VISITOR GUIDE 2013 ACCOMMODATION, ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS ACROSS

Transcription

1 VISITOR GUIDE 2013 ACCOMMODATION, ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS ACROSS PARTS OF DERBYSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE & STAFFORDSHIRE it s all happening...

2 it s all happening in... Glasgow Woodland cover 1991 (6%) Smaller pictures L-R: Fun at CONKERS, bee and Fritalary near Ashby. Main picture: Beacon Hill (2020Vision). Beautiful countryside OFFERING FANTASTIC GENTLE WALKS, AWARD- WINNING ATTRACTIONS, LOVELY PLACES TO STAY AND A PACKED PROGRAMME OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR! THE NATIONAL FOREST is one of Britain s boldest environmental projects, creating a Forest for the nation across 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. In less than twenty years, one of the least wooded parts of the country has been transformed. A massive MILLION trees have been planted, trebling the woodland cover, creating habitats for wildlife and a beautiful landscape for people to enjoy. The ultimate goal is for woodland to cover around a third of the Forest area and to link the ancient forests of Charnwood and Needwood. Help to create this forest in the making through our plantatree scheme. You will be invited to a Dublin Belfast Edinburgh Newcastle York Manchester Sheffield Stoke Birmingham Derby Nottingham Leicester Coventry Cardiff Bristol Oxford London special tree planting day and receive a certificate. This makes a great gift! For more information contact the National Forest Company on or visit the website Make a weekend of it! Whether you prefer a cosy family-run guesthouse, a campsite in a peaceful forest setting, a timber lodge nestling in its own woodland glade, a modern, environmentally-friendly YHA or a luxury hotel, the National Forest & Beyond has a wealth of choice in places to stay. Needwood Forest Woodland cover 2012 (19%) The National Forest Woodland Major water feature Main urban areas Get special offer discount vouchers for many of our top attractions from the website or from the local Tourist Information Centres. Charnwood Forest A large print version of this guide is available from the National Forest Company. Tourist Information Centres Our friendly Tourist Information Centres are a font of all knowledge for local attractions including those with facilities for disabled visitors. They sell maps and guide books, can book accommodation and coach trips for you and offer tickets for events and theme parks. Ashby de la Zouch North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU Tel: ashby.tic@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Swadlincote Sharpe s Pottery Museum, West Street, Swadlincote DE11 9DG Tel: tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk miss it! The National Forest & Beyond hosts such a wide range of events from riverside regattas to walking festivals, heavy metal concerts to food fairs and classic car shows to firework festivals. We have highlighted a few of our favourites so that you don t miss them! See more events on page 26 or log on to the website: CONTENTS Woods & wildlife 4 Wheels & walks 6 Activities & forest experiences Treasures of the past 10 Family fun in the Forest 12 Drift-away-days on waterways 14 Arts, crafts, gifts and spas 16 A local flavour 1 Attractions 20 Information also available from: East Staffordshire Borough Council, Customer Service Centre, Market Place, Burton upon Trent DE14 1HA Tel: tourism@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk The National Forest Company, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6BA Tel: enquiries@nationalforest.org Events, fairs and festivals 26 Where to stay 2 Accommodation at a glance 32 Weekend break deals 35 So accessible and maps 3 2 Follow us on facebook & twitter 3

3 it s all happening... Woods & wildlife miss it! WALK AMONG A SEA OF SNOWDROPS IN FEBRUARY, A BLANKET OF BLUEBELLS IN MAY AND IN AUTUMN ENJOY THE FOREST S FIERY DISPLAY OF REDS AND GOLDS. ONE THING IS GUARANTEED IN THIS EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO SEE! Smaller pictures L-R: Jay tossing an acorn in Oakthorpe, cycling in Swadlincote Woods, Stunning bluebells, Blooming Boothorpe. Main picture: Calke Abbey Estate. A walk to the top of BEACON HILL is rewarded with fantastic views from its craggy summit. You can stroll through the park s Native Tree Collection down to the OUTWOODS, where the display of bluebells in May is simply breath-taking. YOXALL LODGE opens its gates every spring for visitors to witness the amazing display of bluebells. Keep your eyes peeled to spot ospreys, owls and otters, which have become regular visitors to SENCE VALLEY FOREST PARK. This thriving wildlife haven is unrecognisable from its opencast past. The surfaced trails weave around the lakes, ponds and wildflower meadows for families, dog walkers and cyclists to enjoy. See hundreds of graceful deer as they roam free through the bracken and ancient trees in BRADGATE PARK. Paddle in the stream that meanders by the ruins of the home of Lady Jane Grey the nine day queen. Or walk through meadows bursting with summer wildflowers at the NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM and BILLA BARRA HILL near Markfield. The summer haze is followed by an autumn blaze with trees turning red and gold at JACKSON S BANK near Newchurch, FOREMARK RESERVOIR, SNIBSTON COUNTRY PARK and BEACON HILL in Charnwood. Hear the unforgettable booming bellows of stags during rutting season at CALKE PARK, internationally important for its wildlife and 1,000 year old veteran oaks. Autumn is the best time to book a guided tour around the rare and spectacular plant treasures at BLUEBELL ARBORETUM the trees are simply stunning! Watch hundreds of over-wintering flocks of geese and swans in their annual gathering at BRANSTON WATER PARK and the amazing display of snowdrops at DIMMINSDALE and SNIBSTON S Nature Reserve in February. National Forest Wood Fair Bank Holiday Monday 26 August Watch the lumberjacks in action, chainsaw sculpting and try your hand at woodland crafts. Great for families. Bluebells At Yoxall Lodge 13 April-12 May Set in beautiful rolling parkland at Newchurch, Yoxall Lodge opens its gates in spring for visitors to witness the breath-taking display of bluebells. QUICK REFERENCE Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse Eaves, , Billa Barra Hill, Bluebell Arboretum, Smisby, , Bluebell Woods of Yoxall Lodge, , Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood Country Park, Newtown Linford, Branston Water Park, Calke Park, Ticknall, , Dimminsdale Nature Reserve, Calke, , Donington le Heath Manor House & Woodlands, , Hill Hole Quarry, Markfield, Jackson s Bank, Newchurch, Leicestershire County Country Parks, , National Memorial Arboretum, , Rosliston Forestry Centre, , Sarah s Wood, Moira, Sence Valley Forest Park, Ibstock, , Snibston Country Park, Coalville, , Swadlincote Woodlands, , Willesley Wood, , Green Flag Award The prestigious Green Flag Award is the national award for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. 4 Follow us on facebook & twitter 5

4 it s all happening... Wheels & walks miss it! TAKE TIME OUT FROM YOUR BUSY WORLD TO ENJOY SUMMER-TIME STROLLS AND GORGEOUS CYCLE RIDES THROUGH THE ROLLING RURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE NATIONAL FOREST & BEYOND. Smaller pictures L-R: Family cycling at Hicks Lodge, horse-riding at Grangewood, Off-road trails at Hicks Lodge, great photos from Beacon Hill, National Forest Llama Treks, cycling on the Horseshoe Trail. Main picture: Stunning views over Staunton Harold on The National Forest Walking Festival. You can explore more than 400 woodlands across The National Forest spotting a wealth of wildlife, from otters to orchids and bats to barn owls. Download our recommended short, medium or long circular walks including routes suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs from the website Long distance walks that pass through the area include the Staffordshire Way, Leicestershire Round and Ivanhoe Way. And if you enjoy walking you ll love the NATIONAL FOREST WALKING FESTIVAL (1 30 May). Choose from 100 walks of varying length that showcase this special area s rich heritage, wildlife, geology, myths and legends. You feel much calmer when you walk with a llama. Help groom a friendly llama before embarking on a guided NATIONAL FOREST LLAMA TREK, revealing the fascinating flora, fauna and history of this area. worry about bringing your bike you can hire them at ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE, Ashby-based JUST BIKES or the family-friendly HICKS LODGE: NATIONAL FOREST CYCLE CENTRE. This has brilliant off-road circular trails including wide easy routes, suitable for trailers and tagalongs, as well as exciting narrow tracks. Grab a drink and a slice of home-made cake afterwards in the cosy café while the children enjoy the new play area. The off-road cycling on the CONKERS CIRCUIT and ASHBY WOULDS HERITAGE TRAIL is brilliant for families. Linking CONKERS, Moira Furnace and YHA National Forest, these trails are used for The National Forest 10K race which takes runners through some of the prettiest countryside in the heart of the Forest. National Forest Walking Festival 1-30 May Join us on the 100 walks of varying length led by brilliant guides who reveal fascinating facts on the flora and fauna, heritage and history of the area. festival.org.uk National Forest 10K and fun run 15 September Run the off-road course through some of the prettiest countryside in the heart of the Forest on the National Forest 10K. QUICK REFERENCE Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse Eaves, Billa Bara Hill, Bluebells of Yoxall Lodge, Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood Country Park, Newtown Linford, Branston Water Park, Calke Park, Ticknall, Donington le Heath Manor House & Woodlands, National Forest 10K, National Forest Llama Treks, , National Forest Walking Festival, org.uk Sarah s Wood, Moira, Sence Valley Forest Park, Ibstock, Snibston Country Park, Coalville, Swadlincote Woodlands, The Trent Washlands, Willesley Wood, CYCLE HIRE Hicks Lodge, National Forest Cycle Centre, , Just Bikes, Ashby de la Zouch, Rosliston Forestry Centre, , Green Flag Award The prestigious Green Flag Award is the national award for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. 6 Follow us on facebook & twitter 7

