe is an adventure playground and a picnic spot with several beaches.
Branston Water Park lies just by The Trent and Mersey Canal, so you can do a spot of boat watching at a lock"
Jeremy Trew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Branston Water Park is located near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. For those using public transport, local bus routes may serve the area, and it's also reachable by cycling along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Branston Water Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The park is situated alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, offering a pleasant cycling route. You can cycle to Barton Marina in about 20 minutes.
While specific bus routes can vary, the park is generally accessible. It's best to check local bus timetables for services running near Branston.
The park is located near the A38, but reviews suggest that traffic noise is minimal and only noticeable near the car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Branston Water Park is a public park and entry is free for all visitors.
As an outdoor park, Branston Water Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. The Hub cafe will have its own operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Branston Water Park as it is a free public access area.
Yes, there are clean toilet facilities available near the cafe and car park.
The park features a well-maintained, clear path that goes all around the water, making it easy for elderly visitors, those using Zimmer frames, and wheelchair users.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, birdwatching, photography, cycling along the canal, and fishing. There's also an adventure playground for children.
Yes, it's a thriving wetland habitat with reed beds, making it a great spot for observing various bird species.
Yes, Branston Water Park offers plenty of fishing spots, particularly for carp.
Yes, there is an adventure playground located near the cafe, making it a great destination for families.
You can expect to see ducks, swans, and other wildfowl. The wetland habitat supports a variety of wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, 'The Hub' cafe is located near the car park and offers a good selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as food.
The cafe serves a choice of hot and cold drinks and great food, including hot and cold options.
Yes, there are picnic spots available, including some near the adventure playground and beaches.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the designated areas.
Yes, there are local facilities within walking distance, including a Coop, an Indian restaurant, and a pub.
📸 📸 Photography
The main lake offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. The canal path also provides scenic opportunities with boats and wildlife. 
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most stunning light for photography, creating beautiful reflections on the water.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and couple portraits are popular due to the scenic environment and wildlife.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and a tripod for low-light conditions or capturing reflections would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing some birdseed (check if allowed) to feed the ducks and swans, which is always a hit with younger visitors. The relatively short walking loops around the lake are manageable for short attention spans, and the proximity to the canal offers additional interest with boat watching.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the park's status as a wetland habitat, attracting a variety of birdlife and other wildlife. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching and simply enjoying the tranquility of the natural environment. The transformation from its industrial past to a thriving ecological area is also a point of interest.
🎣 Anglers
Remember to check and comply with all local fishing regulations and licensing requirements before you cast your line. The accessible paths around the lake can also make it convenient for anglers to reach their preferred spots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Branston Water Park by Foot
Many visitors find the paths to be very accessible, suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and those with mobility aids. The clear, flat surfaces ensure an enjoyable experience for all ages and abilities. Remember to wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan on covering longer distances along the canal.
Beyond the main paths, the park is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, ducks, and swans. The transformation from a gravel pit to a thriving wetland is a testament to nature's resilience, offering a peaceful escape and numerous opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Fishing and Angling at Branston Water Park
It's important for anyone planning to fish to be aware of and adhere to local angling regulations and licensing requirements. While specific details on permits and rules are best checked with local authorities or fishing associations, the presence of dedicated fishing spots indicates its popularity among the angling community.
The surrounding environment, with its natural beauty and wildlife, adds to the overall experience for anglers. It provides a tranquil backdrop for a day spent by the water, combining the sport with the enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
Photography Opportunities
+1Beyond the lake, the Trent and Mersey Canal offers a different photographic perspective. Capturing narrowboats, the lock systems, and the tree-lined towpath can add variety to your portfolio. Wildlife photography is also a major draw, with opportunities to photograph various bird species, ducks, and swans in their natural habitat.
For those looking to capture couples or family moments, the park's natural beauty provides a charming backdrop. Reels and TikToks often showcase romantic shots or happy family outings against the scenic water and greenery, highlighting its appeal for portrait photography.
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