Branston offers a range of attractions for nature lovers and travellers interested in architecture or golf. Anyone planning a stay can take in the waterside landscape and paths, as well as a church building and golf. The routes should be clearly distinguished: alongside local paths, there is Stage 9 of the National Forest Way towards Branston Water Park.

Waterside Landscape and Nature

At Branston Water Park, a level footpath runs around the entire lake and through woodland, wetlands and a wildflower meadow. Several viewing platforms and picnic benches are located along the way. The circular route has a clear course and passes through different types of landscape: it follows the lake, while the surrounding scenery changes along the way. The Hub Cafe is on the park grounds next to the car park. As facilities can change, check whether the café is open before your visit.

The body of water at Branston Water Park formed in a gravel pit that naturally filled with water after it was decommissioned in the 1950s. The lake is home to carp, bream, tench, pike, roach, perch and eels. Branston Leas Nature Reserve covers 82 acres and was developed as a habitat for nature and wildlife. The two places offer different aspects of the nature theme: at the Water Park, the focus is on how the body of water formed and the fish population; at the reserve, it is on the development of a habitat.

Paths and Routes

The Branston Leas trail is 2.6 miles long, following the banks of the River Trent and circling Branston Leas Nature Reserve. It passes young woodland and open countryside. Compared with the footpath at the Water Park, the difference lies in the route and the landscape: one is a circular path around the lake, the other follows the riverbank and loops around the reserve.

Stage 9 of the National Forest Way runs from Rosliston Forestry Centre towards Branston Water Park. The route follows roads, unpaved tracks, footpaths, forest tracks and farmland. Unlike the descriptions of the paths by the lake and reserve, this stage names several types of route and farmland as part of the trail. Its direction and surfaces help distinguish it as a separate route option.

Architecture and Golf

St Saviour’s Church in Branston was designed by architect Vincent Cook. For travellers who want to take in built heritage as well as the landscape, the church is a specific local landmark. There are two different types of golf: the 18-hole championship course at Branston Golf & Country Club runs along the River Trent, while Woodland Adventure Golf is set in the wooded surroundings of Branston. Alongside the paths and waterside landscape, visitors can therefore choose from a named church building and different golf experiences.

Discover more destinations: Stone, Perton, Drointon, Meerbrook, Whittington, Cheddleton, Rugeley, Longnor.

For the main travel overview: Staffordshire.