5 it s all happening... Activities & forest experiences combat in the woods. You can hire a bike to explore the trails or watch the birds of prey displays. Rosliston also hosts a packed programme of music, theatre and family events in The Glade. Fancy horse-riding? PARK VIEW RIDING STABLES offers off-road hacking to beautiful Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods in the ancient Charnwood Forest. If you have always wanted to learn to ski or board don t wait until winter! You can do it all year round at SWADLINCOTE SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE. miss Sno-tubing, the alpine toboggan run and its new Viper Slide followed by après ski in the Alpine Lodge with the popular Umpah Nights or comedy club evenings. You will never have so much fun at 5mph as you can on the obstacle course with FOREST FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. You don t even need your own vehicle as you can use the centre s trusty Land Rovers. There is nothing like feeling the sun on your back as you swim. Ashby de la Zouch has an OUTDOOR POOL, which opens Saturday 25 May for the summer. For more information on leisure centres including the outdoor pool, contact the Tourist Information Centres. But it doesn t have to be all go, go, go. Relax, be pampered and feel stress ebb away at our luxurious health spas. Find out more on page 16. miss it! Smaller pictures L-R: Excitement on the toboggan run at Swadlincote Ski Centre, birds of prey at the Wood Fair, learn dry stone walling with The Conservation Volunteers. Main picture: Visitors have a go at The National Forest Wood Fair. BOOK ONTO ONE OF THE MANY COURSES ON OFFER IN THE FOREST THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. HAVE A GO AT POLE LATHE TURNING, WILLOW WEAVING OR LANTERN MAKING WITH OUR TRADITIONAL WOODLAND CRAFT EXPERTS, GREENWOOD DAYS. THEY CAN EVEN HELP YOU CRAFT A LONGBOW AND TEACH YOU HOW TO SHOOT IT. A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE! And for the budding Bear Grylls, our bushcraft schools WOODLAND WAYS and WOODLAND SURVIVAL CRAFTS can teach you friction fire lighting, how to identify and prepare wild food, shelter building and much more. The courses are friendly and fun rather than an endurance challenge. You can see many of these skills in action at the NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August. Learn dry stone walling on March with The Conservation Volunteers Natural Break. This is a great opportunity to learn a traditional craft in a beautiful setting while creating vital habitats for invertebrates and small mammals. You can have a go at practical conservation with LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTRY PARKS rangers. FOREST OUTDOOR PURSUITS at CONKERS combines watersports with forest ranger activities including kayaking, mountain biking, archery, pedal go karting, raft building, bell bottom boats, assault course and orienteering in the forest. ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE is great for families with archery, climbing, indoor and outdoor play, crazy golf, laser clay and laser Greenwood Days Greenwood Experience April Try your hand at a variety of woodland crafts over this weekend - willow weaving, wood turning, carving and cleaving to make whistles, flowers and dibbers. Great fun! Swadlincote Ski Centre Easter Extravaganza 29 March, 1 April Whoosh down the slopes with ski and snowboard taster sessions, toboggan rides and Sno-Tubing! Fun Activity Days throughout the year. QUICK REFERENCE WOODLAND CRAFTS & SURVIVAL SKILLS Funky Monkey Rustic Carpentry, , Gardener s Bothy, , Greenwood Days, , Survival School, , The Conservation Volunteers, , Woodland Survival Crafts, , Woodland Ways, , ACTIVITIES Garlands Clay Pigeon Shooting Ground, , Leicestershire Country Parks Volunteers, , National Forest Llama Treks, , Rosliston Forestry Centre, , Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre, , HORSE-RIDING Knowle Hill Equestrian Centre, Holme Farm Equestrian Centre, , Park View Riding School, Thurcaston, , Scropton Riding for the Disabled, , MOTORSPORTS Donington Park, , Forest Four Wheel Drive, , Quadbiking, , Follow us on facebook & twitter 9

6 it s all happening... Treasures of the past miss it! Smaller pictures L-R: Old John at Bradgate Park, Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, queens from a by-gone era at Tutbury Castle. Main picture: Summer Nights Film Festival at Calke Abbey. QUICK REFERENCE Ashby de la Zouch Castle, , Ashby de la Zouch Museum, , The Battlefield Line Railway, , Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre & Country Park, , MEET THE CHARACTERS WHO ONCE LIVED IN THE NATIONAL TRUST S CALKE ABBEY ON ONE OF ITS REGULAR CALKE ALIVE DAYS. THE HOUSE IS FROZEN IN TIME FROM WHEN THE FORMER ECCENTRIC AND RECLUSIVE OWNERS ALLOWED IT TO SLOWLY FALL INTO DISREPAIR. Discover the inspiration for the fictional grand battle in Sir Walter Scott s novel, Ivanhoe, as you watch the Clash of the Knights re-enactment at ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH CASTLE. Learn more about the castle s incredible history in ASHBY MUSEUM. Formerly the Bass Museum, the NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE is a world-class visitor centre that brings Burton upon Trent s proud brewing heritage to life and hosts regular beer festivals and comedy nights. You can also see time honoured brewing methods in action within a traditional Victorian Brewhouse at MARSTON S BREWERY VISITOR CENTRE. Built on the outskirts of Burton to cope with waste from the hundreds of breweries, you can still see CLAYMILLS VICTORIAN PUMPING STATION S massive steam beam engines working today on its Steaming Day s. Step into the world of Agatha Christie s Murder on the Orient Express on a Murder Mystery evening on an old steam train at GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY. Or have a go at actually driving a steam train with BATTLEFIELD LINE RAILWAY, which whistles its way from Shackerstone to BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD. The Battlefield s award-winning interactive visitor centre shows the drama and treachery in this final battle of the War of the Roses where King Richard III lost his crown to Henry Tudor. At DONINGTON LE HEATH MANOR HOUSE you can see the bed where Richard III allegedly slept before setting off to the battle. Built in the 13th Century, this beautifully restored house has exhibitions and re-enactments throughout the year. Have you ever wondered about seeing a ghost? Take part in a ghost hunt at TUTBURY CASTLE, a ghost walk at GRACE DIEU PRIORY or a paranormal evening at SNIBSTON. Like mining, pottery was a major industry for this area. SHARPE S POTTERY MUSEUM traces the history of this industry and hosts regular events and talks. Discover how gritty life would have been working in a 19th Century blast furnace on one of MOIRA FURNACE MUSEUM S guided tours. Stroll through the formal gardens of MELBOURNE HALL or among the rare tree species in ELVASTON CASTLE COUNTRY PARK. Take afternoon tea at CATTON HALL or explore the National Trust gems SUDBURY HALL and KEDLESTON HALL an 1th Century classical hall within a beautiful landscaped park. But the most poignant link to our past is the NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM. Over 100 woodland gardens and sculptures are dedicated to military or civilian organisations, events or conflicts to create a living tribute to those who lost their lives in the 20th Century. A silence is observed daily at 11am and remembrance services are held regularly in the chapel. Bosworth Battlefield Anniversary Weekend 17-1 August Experience the battle that changed the course of history as the Tudor dynasty was born with re-enactments, jousting, falconry and recreated medieval battle village. Claymills Easter Steaming Event 31 March-1 April A rare chance to see the sheer scale and power of our industrial heritage as two mighty beam engines and 26 other steam engines are fired up at Claymills Pumping Station. QUICK REFERENCE Calke Abbey, , Castle Donington Museum, , Catton Hall, , Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, , Croxden Abbey, , Donington Grand Prix Collection, , Donington le Heath Manor House, , East Midlands Aeropark, , Elvaston Castle Country Park, , Grace Dieu Priory, , Great Central Railway, , Hough Windmill, Kedleston Hall, , Kegworth Museum, Marston s Brewery, Measham Museum, Melbourne Hall & Gardens, , Moira Furnace, Mount St Bernard Abbey, , National Brewery Centre, , National Memorial Arboretum, , Redfern s Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life, Shardlow Heritage Centre, Sharpe s Pottery Museum, , Sir John Moore Foundation, Snibston, , Sudbury Hall, , Tutbury Castle, Tutbury Museum, Follow us on facebook & twitter 11

7 it s all happening... Smaller pictures L-R: Pig racing at National Forest Adventure Farm, tackling the assault course at CONKERS, exploring the Moonlight Maze at the National Forest Adventure Farm, CONKERS main hall. Main picture: Meeting the animals at Beehive Farm. Family fun in the Forest CHILDREN ARE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED TO TOUCH THE EXHIBITS AT CONKERS WITH HUNDREDS OF HANDS-ON INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES THEMED AROUND LIFE IN A BRITISH WOODLAND, INCLUDING TRAILS, ASSAULT COURSE, ENCHANTED FOREST, TREETOP ADVENTURE AND BAREFOOT WALK. REGULAR EVENTS ARE HELD IN CONKERS COVERED AMPHITHEATRE. Hunt for mini-beasts or find what lurks beneath the pond on one of the regular ranger sessions at CONKERS, ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE and SNIBSTON. You can actually start a fire, control a robot and lift a car at SNIBSTON. Learning about science has never been so much fun! But that s not all there is the fashion gallery, a great display of the area s rich industrial history, country park, outdoor play area and excellent performances in its Century Theatre. Re-live your childhood at Snibston s Toybox gallery and at the MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD at Sudbury Hall, which has hundreds of toys for children to play with before they face the Victorian schoolmaster! At CALKE ABBEY kids of all ages will enjoy the new Garden of Imagination. Every child wants to be a zookeeper at some point and this is where they can try it. The Zookeeper Experience at TWYCROSS ZOO involves cleaningout the animals, food preparation and feeding. The zoo cares for nearly 1,000 animals including the largest collection of primates in the western world. Children love meeting the friendly farmyard animals at STONEHURST FAMILY FARM & MUSEUM and the ponies at BLUE CROSS ROLLESTON REHOMING CENTRE. They can feed the chickens at HIGHFIELDS HAPPY HENS and BETTY S FARM or stroke the rabbits in the lovely animal petting area at BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES before launching themselves into the giant sandpit there. miss TROPICAL BIRDLAND! Many of the birds here are free to roam and are so friendly they may even land on you! The new NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM still has one of Europe s largest MAIZE MAZES but has expanded with indoor play zones, mini go-karts and quad bikes, splash zone, jumping pillow, sand pits, assault course and farm animals to see guaranteed to entertain the whole family for hours! It hosts an annual Agrilympics event and pig races (complete with teddy bear jockeys) every day. How about setting off on a TREASURE TRAIL? Guaranteed to keep the whole family amused, you can buy the pack (and then solve) one or more of the 36 Treasure Hunts, Murder Mystery or Spy Mission Trails in and around the Forest. Finally, try your hand at pottery painting at CRACKPOTZ CERAMIC CAFÉ. Brilliant fun and you get to keep the pottery masterpiece! Festival of Fireworks 7 September Jawdropping display of pyrotechnics in the stunning setting of Catton Hall. Ashby and Burton Statutes Fairs September and 7- October The Statutes Fairs in Ashby (September) and Burton (October) go back centuries and are as popular today as ever! miss it! QUICK REFERENCE Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes, , Betty s Farm & Shop, , Blue Cross Rolleston Rehoming Centre, , Conkers, , Crackpotz Ceramic Café, , Highfields Happy Hens, , National Forest Adventure Farm, , Rosliston Forestry Centre, , Snibston, , Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre, , Stonehurst Family Farm & Museum, " Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood, , " Toys of Yesteryear Museum & Toyshop, , Treasure Trails, , Tropical Birdland, , Twycross Zoo, , Uttoxeter Racecourse, , 12 Follow us on facebook & twitter 13

