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Staffordshire
East Staffordshire

Stapenhill

Attractions and Places To See around Stapenhill - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Stapenhill include a blend of natural beauty and historical sites. Situated within Burton upon Trent, this area features the River Trent, offering varied elevations and green spaces like Stapenhill Gardens. Visitors can explore Victorian engineering marvels and cultural landmarks, providing diverse points of interest. The region combines riverside landscapes with historical structures, making it suitable for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Stapenhill

  • The most popular attractions is Moira Furnace and Canal, a historical site located next to the small mining town of Moira. It features a visitor's centre, museum, and children's play area, with footpaths leading to nearby woodlands.
  • Another must-see spot is Ticknall Tramway Tunnel, a historical site that was part of a horse-drawn tramway used to transport lime. A torch is recommended for exploring the tunnel.
  • Visitors also love Conkers Waterside, a lake area with extensive walking trails and facilities. It is located in the National Forest and connects to several local footpaths.
  • Stapenhill is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from riverside gardens to engineering landmarks.
  • The attractions around Stapenhill are appreciated by the komoot community, with 95 upvotes and 61 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Moira Furnace and Canal

Highlight • Historical Site

Moira Furnace next to the small old mining town of Moira is on the edge of the canal with easily accessible footpaths leading past Moira lime kilns to nearby Donisthorp woodland and on to the Ivanhoe way.
This furnace as well as having good free parking a visitors centre, museum and childrens play area is also the inspiration for one of the key locations in perhaps the greatest fantasy novel of all time; The Mines of Moria in JRR Tolkien The Lord of the Rings is based directly on the mining town of Moira.

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Ticknall Tramway Tunnel

Highlight • Historical Site

Interesting history. A torch comes in handy.

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Ferry Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent.

Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton.

The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.

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National Memorial Arboretum

Highlight • Natural

Built to honour the lives of those who died during conflicts, the National Memorial Arboretum is an interesting place to visit, especially if you are interested in military history. You can learn more about Britain's conflicts at the exhibition galleries or reflect on the tyranny of war at the restaurants, cafe and courtyard garden. The arboretum has over 30,000 trees and 350 memorials.

A church service takes place in the Millenium Chapel of Peace every morning at 11am, when the Last Post is played. The arboretum is open from 10am - 4pm. You can find more information here: thenma.org.uk

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Conkers Waterside

Highlight • Lake

Conkers is great day out with a young family. Lots of outdoor walks, adventure playground, cafes, indoor adventure area and more. My kids loved it.
Conkers is in the National Forest and sits on several of the National Forest trails and other footpaths. The Conkers Circuit (5m) is a favourite of mine for a gentle morning stroll.

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Tips from the Community

Mike Turland
June 24, 2025, Conkers Waterside

A great place to walk and a visit to waterside is a must in the Sun

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Can become very muddy when its been raining, besides this it is a very peaceful spot in nature and wonderful to roam around the woods.

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The canal is a lovely place for a walk, especially on a sunny day when the water reflects beautifully. There's a large forest area adjacent to the canal, with trails leading back to the path. You'll also find a museum, some small shops, and public restrooms. It's a great place for a day out, whether you're looking for adventure, walking the dog, fishing, or just grabbing a bite at the cafe!

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Didn't see any conkers, was a bit disappointed

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A cool bit of industrial heritage

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It was a horse drawn tramway to take the lime to the canal. Went down through the middle of Ashby to Willesley wood. Picked up with the coal from Oakthorpe pit to head for the early steel mills probably around Coventry on the Ashby canal. Spooky to imagine the ghosts of horses and carts as they rattled away down the line.

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lovely walk. donisthorpe woods great for pushchairs etc. path to oakthorpe walkers only

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Adie
March 21, 2023, Ferry Bridge

Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Stapenhill?

Stapenhill and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can visit Moira Furnace and Canal, a significant industrial heritage site with a museum and visitor's centre. Another interesting historical spot is the Ticknall Tramway Tunnel, part of a former horse-drawn tramway, where a torch is recommended for exploration. The Ferry Bridge itself is a Victorian engineering marvel, a unique semi-suspension bridge with a rich history.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Stapenhill area?

Yes, there are several family-friendly attractions. Moira Furnace and Canal features a children's play area, museum, and easy footpaths. Conkers Waterside is excellent for families, offering outdoor walks, an adventure playground, cafes, and an indoor adventure area. The National Memorial Arboretum is also family-friendly, providing a reflective space with extensive grounds.

What natural features and green spaces can I find in Stapenhill?

Stapenhill is known for its beautiful green spaces, particularly the Stapenhill Gardens. These gardens stretch along the River Trent, featuring woodlands, lawns, wildflower meadows, and formal planted areas. You can also find the iconic artificial swan sculpture and the 'Diversitree' within the gardens. The area also includes Stapenhill Hollows and a Woodland Walk, offering varied elevations and natural landscapes.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Stapenhill's attractions?

The area around Stapenhill is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes along the River Trent, with routes like the 'Stapenhill Suspension Bridge – Andresey Bridge loop'. For more extensive walking, Conkers Waterside offers numerous walking trails within the National Forest. Cyclists can explore road cycling routes such as the 'Trent Valley loop'. For more details on routes, refer to the easy hikes around Stapenhill guide or the hiking around Stapenhill guide.

Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?

Yes, the Ferry Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a pleasant pedestrian crossing over the River Trent. Many of the paths within Stapenhill Gardens are also generally accessible, offering a chance to enjoy the riverside scenery.

Where can I find cultural points of interest in Stapenhill?

Beyond the natural beauty, Stapenhill has cultural sites like St Peter's Church, built of Derbyshire sandstone. The Stapenhill Cemetery, opened in 1866, features a distinctive Gothic-style gateway and offers views over the Trent valley. Additionally, the National Memorial Arboretum, though slightly further afield, is a significant cultural and commemorative site.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Stapenhill?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The peaceful atmosphere of places like the National Memorial Arboretum is often highlighted. The extensive walking trails and family-friendly facilities at Conkers Waterside are also very popular, as are the unique historical insights offered by sites like Ticknall Tramway Tunnel.

Are there any unique engineering landmarks in the area?

Yes, the Ferry Bridge (Stapenhill Suspension Bridge) is a notable engineering landmark. It's a Victorian footbridge and a unique 'semi-suspension' bridge, being the first and only one of its kind in Europe built to this specific design. It replaced an earlier ferry service and was gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass.

Can I find places for a leisurely walk or stroll in Stapenhill?

Absolutely. Stapenhill Gardens offer extensive pathways for leisurely walks along the River Trent, including the Woodland Walk. The canal paths near Moira Furnace and Canal are also perfect for a relaxing stroll, especially on sunny days, with adjacent forest areas and trails.

What is the 'Diversitree' sculpture in Stapenhill Gardens?

The 'Diversitree' sculpture, installed in Stapenhill Gardens in 2016, is a significant piece of public art. It represents the local communities and the National Forest, symbolizing unity and the diverse natural heritage of the area.

Are there any places to visit that are connected to local industry or mining history?

Yes, Moira Furnace and Canal is a prime example, located next to the small mining town of Moira. It's a historical site that showcases the region's industrial past, featuring a furnace, lime kilns, and a canal that was vital for transport. The Ticknall Tramway Tunnel also has connections to this history, as it was part of a tramway used to transport lime.

What is the significance of the swan sculpture in Stapenhill Gardens?

The large, artificial swan sculpture in Stapenhill Gardens is an iconic landmark. Adorned with flowers, it symbolizes the swans that have historically inhabited the River Trent in the area. It's also the inspiration for the local football team's nickname, 'The Swans'.

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