8 it s all happening... Drift-away-days on waterways miss it! QUICK REFERENCE Smaller pictures L-R: Inland Waterways Festival in Burton upon Trent, signet at Willesley, Foremark Reservoir, Trent & Mersey Canal. Main picture: Sailing on Staunton Harold Reservoir. THERE IS A WEALTH OF WATERWAYS, WETLANDS AND WOODLAND LAKES PERFECT TO VISIT, UNWIND AND WATCH THE WORLD GO BY. AQUA NARROWBOATS based at MERCIA MARINA shows you everything you need to know to man the helm and embark on your brilliant break. Follow the Trent & Mersey Canal as it weaves south through the area to meet the Coventry Canal at Fradley Junction. BARTON MARINA is an essential canal-side stop-off point near Burton upon Trent. From here you can stroll through woodland to pretty Barton under Needwood, browse around lovely shops or enjoy live music at the Waterfront pub and restaurant. Heading north, you can visit SHARDLOW, one of only two surviving inland canal ports in the country. For shorter canal boat cruises hop on at MOIRA FURNACE on the Ashby Canal, or watch the scenery gently roll past for an hour s cruise to Stenson or Willington with MERCIA LEISURE TRIPS, based at Mercia Marina. On your return you can enjoy a coffee in the café, browse its shops and set off on a canalside walk. You can now also stay in the Mercia Marina s WATERSIDE LODGES. You may spot the shy bird as you walk the Kingfisher Trail alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal, through the outskirts of Burton upon Trent. CROXALL LAKES NATURE RESERVE, BRANSTON WATER PARK and the TRENT WASHLANDS in Burton upon Trent are also ideal locations for spotting wildlife especially herons and damselflies. SHORTHEATH FISHERY and BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES have well-stocked fishing lakes and excellent tea rooms. Beginners and experienced anglers can hone their fly-fishing skills at FOREMARK FISHING LODGE. FOREMARK and STAUNTON HAROLD RESERVOIRS offer sailing and windsurfing and also have playgrounds, open spaces for picnics and lovely woodland walks. For information on boat hire, fishing permits and sites contact the Tourist Information Centres or visit the website Moira Canal Festival 1-19 May With historic Moira Furnace as the backdrop on the restored length of the Ashby Canal, the festival has entertainment for all. Burton Regatta July Burton Regatta, first held in 165, is one of the oldest annual sporting events in the country and is nationally recognised as one of the finest remaining river regattas. Aqua Narrowboats, , Barton Marina, , Blithfield Reservoir, , Branston Water Park, , East Midlands Boat Services, Foremark, Staunton Harold & Thornton Reservoirs, Fradley Junction, , Mercia Leisure Trips, Mercia Marina, , Moira Furnace Boat Trips, , Sawley Marina, , Shakespeare Classic Line Narrow Boats, , Shardlow Marina, , Stenson Leisure Day Boat Hire, , The Trent Washlands, , FISHING Barton Marina Fishery, , Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes, , Foremark Fishing Lodge, , Shortheath Fishery, , Springwood Fisheries, , Thornton Reservoir, , There are loads of woodland lakes, canals, rivers and reservoirs to fish across the National Forest & Beyond these are listed on the website 14 Follow us on facebook & twitter 15

9 it s all happening... Smaller pictures L-R: Ferrers Gallery, stunning pictures in Barton Marina Gallery, Crackpotz, browsing for gifts at Barton Marina. Main picture: 2020Vision exhibition coming to Swadlincote and Calke Abbey. Arts, crafts, gifts and spas TAKE TIME FROM THE DAILY RUSH TO SLOW DOWN AND TREAT YOURSELF. 2020VISION, a nationwide touring exhibition featuring 100 outstanding pictures taken across the UK, will be in Swadlincote from 1 March 7 April and Calke Abbey April. With a daily market and quaint courtyards, ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH is a lovely stop-off to pick up a gift or a souvenir from your visit. The castle is near the town centre, so you can combine a visit here with a lovely leisurely lunch and a touch of shopping. miss the Statutes Fair and Arts Festival. MELBOURNE and TUTBURY are definitely worth visiting for their galleries, antique shops and eateries. Stunning Melbourne Church, in its olde worlde setting opposite the historic hall, is described as a cathedral in miniature. You can see fantastic re-enactments or watch the annual display of fireworks in November at TUTBURY CASTLE. The FERRERS CENTRE FOR ARTS & CRAFTS is home to 1 craft workshops and the FERRERS GALLERY. This has three floors, two of which are dedicated to a year round exhibition programme. There is something incredibly therapeutic about hand-painting pottery and you can try it both here and CRACKPOTZ CERAMIC CAFÉ. Pottery was once a major industry in this area. You can pick up pottery and crafts at SHARPE S POTTERY MUSEUM and learn about its history on one the fascinating talks in the restored Kiln. MOUNT ST BERNARD ABBEY also has wonderful pottery on sale that has been lovingly handmade by its resident monks. Promenade along the waterfront at BARTON MARINA and you will be lured into temptation with the array of beautiful shops, gallery and restaurants. The Waterfront pub hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night. As you might expect, there are many excellent garden centres to visit in the area such as BYRKLEY GARDEN CENTRE, SWARKESTONE NURSERY and PLANTERS AT BRETBY. BURTON UPON TRENT has everything you could want - all the top high street names, lovely eateries and excellent events including its Statutes Fair and PINT Arts Festival. OCTAGON SHOPPING CENTRE offers department stores together with specialist shops. You can take in a flick at the CINEMA in Burton upon Trent, Uttoxeter or Swadlincote and there are THEATRES in Ashby de la Zouch, Coalville, Ibstock and Burton upon Trent. The Tourist Information Centres have details of what is on. Or avoid the shops completely and just let yourself be pampered at CHAMPNEYS SPRINGS, EDEN DAY SPA or REEDS HEALTH CLUB AND SPA within Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel. The new Health Club & Spa at ST GEORGE S PARK offers great spa packages and you might even catch a glimpse of a famous footballer! Ashby Festival Fortnight 25 May- June During the festival fortnight Ashby de la Zouch comes alive with music, dance, crafts theatre, photography and workshops for visitors to have a go at various arts. Melbourne Arts Festival September Melbourne Festival is the highlight of South Derbyshire s cultural calendar with concerts, performances and popular Art and Architecture Trail across the town. miss it! QUICK REFERENCE 2020VISION, , Barton Marina, , Breedon Priory and Shopping Complex, , Byrkley Garden Centre, , Chapman s Nurseries, Crackpotz Ceramic Café, Alrewas, , Donington Nurseries & Walled Garden, , Ferrers Centre, , Ferrers Gallery, , Mount St Bernard Abbey, , Planters at Bretby, , Swarkestone Nursery, The Octagon Shopping Centre, , Toys of Yesteryear Museum & Toyshop, , THEATRES Century Theatre, Coalville, Venture Theatre, Ashby de la Zouch, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton upon Trent, MARKET DAYS Ashby de la Zouch: Daily Burton upon Trent: (indoor) Tue-Sat (outdoor) Thur-Sat Coalville: Tue, Fri, Sat Donington Park: Sunday Swadlincote: Tue, Fri, Sat Uttoxeter: Wed, Fri, Sat SPAS Champneys Springs, , Eden Day Spa, , Health Club & Spa at St George s Park, , Reeds Health Club, , 16 Follow us on facebook & twitter 17

10 it s all happening... A local flavour miss it! YOU LL LOVE OUR QUALITY LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A TRADITIONAL TEA SHOP, ELEGANT RESTAURANT OR FANTASTIC PUB, THERE IS A HUGE CHOICE. Captions. Smaller pictures L-R: Quality wines at The Yard Restaurant in Swadlincote, Bittersweet chocolate making courses, Cattows Farm Shop, cupcakes at Ashby Farmers Market. Main picture: Top cooking tips at Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair. Pick up some local produce at our fine food fairs, farmers markets or the excellent farm shops across the area such as CATTOWS FARM near Heather and BETTY S FARM near Willington. You ll find delectable treats in the quality delicatessens at BARTON MARINA and BYRKLEY GARDEN CENTRE. One of the best artisan bakeries in the region, Breadfirst, is based in the FERRERS CENTRE. You can sample ales from the microbreweries scattered throughout the National Forest & Beyond including BURTON BRIDGE, JOHN THOMPSON and WHITE SHIELD breweries. The latter is set within the NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE, which hosts beer festivals throughout the year and the international barrel rolling competition. There is also locally produced wine to try. Find out more on how wine is made on the open days at SEALWOOD VINEYARD or pick up a bottle from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre. The chocolate making courses with BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATES are great fun. You can make delicious gifts for friends (if they last that long!) or simply buy them from The Three Horseshoes pub in Breedon on the Hill. SEASONED COURSES runs cookery sessions that will teach and enthuse you about food, such as Cupcake Heaven, Essential Italian and Entertaining with Ease. While here treat yourself to home-baked cakes at HICKS LODGE: NATIONAL FOREST CYCLE CENTRE, LANGAN S TEA ROOM and HELEN S BAKEHOUSE & TEAROOM in Burton upon Trent. Take lunch at LAKESIDE BISTRO, which overlooks a pretty fishing lake or for a quirky dining experience visit our genuine 50s AMERICAN DINER, in Albert Village just outside Swadlincote. If you fancy good old-fashioned fish n chips go to ANDY S FISH BAR in Church Gresley near Swadlincote it has won dozens of awards. Looking for somewhere nice for the evening? THE BULL S HEAD in Repton has won awards for its restaurant and wood-fired pizzas or for a traditional village pub atmosphere and excellent food, visit the SHOULDER OF MUTTON in Oakthorpe. The NATIONAL FOREST FOOD GUIDE lists local producers and suppliers in and around The National Forest along with cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops that stock local produce. Download this from or contact our friendly Tourist Information Centres (see page 3). They can also supply details on the Fine Food Fairs taking place throughout the year as well as suggestions for great restaurants and what is on listings. Burton Washlands Parade and Beer Festival 27 July Celebrating the town s proud brewing heritage there is a parade starting from Marston s Brewery, entertainment, competitions and, of course, beer. Calke Abbey Fine Food Fairs 2 April, 4 August, 27 October Pick up top tips from master chefs along with food and drink produced or grown within a 30-mile radius of the National Trust s wonderful Calke Abbey estate. QUICK REFERENCE 50s American Diner, Andy s Fish Bar, Betty s Farm & Shop, , BitterSweet Chocolates, Byrkley Garden Centre, Burton Bridge Inn, , Heaths Farm Shop, Melbourne, Helen s Bakehouse and Tearoom, Hicks Lodge: National Forest Cycle Centre, , John Thompson Inn, , Lakeside Bistro, , Langan s Tea Rooms, North s Deli, Ashby, Scaddows Farm Shop, Ticknall, Sealwood Vineyard, , Seasoned Courses, , The Bull s Head, Repton, The Cattows Farm Shop, , The Shoulder of Mutton, , Tower Brewery, , FARMERS MARKETS Ashby de la Zouch, (third Saturday of every month) Castle Donington, (second Saturday of every month) Swadlincote (last Thursday every month) Uttoxeter, (second Saturday of every month) There are just too many great places to list all of them here. Log on to 1 Follow us on facebook & twitter 19

11 WOODS & WILDLIFE miss these! 1 BEACON HILL COUNTRY PARK Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 TA/LE12 SP Tel: countryparks@leics.gov.uk WHEELS & WALKS 7 For some of the best views in Leicestershire, walk to the summit of Beacon Hill. See the Native Tree collection, enchanted Labyrinth, Natural Play Area, large wooden sculptures inspired by the park and sheep & cattle helping to maintain the heathland. National Forest Wood Fair here August Bank Holiday Monday. Bus Route: 54, 123 to Woodhouse Eaves. Admission: 2.50 car parking season ticket available. Attractions ACTIVITIES & FOREST EXPERIENCES NATIONAL FOREST LLAMA TREKS 260 Lichfield Road, Barton under Needwood Staffordshire DE13 ED Tel: or thellamalady@hotmail.co.uk 13 THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IN THE NATIONAL FOREST Sites all over The National Forest Tel: c.forty@btcv.org.uk Make a positive impact on The National Forest with The Conservation Volunteers by getting involved with our regular conservation volunteering events, conservation holidays, support for the local community and training courses. Contact or view website for more information. Enjoy the beautiful countryside accompanied by our friendly llamas. A delicious 3 course picnic is provided. Special diets catered for. We offer from 1 hour to full day sessions. You feel calmer when you walk with a llama. Booking is essential. Opening times: All year (except Christmas Day). Admission: From 5. KEY TO SYMBOLS ACCEPTS MAJOR CREDIT CARDS 2 FISHING ACTIVITIES TAILORED TO THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM BLUEBELL WOODS OF YOXALL LODGE Yoxall Lodge, Scotch Hills, Newchurch Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 RL Tel: info@bluebellwoodsyoxall.co.uk FREE WIFI CONNECTION GIFT SHOP BABY CHANGING FACILITIES HORSE RIDING TRAIL CAR PARKING LICENSED CHILDREN WELCOME LICENSED FOR WEDDINGS COACH PARKING OPEN ALL YEAR CONFERENCE FACILITIES PICNIC AREA CYCLE HIRE RESTAURANT/CAFÉ CYCLE TRAILS SUITABLE FOR GROUP VISITS DISABLED PARKING TOILETS DISABLED TOILETS WALKING TRAILS DOGS ALLOWED WELCOME HOST AWARD DOGS ALLOWED ON LEADS ONLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESS Visitor Attraction Quality Assessment Scheme 3 AT TRAC G U ID E TIONS 2013 PICK UP THE POCKETSIZE ATTRACTIONS GUIDE During your visit pick up our handy Attractions Guide from the Tourist Information Centres or download this from and get vouchers for many of our top attractions. ing in... Estate Office, Deer Barn Buildings, Bradgate Country Park Newtown Linford, Leicestershire LE6 0HE Tel: For details see website Tel: countryparks@leics.gov.uk You can make a positive contribution to the environment and the Forest through our plantatree scheme (see page 2). Visit for more details. FOR DETAILS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SEE PAGE 3 WOODLAND SURVIVAL CRAFTS 2 Hall Farm, Ashby Road, Coleorton Leicestershire LE67 FB Tel: dave@woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com Quality Bushcraft courses for adults, families and schools. Approved training for outdoor professionals. Courses held at Spring Wood, Staunton Harold Estate. Opening Times and admission: Telephone or see website for details. 15 Money Hill Farm, Stretton en le Field Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 AE Tel: or robert@forest4wd.co.uk WOODLAND WAYS LTD Bushcraft & survival courses held on the beautiful Catton Hall Estate in Derbyshire Tel: jason@woodland-ways.co.uk Fun, practical bushcraft & survival courses covering shelter building, water collection, filtration and purification, fire lighting, tracking, wild food preparation, natural navigation and more! Please see website for our course details and outdoor equipment sales. Team Building and Corporate. School Visits. TREASURES OF THE PAST 10 GREENWOOD DAYS Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire LE65 1RU Tel: courses@greenwooddays.co.uk 16 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH CASTLE South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1BR Tel: Tour the impressive ruins of this grand medieval manor house set in extensive grounds. Explore the secret kitchen tunnel used during the siege, climb the 24 metre-high Hastings Tower and enjoy superb views over the surrounding countryside. Opening Times: Please contact for details. Admission: Please contact for details. Traditional crafts courses in an idyllic woodland setting. Courses for all ages and abilities lasting 1 10 days include chair making, willow basketry and sculpture, longbow making, coracles and more. Birthday and corporate events a speciality. Family days and individual tuition available. Opening Times: Set courses run from Apr Oct other courses and events bookable throughout the year. Admission: Contact for details. Advance booking essential. Bus Route: 60 & 61. SENCE VALLEY FOREST PARK Ravenstone Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire Grid ref: SK Tel: info_nationalforest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk A wonderful transformation from opencast to wildlife haven with 150 acres of woodland, lakes and meadow. Surfaced trails provide access for all abilities. NB 2.2 metre height barrier to site. Fishing permitted on Goss Water only. Opening Times: 1 Apr 30 Sept: daily am 7pm, 1 Oct 31 Mar: daily 9am 4pm. Admission: Free. COME BY CAR? plantatree 14 Fun at 5mph. Off road instruction either in our Land Rover or your own vehicle. Learn how to tackle humps, hollows, side-slopes, water, mud and ruts. Opening times: 9am 5pm all year round including weekends and leisure holidays. Admission: Dependent upon instruction taken. DISCO UNT VO UCHE EVENTS RS, AN 5 FOREST FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTRY PARKS DISCOUNT VOUCHERS, EVENTS AND MUCH MORE ON 20 9 Enjoy the many smaller Country Parks, including: Bagworth Heath Woods Heath Rd LE67 1DL Donisthorpe Woodland Park Church St DE12 7PY Market Bosworth Park The Park CV13 0LP Car Park 2.50 New Lount Reserve Melbourne Rd, Newbold LE67 JH Saltersford Valley Measham Rd, Oakthorpe DE12 7RF Admission: Free. Also see the entries for Beacon Hill, Donington le Heath and Snibston. D MUCH MORE ON itnation alfores t.co.uk leicestershire@treasuretrails.co.uk Tel: derbyshire@treasuretrails.co.uk Tel: staffordshire@treasuretrails.co.uk Tel: ACTIVITIES & FOREST EXPERIENCES Leicestershire's most visited country park. 30 acres of grass, bracken, rocky outcrops, majestic trees, deer herd, river and folly Old John Tower. Tea Rooms, Shop, Visitor Centre, Bradgate House ruins birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. Swithland Wood 146 acres of ancient woodland. Opening Times: Daily from am 'til sunset. Admission: Combined with parking charge. Pay and display car and coach parking. Visitor centre modest charge. Bradgate Park Trust is a registered charity. Green Flag Award it s al l happ en BRADGATE PARK & SWITHLAND WOOD COUNTRY PARK TREASURE TRAILS The fun way to explore in your own time, with family and friends. Follow the directions, find clues and solve the mystery. Choose a Treasure Hunt, Murder Mystery or Spy Mission Trail. There are over 36 to choose from in and around The National Forest, with more to come! Available from Selected Trails are now available to download as an App. Price: 5.99 each. Six stunning walks to suit everyone meander through the carpets of native English bluebells that flourish in the beautiful old woodlands at Yoxall Lodge, set in Staffordshire s finest countryside. Opening Times: Daily Sat 13 Apr to Sun 12 May am 6pm. Admission: Adults 4, Child 5 16 yrs 1 (under 5s free). INFORMATION CENTRE CHILDREN S PLAY AREA LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTRY PARKS SERVICES: VOLUNTEERING Various sites in Leicestershire Tel: chris.conway@leics.gov.uk 17 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH MUSEUM North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1HU Tel: County Museum of the year 2007 and Displays on Ashby and surrounding villages. Temporary exhibitions. Large local archive. Excellent research facilities. Education Officer schools/groups welcomed. Town walks arranged. Community room for hire. Opening Times: Mon Fri 11am 1pm; 2pm 4pm. Sat 10am 4pm. Admission: Adult 1, Concession 50p, Child 50p. Would you like to help our Rangers to carry out a fun and exciting programme of practical conservation tasks? Join our various volunteer groups working throughout the year across Leicestershire. WHEELS & WALKS 6 HICKS LODGE: THE NATIONAL FOREST CYCLE CENTRE Willesley Woodside, Moira, Swadlincote Derbyshire LE65 2UP Tel: info_nationalforest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk A wonderful facility for all ages and abilities to learn to ride, or develop off-road cycling skills on safe traffic free cycle trails. Cycle hire, Wheels for All bikes coming soon, new children s play area and café. Opening Times: Daily from 9am. Admission: Car park charges apply. 12 SWADLINCOTE SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE John Nike Leisuresport Ltd, Sir Herbert Wragg Way Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 LP Tel: jnl-swadlincote@nikegroup.co.uk Come and experience the thrill of winter sports whatever the time of year. Ski or snowboard on Perma-Snow the revolutionary ski surface featuring a slope misting system, whizz down in a toboggan or sno-tube or try our new Viper Slide. Opening Times: Open 363 days a year, telephone for times. Admission: Telephone for details. Bus Route: 21 from Leicester, 9A from Burton. 1 BATTLEFIELD LINE RAILWAY Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone Leicestershire CV13 6NW Tel: enquiries@battlefieldline.co.uk Trains run between Shackerstone, Market Bosworth and Shenton Stations. There is a café at all three stations and a gift shop and museum at Shackerstone. Regular special events throughout the year. Opening Times: Mar Nov: Weekends and Bank Holidays plus Tues & Wed Jul Aug. Santa Trains Dec. 21

12 TREASURES OF THE PAST 19 BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD HERITAGE CENTRE Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD Tel: TREASURES OF THE PAST 25 22nd August 145 a battle rages, King Richard III is defeated, Henry is crowned and the Tudor dynasty is born. Visit the award-winning exhibition and follow the King into battle, walk the Bosworth trail or simply enjoy a coffee in the medieval Tithe Barn restaurant. Please visit website for current opening times and admission prices. 20 CALKE ABBEY Ticknall, Derbyshire DE73 7LE Tel: calkeabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk CATTON HALL Catton, Walton on Trent, South Derbyshire DE12 LN Tel: estateoffice@catton-hall.com 26 CLAYMILLS VICTORIAN PUMPING STATION Meadow Lane, Stretton, Burton upon Trent Staffordshire DE13 0DA Tel: The Manor House Museum, Manor Road, Coalville Leicestershire LE67 2FW Tel: dlhmanorhouse@leics.gov.uk Derby, Derbyshire DE22 5JH Tel: kedlestonhall@nationaltrust.org.uk MARSTON S BREWERY 2 NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE MUSEUMS Tel: or Diseworth Heritage Centre Tel: or Grace Dieu Priory Sir John Moore Heritage Centre Open: Dawn 'til dusk. Open: by appointment. Tel: Tel: Kegworth Museum Swannington Heritage Trust Mill Open: Easter Sept: Sat 10am 1pm, Sun & Bank Hols 1pm 4pm and by arrangement for groups. Tel: Measham Museum Open: Tue 10am 12noon and 2pm 4pm, Thurs 2pm 4pm, Sat 10am 12noon and 2pm 4pm and by arrangement for groups. Tel: Open: Tue 7pm 9pm and Sat 10am 12noon. Tel: West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DG Tel: sharpespotterymuseum@hotmail.co.uk SUDBURY HALL AND THE NATIONAL TRUST MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5HT Tel: sudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk 34 Furnace Lane, Moira, Derbyshire DE12 6AT Tel: or moirafurnace@hotmail.co.uk Dovecliff Road, Rolleston on Dove, Staffordshire DE13 9AU Tel: rolleston@bluecross.org.uk CONKERS Rawdon Road, Moira, Nr Ashby de la Zouch Derbyshire DE12 6GA Tel: info@visitconkers.com Explore 120 acres of forest along with adventure play, assault course, barefoot walk, picnic areas, the Fairy Labyrinth and railway. Indoors discover the Enchanted Forest play area, interactive exhibits and cafes. New for 2013 the Forest Dwellers return. Free car parking. Opening Times: Summer: 10am 6pm. Winter: 10am 5pm. Closed 25 & 26 Dec. Admission: Family (2 adults + 2 children) Whitwick Historical Group Resource Centre 3 CRACKPOTZ CERAMIC CAFE 57 Main Street, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AE Tel: info@crackpotz.co.uk We're about pottery painting and great tea and coffee, both available separately, best served together. Our idea? Stop, relax, be creative and enjoy good company ours! Opening Times: Tues Sat from 10am. Closing from 5pm up to 6pm for painters. Sundays by arrangement for groups and parties. Admission: 3.50 per painter. 39 Not just a grand 17th Century family home, but also a prize-winning museum to bring out the child in you. There is something here for all the family. Opening Times: Hall: 16 Feb 3 Nov: Wed Sun, 1pm 5pm. Museum, Shops and Tea Room: 16 Feb 31 Mar: Wed Sun, 11am 5pm. 2 Apr 3 Nov: daily, 11am 5pm. Admission: Hall: Adult.50, Child 4.25, Family Museum: Adult.50, Child 4.25, Family Hall & Museum: Adult 15, Child 7.50, Family Under 5s free. NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM Postern House Farm, Postern Road, Tatenhill Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 9SJ Tel: info@adventurefarm.co.uk A day of adventure awaits at the National Forest Adventure Farm whatever the weather. Animal encounters, tractor trailer ride, pig racing, outdoor and indoor play zones, café. Summer Maize Maze. Opening Times: Daily 10am 6pm. Closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 Jan. Admission: Please see website for prices. THE NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE Horninglow Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1NG Tel: info@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk 40 The Brewing Experience includes large elements of the original Bass Museum and celebrates the social history and development of brewing. Learn how Burton s world-renowned brewing reputation was built. Prices include a guided tour. Opening Times: Daily (except 25 & 26 Dec): 10am 5pm. Admission: Adult.95, Child (3 16 yrs) 4.95, Concessions 7.95, Family (up to 5 persons, max 2 adults). A blast from the past. A 19th Century blast furnace, canal and barge trips, craft village, country park and children s play area. Children's parties available. Accredited Museum. Opening Times: Easter Oct: Tues Fri 1pm 3pm, Sat Sun 11am 3pm (Bank Hol Mons & School Holidays extended times). Groups welcome all year call for details. Fishing day rates 5 per person. Admission: Museum: Adults 2, Concessions 1. Guided tours 3. Boat: Adults 3.50, Child 2.50, Family 10 (2 adults, 2 children). Visit this lovely 13th Century manor house and enjoy the 17th Century garden and woodland walks. Join us for high quality re-enactment and hands-on events to find out more about living in Medieval, Tudor and Stuart times. Assistance dogs only. Please visit website for current opening times and admission prices. Tel: Explore the original pottery site, exhibits of South Derbyshire s internationally important pottery and The National Forest story. Visit the Tourist Information Centre, coffee shop, gift shop, playzone and activities for all. Opening Times: Museum & TIC Mon Sat 10am 4.30pm. Coffee Shop Mon Sat 10am 4pm. Museum, TIC and Coffee Shop Bank Hol Mons 10am 3pm. Closed Christmas and New year. Admission: Free. Group Tours including refreshments: 5 per person. Once the home of Victorian Prime Minister, William Lamb, who as second Viscount Melbourne gave his name to the Australian city. This historic house and garden is now home to Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr and their family. Opening Times: Hall & Garden Every afternoon in Aug except first 3 Mons: 2pm last entry 4.15pm. Garden Apr Sept: Wed, Sat, Sun & Bank Hol Mon 1.30pm 5.30pm. Admissions: Hall & Gardens: Adults 6.50, Child 4.50, Concessions 5.50, Families Gardens: Adults 4.50, Child 3.50, Concessions 3.50, Families Open: Apr Sept: Sun and Bank Hols 2pm 5pm. SHARPE'S POTTERY MUSEUM BLUE CROSS, ROLLESTON REHOMING CENTRE, HILDA ARCHER SANCTUARY Rehabilitation, rehoming and education. The centre is open to the general public to come and visit the horses and ponies in our care and learn more about the work we do. Opening Times: Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 12noon 4pm and Bank Hols (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year s Day). Wed 12noon 7pm during summer time. Admission: Free. Open: Sun 2pm 4pm. Church Square, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 EN Tel: melbhall@globalnet.co.uk MOIRA FURNACE 36 Open: Easter Sept: Sat 9.30am 12noon, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 2pm 4.30pm or by arrangement. Shobnall Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2BG Tel: meryl.jackson@marstons.co.uk MELBOURNE HALL AND GARDENS FAMILY FUN IN THE FOREST Castle Donington Museum Tour the only working brewery in the world still brewing cask beer using the traditional Burton Union method. A guided tour includes the Victorian brewhouse, Burton Unions and bottling line. Opening Times and Admission: Tours and refreshments available by prior appointment from 7.50 per person. Claymills has four large beam engines two working, five Lancashire boilers, steam powered engineering workshops with blacksmith's forge and steam hammer, early steam powered dynamo house and twenty other stationary steam engines. All engines are original to the pumping station. Opening Times: Every Thurs & Sat: 10am 5pm. Phone or see website for steaming dates. Admission: Steaming days: Adults 5, Concessions 4, Child 2, Family 12. Non-steaming days: By donation. DONINGTON LE HEATH MANOR HOUSE KEDLESTON HALL Take a trip back in time to the 1760s when wealth and power enabled the creation of this outstanding 1th Century classical hall and beautiful landscaped park. Opening Times: Mar Oct. Admission: Adults: 9.90 Child: 4.40 Family: Admission price includes voluntary gift aid donation. National Trust members free. Bus Route: Arriva 109 Derby Ashbourne. Catton Hall, built in 1745 has a fascinating history, and still privately owned, retains its original collection of pictures and furniture. The grounds are available to hire for all types of public events, and the Hall, for small corporate or private groups. Opening Times: Every Mon in Aug and all Bank Hol Mons, for tours at 2pm prompt. Groups all year by prior arrangement. Admission: Adults 5, Concessions 4, Under 5s free. 22 Great Central Road, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RW Tel: Relive the romance of the railways with a trip on our heritage trains. Explore period stations, steam engines and enjoy on board refreshments as Charnwood s countryside unfolds past your window. Also, enjoy luxury 1st class dining trains! Opening Times: Trains run every weekend plus selected weekdays in the summer. With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of the country house estate. Explore this fascinating house, the beautiful walled garden and Calke Park and National Nature Reserve. Opening Times: 23 Feb 3 Nov: House: Sat Wed 12.30pm 5pm Garden: Daily 10am 5pm. Restaurant & Shop: Daily 10am 5pm. Nov Feb: 10.30am 4pm. Park & NNR: Daily 7.30am 7.30pm (dusk if earlier). Closed 25 Dec. 21 GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY TREASURES OF THE PAST ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE Burton Road, Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 JX Tel: enquiries@roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk Woodland walks, indoor and outdoor play, cycle hire, fishing, gift shop and restaurant there's something for everyone at Rosliston Forestry Centre. There are Education Programmes, Birds of Prey, Archery, Woodland Laser and Laser Clay shooting (pre-booking necessary). Opening Times: All year. Admission: Free. Car Park charges apply: 0p up to 1 hour, 2 all day. Annual pass 20. Bus Route: Arriva No 13 from Burton upon Trent to Tamworth Mon Sat and Midland classic No 22 from Burton upon Trent to Swadlincote. FAMILY FUN IN THE FOREST 24 GRACE DIEU PRIORY Off A512 between Shepshed and Thringstone Tel: davidwhitt@bernay.demon.co.uk Augustinian nunnery, founded by Roesia de Verdon. Ruined but recently conserved. On A512 Ashby Loughborough Road. Presentations, guided and ghost walks by appointment. Circular walk over stepping stones. Parking at nearby Bulls Head PH. Opening Times: Daily dawn until dusk. Admission: Free NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR Tel: info@thenma.org.uk The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK s year-round centre of Remembrance. Sited in the heart of the Nation, with 50,000 maturing trees and over 220 memorials, including the iconic Armed Forces Memorial. Opening Times: Daily 9am 5pm (dusk in winter months). Admission: Free but small car park charges apply. 35 BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 HZ Tel: info@beehivefarm-woodlandlakes.co.uk Enjoy 66 acres of this attractive woodland site including wildlife area, fishing lakes, small animal farm with petting area, children s play area, large sand-pit and gift shop. Caravan, camping and tea room also on site. Opening Times: Woodland: All year: daily. Farm: Easter end Oct: daily. Oct Easter: Weds Sun. Tea room: Call for details. Admission: Free car parking and access to woodland. Small admission fee to farm and picnic area. 41 SNIBSTON Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LN Tel: snibston@leics.gov.uk Discover 500 years of technological innovation and its impact on our lives at this award-winning interactive museum. From the earliest mining tools, proto-type jet engine to the largest fashion display outside London there is plenty to explore. Assistance dogs only. Opening Times: Apr Oct: Daily 10am 5pm. Nov Mar: Mon Fri 10am 3pm, Sat Sun & school holidays 10am 5pm. Admission: Please see website for prices. 23

13 FAMILY FUN IN THE FOREST 42 ARTS, CRAFTS, GIFTS AND SPAS 42 STONEHURST FAMILY FARM & MUSEUM Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7AR Tel: Enjoyment for the whole family. Meet friendly farmyard animals, activity areas, playbarn, pony rides and free tractor rides. Excellent home cooking in tea shop. Impressive collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia. Opening Times: Daily 9.30am 5pm. Closed 25 December 2 January. Admission: Adults 4.95, Concessions 4.95, Child 3.95, Family 16 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children). 43 TROPICAL BIRDLAND Lindridge Lane, Desford, Leicestershire LE9 9GN Tel: rhopper@tropbird.demon.co.uk 49 BYRKLEY GARDEN CENTRE Rangemore, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 9RN Tel: byrkley@klondyke.co.uk 50 See wild animals from across the world at Twycross Zoo, the centre for conservation, education and fun! 50 acres of parkland housing nearly 1000 animals, mainly rare and endangered species. Opening Times: Daily except Christmas Day. Summer: 10am 5.30pm. Winter: 10am 4pm. Admission: Please refer to website or contact Bus Route: Number 7 from Ashby de la Zouch to Nuneaton. FERRERS CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS Melbourne Road, Staunton Harold, Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1RU Tel: BETTY S FARM AND SHOP Betty s Farm, Castle Way, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6BW Tel: or info@bettysfarm.co.uk We are a commercial free range chicken farm with a farm shop which sells local produce. We hold regular family events. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information. Opening Times: Tue Sat 9am 5pm, Sun 10am 4pm. 55 Byrkley Garden Centre is a great place for the whole family with plenty to see and do in one of the region's most stylish shopping destinations. Our Seasons and Garden Room Restaurants serve British food at its best! Opening Times: Mon Sat: 9am 5.30pm. Sun: 10.30am 4.30pm. Admission: Free. TWYCROSS ZOO Burton Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 3PX Tel: Barton under Needwood, Burton upon Trent DE13 DZ Tel: enquiries@bartonmarina.co.uk 54 Superb waterside destination with pub/restaurant, 13 retail shops, lakes, fishery, nature walk, garden centre and boat marina. The Waterfront Pub and restaurant is open every day including Christmas Day. Shops open every day except Christmas Day. All open 10am 4.30pm. Admission: Free. Walk around acres of woodland filled with large aviaries full of tropical birds. Many of our birds are free to roam and fly so they will probably land on you! Opening Times: Daily 10am 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year s Day. Admission: Adults 6.50, Concessions 4.50, Child Bus Route: 153 Arriva from Leicester. 44 BARTON MARINA A LOCAL FLAVOUR BITTERSWEET Three Horseshoes Inn and Chocolate Shop Main Street, Breedon on the Hill, Derby DE73 AN Tel: sales@bittersweetchocolates.co.uk 'Chocolate Heaven' workshops, have fun learning to make 25 fresh cream truffles and design and make solid chocolates, guided by award winning chocolatiers. Take home everything you make. Unlimited chocolate fondue. Gift vouchers available online. Call or for workshop dates. 56 Traditional skills mix harmoniously alongside more contemporary studios. Within a stunning Georgian courtyard the Ferrers Centre offers a unique visitor experience. Workshops, studios, gallery, deli, tearoom, commissions, exhibitions, walks, National Trust Church. Opening Times: Tues Sun and Bank Hol Mon 11am 5pm. Admission: Free. Parking charges apply at weekends and on bank holidays. HELEN S BAKEHOUSE AND TEAROOM 15/16 Market Place, Burton upon Trent Staffordshire DE14 1HA Tel: helweat@aol.co.uk Vintage style tearoom in warm and welcoming setting. Large range of cakes and pastries baked on the premises, and fresh bread all available to take away. Celebration cakes. Sugarcraft supplies. Opening Times: Mon Sat am 4pm. Sun Closed. DRIFT-AWAY-DAYS ON WATERWAYS 45 MERCIA LEISURE TRIPS 51 Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington Derbyshire, DE65 6DW Tel: boattrips@mail.com MERCIA MARINA 52 Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW Tel: info@merciamarina.co.uk SHORTHEATH FISHERY Shortheath Water, Shortheath Road, Moira, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 6BW Tel: info@shortheathwater.co.uk Well stocked 24 peg lake. Carp (up to 25lb+) many other coarse fish. Toilet facilities (inc. disabled) and disabled pegs. Lakeside licensed bistro and Lakeview Lodge self catering accommodation on site. 3 miles from M42/Ashby de la Zouch. Opening Times: Summer 6am 9pm. Winter Dawn til Dusk. Admission: Adults 6 per day, Children/Concessions 5 per day PLANTERS AT BRETBY Bretby Lane, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE15 0QS Tel: info@plantersatbretby.com 53 THE OCTAGON SHOPPING CENTRE New Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3TN Tel: The Octagon Shopping Centre can be found in the heart of Burton upon Trent. Boasting a range of high street and independent shops, The Octagon is a unique shopping experience. Opening Times: Mon Sat 9am 5.30pm, Sun 10am 4.30pm. LAKESIDE BISTRO Shortheath Water, Shortheath Road, Moira Derbyshire DE12 6BW Tel: info@shortheathwater.co.uk Family-run licensed bistro peacefully situated overlooking the lake. Breakfasts, coffees, lunch and cream teas. Homemade blackboard specials and puddings. Steaks, fresh fish and Chef s specials served Fri and Sat evenings. Booking advisable. Opening times: Tues Sun 9.30am 4pm (Winter 3pm), Fri & Sat evening 6.30pm 9pm, Sun lunch 12noon 2pm. 5 For good food, quality plants, healthy fish, beautiful gifts and spectacular Christmas decorations no one beats Planters at Bretby. Opening Times: Mon Sat 9am 6pm (Thurs 9am pm), Sun 10.30am 4.30pm. Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year s Day. Breath-taking waterside destination in the heart of the Midlands. Visit this wildlife wonderland that boasts boat hire companies, trip boat, café/restaurant, shop and waterside holiday lodges. Landmark gastro pub and shopping complex planned for Opening Times: Marina Office Daily 9am 5.30pm. Willow Tree Tea Rooms Daily 9am 5pm. Still Waters Shop Daily.30am 6pm. Trip boat runs throughout the summer months. 47 Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, Staunton Harold Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1RU Tel: info@ferrersgallery.co.uk The multi award-winning Ferrers Gallery showcases the best in British craftsmanship. Over 3 floors you will find cards, jewellery, textiles, glass, ceramics, metalwork and paintings. Surrounded by stunning scenery the gallery is adjacent to Staunton Harold Hall, lake and church. Opening Times: Tues Sun and Bank Hols 11am 5pm. Admission: Free. Canal boat trips along the Trent and Mersey Canal from Mercia Marina, Willington to various destinations between Swarkestone and Burton. Charter and parties welcomed. Opening Times: Please telephone for details. Admission: Charges vary accordingly starting from 3 per person. Please telephone for details. 46 FERRERS GALLERY THE CATTOWS FARM SHOP AND TEA ROOM Cattows Farm, Swepstone Road, Heather Leicestershire LE67 2RF Tel: james@cattowsfarm.co.uk Set on a working farm amongst 100 acres of National Forest woodland, we offer home grown, local and regional produce. Fresh asparagus from May. PYO soft fruit mid June. Superb tearoom. Annual music festival featuring national & international artists: Opening Times: Please contact for details. 59 THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON Chapel Street, Oakthorpe, Measham DE12 7QT Tel: DOGS WELCOME Knowing where you can take your dog is sometimes quite tricky. Our handy factsheet lists all dog friendly sites as well as local kennels that offer day-boarding, letting you explore with peace of mind. FOREST WEDDINGS Whether you want a casual, formal or romantic affair, the National Forest & Beyond makes a great central location to get wed. From grand houses drenched in history to romantic wooded glades, our factsheet lists the lovely licensed venues. FOR A COPY OF THESE FACTSHEETS INCLUDING DETAILS OF GROUP ACCOMMODATION CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (SEE PAGE 3) Friendly village pub open Mon Sat 12noon 11pm, Sun 12noon 4pm and 7pm 10.30pm. Excellent reasonably priced 40-seater restaurant open 12noon 2pm Tues Sun and 6pm 9pm Tues Sat evenings. Folk Club 1st and 3rd Sun monthly. Well kept ales. Walkers welcome. DISCOUNT VOUCHERS, EVENTS AND MUCH MORE ON 25

14 Events, fairs & festivals THIS LISTING SHOWS JUST THE MAJOR EVENTS HAPPENING ACROSS THE AREA THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS LOG ON TO THE WEBSITE OR CONTACT THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (SEE PAGE 3). it s all happening... miss these! Pictures L-R: The Green Man at the National Forest Wood Fair, Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Festival of Fireworks FEBRUARY Dimminsdale Snowdrops, nr Staunton Harold Reservoir, Xtreme Challenge 10K X-country event, MARCH CAMRA Beer Festival, Burton upon Trent, The Conservation Volunteers Natural Break, 16 Midlands Grand National, Uttoxeter Racecourse, April 2020VISION Outdoor Exhibition, Swadlincote, 29, 1 April Swadlincote Ski Centre Easter Extravaganza, April Claymills Easter Steaming Event, APRIL VISION Exhibition, Calke Abbey, 12, 26 (+ more dates) Great Central Railway Murder Mystery, May, Bluebell Woods, Yoxall Lodge, BASC Game Fair, Catton Hall, 2 Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair, MAY JUNE Throughout the summer many villages and towns have brilliant open garden events. For more information contact the Tourist Information Centres (page 3). Fake Festival, Ashby de la Zouch, Download Festival, Castle Donington, 22 Heart of the Forest Festival, Measham, 23 Derbyshire County Show, Elvaston Castle, 29 Xstatic Summer Festival, Catton Hall, Festival of Leisure, Swadlincote, JULY Maize Maze opens, National Forest Adventure Farm, National Forest Folk Festival, CONKERS, Burton Regatta, 14 Ashby Show, Heather, 21 Derbyshire Royal British Legion 2013 County Show, Stanton s Wood, Heather Music Festival, Burton Washlands Parade and Beer Festival, August Heather Scarecrow Festival, Moira Furnace Folk Festival, Bosworth Battlefield Anniversary Weekend, 26 National Forest Wood Fair, Beacon Hill Country Park, SEPTEMBER 7 Festival of Fireworks, Catton Hall, 9 Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, Heritage Open Days, various locations, Ashby Statutes Fair, Melbourne Festival, 15 National Forest 10K, 21 Beer Festival & International Barrel Rolling Championships, National Brewery Centre, Woodland Festival, Elvaston Castle OCTOBER 7 Burton upon Trent Statutes Fair, November Screamfest, National Forest Adventure Farm, 27 Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair, National Forest Folk Festival 5-7 July Set within Conkers covered amphitheatre beside a pretty lake and surrounded by woodland, the festival always has an impressive line-up. Summer Nights Film Festival July-September QUAD, Derby s centre for art and film, is bringing some brilliant classic and contemporary films to The National Forest this summer. Visit the website for dates. summernights Help solve the murder on one of Great Central Railway s Murder Mystery Nights. Pick from 14 dates throughout March to October. WELL DRESSINGS See the spectacular colours and pictures created from petals and plants as part of the ancient custom of well dressing between May and July at Etwall, Mayfield and Aston on Trent. Contact the Tourist Information Centres for specific dates. JOIN IN THE BIGGEST EVER NATIONAL FOREST WALKING FESTIVAL! The best way to see the Forest is on foot. So why not join us on The National Forest Walking Festival (1-30 May). For more information, a festival programme or to book a Walking Festival Short Break visit the website festival.org.uk 5 Classic Car Show, Catton Hall, Willington Arts Festival, National Forest Walking Festival, Moira Canal Festival, Moira Furnace, Derbyshire Food & Drink Festival, Elvaston Castle, June Ashby Festival Fortnight, July to August Summer Nights Film Festival, AUGUST 3 Agrilympics, National Forest Adventure Farm, 4 Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair, Bloodstock Open Air Festival, Catton Park, Strawberry Fields Festival, Heather, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER For details of Bonfire and Firework Spectaculars, Christmas fairs, carols by candlelight and Santa specials contact the Tourist Information Centres. See for dates. LOG ON TO OR CONTACT THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS ACROSS THE AREA. GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Our friendly Tourist Information Centres are brilliant for finding out what s on during your stay what s not to be missed, evening entertainment, off the beaten track suggestions for walks, where you can take your dog or what guided walks are happening across the area. They can even book accommodation for you. For contact details see page Follow us on facebook & twitter The above events information was correct as at October You are advised to contact the venues directly to check dates, times and admission costs. 27

15 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Book a break! Where to stay Relax in one of our cosy village pubs, a friendly guesthouse or comfortable hotel. Or perhaps you would prefer the camaraderie of a campsite or the luxury of a pampering health spa. The accommodation featured in this guide has been inspected by one of the rating authorities, VisitBritain or the AA, as part of the National Quality Assessment Scheme or The National Forest & Beyond Approved Visitor Accommodation Scheme. 1 HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION hhb&b FERNE COTTAGE 5 Black Horse Hill, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 7AQ Tel: gbirdapplebymag@gmail.com BURTON UPON TRENT 7 THREE QUEENS LODGE 2 The star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience. Gradings may change during the lifetime of this guide. Some hotels in this guide are also inspected through the chain s approved system. Please go to for more information on the quality standard schemes. hhhhb&b Gallows Lane, Measham, Derbyshire DE12 7HD Tel: dilovett@meashamhouse.co.uk 3 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH, SWADLINCOTE, SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION CAMPING & CARAVANNING BURTON UPON TRENT 4 9 THE POST HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST hhhhb&b 14 HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION WISTERIA LODGE C/o Holly Cottage, Main Road, Harlaston, Tamworth Staffordshire B79 9JX Tel: brassington.ads@btconnect.com Bedrooms: 1 D (En), 1 T (En), 1 F (En). Price per person per night from Family run B&B each room tastefully furnished with luxury bedding/towels. Convenient to attractions in The National Forest, close to J13-M42 and J21/22/23-M1. Donington Park, Mallory Park, NEC and Birmingham/EMA Airports. Number of units: 1. Bedrooms: 1 D. Price per room per night from 50 single occupancy/ 70 double occupancy. Spacious newly refurbished, detached ground floor lodge with kitchenette and ensuite, within peaceful garden setting. Near National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas, Catton Hall, Lichfield. Room servicing or self catering optional. HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION HAMPTON BY HILTON AT ST GEORGE S PARK Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton upon Trent Staffordshire DE13 9PD Tel: stgeorgespark.events@hilton.com HILTON AT ST GEORGE S PARK Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton upon Trent Staffordshire DE13 9PD Tel: stgeorgespark.events@hilton.com DERBY 10 HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION NOOK COTTAGE B&B SWADLINCOTE hhhhb&b 15 5 The Nook, Barrow on Trent, Derbyshire DE73 7NA Tel: or nookcottage@nookcottage.co.uk KEGWORTH/CASTLE DONINGTON 11 BEST WESTERN PREMIER YEW LODGE HOTEL HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION Newton Solney, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE15 0SS Tel: sales.mercureburtonupontrent@jupiterhotels.co.uk HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION hhhb&b OVERSEALE HOUSE Acresford Road, Overseal, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 6HX Tel: oversealehouse@hotmail.com Bedrooms: 1 D (En), 1 T (private bathroom). Price per person per night from Charming beamed cottage, warm friendly welcome. Ideally located for Rolls-Royce, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby City, South Derbyshire, Calke Abbey, Donington Park, Alton Towers, M1, A50, A3 and East Midlands Airport. Bedrooms: 2 S, 3 D (2 En), 1 T (En), 1 F (En). Price per person per night from This rather special beautifully restored George II, Grade 2* family home, 4 miles from M42 (junction 11), is the ideal place to rest, relax and visit local attractions. Helicopter parking. Also two Self Catering units available. Price per unit per week from Total bedspaces 7. SWADLINCOTE hhhhhotel 2 Rosettes Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derbyshire DE74 2DF Tel: info@yewlodgehotel.co.uk 16 Bedrooms: 59 D (En), 25 T (En), 22 F (En). Price per person per night from A family owned hotel part of the Best Western consortium. Superbly appointed executive bedrooms, the award winning Orchard restaurant and Reeds our stunning health club & spa awaits all our guests. MERCURE BURTON UPON TRENT NEWTON PARK HOTEL hhhhcountry House Hotel Breakfast Award Bedrooms: 5 S (En), 25 D (En), 17 T (En), 3 F (En). Price per person per night from Set in acres of landscaped grounds and gardens and formally a private residence, this beautiful hotel is located in the picturesque village of Newton Solney on the edge of The National Forest. Quote NP2013 and get a free bottle of wine with your stay. 2 Kings Mills, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RR Tel: thepriesthouse@handpicked.co.uk Bedrooms: 4 S (En), 31 D (En), 3 T (En), 4 F (En). Price per person per night from This tranquil country house hotel, perched on the banks of the River Trent, is set in its own forty two acres of woodland, meadow and gardens, with elegant contemporary surroundings. The Courtyard, 120 High Street, Ibstock Leicestershire LE67 6LJ Tel: posthousebandb@hotmail.co.uk Bedrooms: 9 D (En), 53 T (En). Located at the home of English Football, The Hilton boasts stylish guest rooms, exceptional cuisine and a luxurious health club and spa the perfect choice for a special countryside getaway. 6 hhhhhotel 2 Rosettes THE PRIEST HOUSE HOTEL LICHFIELD Bedrooms: 60 D (En), 26 T (En). This countryside retreat is uniquely located at the heart of English Football. Offering cosy guest rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect choice for individuals, groups and families Bedrooms: 2 D (En), 1 T (En), 1 F (En). Price per person per night from Here we offer designed ambience for the discerning guest. The finest local foods. Award-winning breakfasts. Private parking. Arranged meals. Business/leisure facilities in The National Forest. Free internet connection. Packed lunch available. Walkers and cyclists welcome. Bedrooms: 5 S (En), 1 D (En), 7 T (En), 4 F (En). Price per person per night from A charming Grade II Regency style listed building set in beautiful landscaped gardens. An ideal venue for any occasion, weddings, conferences and all celebrations catered for. Licenced for civil ceremonies. Open to non-residents. COLOUR KEY HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION YOUTH HOSTEL Station Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2GP Tel: reservations@royalhotelashby.com Herald Way, Pegasus Business Park, Derby DE74 2TZ Tel: info.eastmidlandsairport@radissonblu.com Church Lane Farm, Ravenstone, Coalville Leicestershire LE67 2AE Tel: annthorne@ravenstone-guesthouse.co.uk hhhhotel hhhhhotel RADISSON BLU HOTEL EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT Bedrooms: 16 D (En), 50 T (En). Price per person per night from (including breakfast). Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport offers stylish rooms and a first-class conference centre. Extensive dining options, excellent leisure facilities making it the preferred place to stay for business and leisure guests. Interconnecting rooms on request. hhhhstar Guest House Breakfast Award RAVENSTONE GUEST HOUSE Bedrooms: 1 T (En), 2 F (En). Price per person per night from A very warm welcome awaits you at Measham House Farm B&B, caravan & campsite (15 pitches from 14 per night). A grade II Georgian farmhouse on a 600 acre working farm run by John & Di Lovett. THE ROYAL HOTEL 12 HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION HOW TO BOOK You can book your accommodation directly or through the Tourist Information Centres (TICs) who can give you more information on the quality inspection schemes: Budget Hotel Bedrooms: 13 D (En), 2 T (En), 9 F (En). Price per room per night from Located within historic building in Burton s conservation area the Lodge offers no frills service and is ideal for families. You enjoy the facilities of the adjoining, award winning Three Queens Hotel. COALVILLE HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION KEGWORTH/CASTLE DONINGTON Bridge Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1SY Tel: info@threequeenslodge.co.uk Bedrooms: 1 S, 1 D, 1 T. Price per person per night from th Century cottage. Homely, friendly and comfortable accommodation in historic village ½ mile from Junction 11 M42/A42. Will do put-ups in double room for family. MEASHAM HOUSE FARM HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION YOUTH HOSTEL YHA NATIONAL FOREST hhhhhostel 4 Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 6BD Tel: nationalforest@yha.org.uk Bedrooms: 9 D (En), 23 F (En). Price per person per night from This modern 4 star YHA, next to CONKERS, is ideal for families and groups exploring The National Forest. Family and double rooms available, all en-suite, as well as a self catering kitchen, bar, restaurant and coffee shop. Disabled parking Licensed Suitable for group visits Self-catering only Disabled toilets Licensed for weddings Swimming pool Free linen provided Accepts major credit cards Evening meals available Online bookable Short lets available Car parking Free WiFi connection Open all year Tea/coffee making facilities in rooms KEY TO SYMBOLS Washing & drying facilities Children s play area Garden/Patio area Pets by arrangement Toilets Children welcome Ground floor bedrooms Reductions for children TV in room Electric hook-up Coach parking Hairdryer in all rooms Restaurant/Café Welcome host award Hot showers Conference facilities Ironing facilities Smoking room(s) available Wheelchair access Parking beside caravan Caravan & camping only 29

16 ABBOTS BROMLEY 17 SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION hhhhself Catering BLITHFIELD LAKESIDE BARNS St Stephen s Hill Farm, Admaston, Rugeley Staffordshire WS15 3NQ Tel: blithfield.barns@hotmail.co.uk DERBY SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION MERCIA MARINA LODGES 23 Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW Tel: info@merciamarina.co.uk 1 hhhh Self Catering FOREST LODGE AT HILL FARM Spring Lane, Packington, Leicestershire LE65 1WU Tel: hillfarmpackington@hotmail.co.uk NATIONAL TRUST CALKE ABBEY HOLIDAY COTTAGES 24 Calke Abbey, Ticknall DE73 7LE Tel: National Trust Holiday Contact Centre cottages@nationaltrust.org.uk LAKEVIEW LODGES hhhhself Catering Shortheath Water, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BW Tel: info@shortheathwater.co.uk hhhhself Catering NORMAN'S BARN Ingles Hill Farm, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2TE Tel: isabel_stanley@hotmail.com UPPER RECTORY FARM COTTAGES 22 Snarestone Road, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 7AJ Tel: info@upperrectoryfarmcottages.co.uk 30 SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION AQUA NARROWBOATS 33 SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION Oaklands Farm, Mount Pleasant, Sutton Road Church Broughton, Derbyshire DE65 5DE Tel: or info@oaklandscountrylodges.co.uk Number of units: 6. Total bedspaces: 4. Price per unit per week from Nestling in a young woodland site, complete with fishing lake, activities and play areas. Our fully equipped self-catering lodges provide the perfect place to get away from it all. Bus Route: Arriva No 13 and Midland Classic No LICHFIELD 25 Botany Bay, Grangewood, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 DY Tel: or cheryl@spinneyviewbarn.co.uk Number of units: 3. Total bedspaces: 1. Price per unit per week from 400 1,065. Three beautifully styled and smartly furnished timber lodges offering a truly relaxing holiday experience, peaceful landscaped grounds with own individual verandas and Jacuzzi hot tubs, sitting adjacent to owners farm. hhhhhholiday Park Rose Award Fradley Junction, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7DN Tel: Fax: mail@kingfisherholidaypark.com MELBOURNE 30 SEAL BROOK FARM COTTAGES hhhhself Catering Lullington Road, Grangewood, Derbyshire DE12 BH Tel: info@sealbrookfarmcottages.co.uk hhh/hself Catering Ivy House Farm, Stanton by Bridge, Derby DE73 7HT Tel: david.kiddkidd@btinternet.com NEWBOROUGH COTTAGES Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: Price per unit per week from 00 2,040. Peaceful and tranquil surroundings, set in its own grounds. The farmhouse is spacious and well-appointed. 5 bedroom/5 bathroom. Excellent base for all attractions. 35 CAMPING & CARAVANNING INGLES HILL CARAVAN SITE hhhhself Catering SEALWOOD COTTAGE VINEYARD Sealwood Lane, Linton, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6PA Tel: johngbotanybay@btinternet.com Number of units: 4. Total bedspaces: 14. Price per unit per week from 350. Woodland Hills Court Holiday Cottages are brick-built, 2 bedroom accommodation with open plan kitchen, dining room and lounge. 3 have wet rooms, 1 has a four-poster bed and rolltop bath. Caravan Club Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2TE Tel: isabel_stanley@hotmail.com Pitches: 5. Price per night from 10. Landscaped caravan club certificated location overlooking 'Ivanhoe's' valley. 5 hardstandings. Rally field accommodates small rallies/tents. 140 acres of woodland walks. Easy access, NEC, Donington Racetrack/Airport, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Calke Abbey. MELBOURNE 31 hhhhself Catering Poplars Farm, Yoxall Road, Newborough Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 SU Tel: sarah@skippershaulage.fsnet.co.uk Number of units: 2. Total bedspaces: 12. Price per unit per week from Situated in a quiet hamlet, yet within easy reach of attractions, shops, pubs and motorways. Cosy yet spacious properties with tasteful decor. Ample off-road parking. SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION WOODLAND HILLS COURT SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION KINGFISHER HOLIDAY PARK 34 Number of units: 2 (not adjoined). Total bedspaces: 6 per unit. Price per unit per week from 3 1,110. Blissfully peaceful situated in the heart of The National Forest, are our contemporary barn conversions. Park View having private garden and hot tub. Spinney View has private patio and hot tub, see our website for further details. Number of units: 6. Total bedspaces: 24. Short breaks available from 140. Picturesque canal junction, next to nature reserve with woodland walks, café, gift shop and information point on site. Peak District, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Theme Park in easy reach. Wi-Fi internet access available, tennis court and bowling green. New heated indoor swimming pool. 26 hhhhself Catering PARK VIEW AND SPINNEY VIEW BARN hhhhself Catering Gold Award OAKLANDS COUNTRY LODGES 36 CAMPING & CARAVANNING STANTON S WOOD CARAVAN SITE Camping & Caravanning Club Knowle Hill Farm, Ingleby Lane Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JQ Tel: Pitches: 5. Price per pitch from 6. Stanton s Wood has a five van site entirely surrounded by trees. Very secluded. Open May October. Ideal site for walkers or people who enjoy solitude. Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: 2. Price per unit per week from 270. Sealwood Cottage Grade II listed built by the Rev Thomas Gresley in the mid 1700s. Carefully restored with many gothic features including a secret bed. Perfect for exploring and relaxing. hhhh/hself Catering Gold Award Number of units: 9. Total bedspaces: 42. Price per unit per week from 330 1,315. Skylarks and buzzards soar above these delightful, multi-award winning cottages set amid the waving cornfields. They are luxuriously furnished, en-suite throughout, with free WiFi, great walks and fabulous views. Just come and hear the silence! Perfect! DERBY Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Road, Rosliston Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 JX Tel: Fax: enquiries@roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk Number of units: 4. Total bedspaces: 22. Price per unit per week from 370. Four wonderful holiday cottages on the Calke Abbey estate. Wicket Nook, once a gamekeeper s cottage, is perfect for couples. Quirky former gate lodges Ticknall Lodge and Heath End Lodge sleep three. 1th Century farmhouse Southwood House sleeps 14. Cots available. Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: 5. Price per unit per week from 340. Luxurious barn conversion in beautiful surroundings on a working farm overlooking Ivanhoe s valley. 140 acres of woodland walks. Within 1 mile of Ashby de la Zouch, 2 miles to A42 and numerous attractions. Both bedrooms en-suite. One bedroom ground floor. 21 hhh/hself Catering FOREST LODGES TUTBURY UTTOXETER Number of units: 2. Total bedspaces:. Price per unit per week from Spacious, comfortable lodges with home from home facilities overlooking Shortheath Water. Lakeside tearoom and fishing on site. Centrally located for The National Forest and many local attractions. Walkers and cyclists welcome. 20 SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: 4. Price per week from 600. Luxury Rural Retreat near historic Ashby de la Zouch, Major tourist attractions, off road cycle centre and country walks. Relaxing hot tub overlooks beautiful countryside. Rare breed animals and farm shop on site selling home produce Number of units: 2. Total bedspaces: 9. Price per unit per week from Luxury lodge accommodation with beautiful water views over tranquil marina. Each lodge has a truly unique character and appeal and are an ideal base for exploring surrounding areas of beauty. Week long and short breaks available. Number of units: 6. Total bedspaces: 32. Price per unit per week from Six beautifully appointed barn conversions in an idyllic setting overlooking Blithfield Reservoir on organic dairy farm. All have lovely oak beams, wooden floors, fully fitted kitchens and WiFi. Most bedrooms en-suite. One with four poster bed and Jacuzzi bath. ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH hhhhholiday Park SWADLINCOTE hhhhhnarrowboat Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington Derbyshire DE65 6DW Tel: info@aquanarrowboats.co.uk Number of units: 5. Total bedspaces: 2 boats at 2/4 berth, 3 boats at 4/6 berth. Price per unit per week from Relax on board our luxury, fully equipped narrowboats. Cruise in style to many local canalside attractions, enjoy the scenic countryside views and good pub food on route. Full tuition given. SWADLINCOTE 27 SWADLINCOTE SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION 50 MILL STREET hhhhself Catering 50 Mill Street, Coton in the Elms, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 ES Tel: andrew.porter999@btinternet.com 32 THE LITTLE RETREAT Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: 4. Price per unit per week from The Little retreat is a cosy, well maintained, high standard holiday home ideal for exploring The National Forest. Will appeal to walkers, cyclists and families. Excellent facilities available all year. VisitBritain Welcome Schemes: PLEASE MENTION THIS GUIDE WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR STAY CYCLISTS WELCOME VISIT BRITAIN PETS WELCOME National Accessibility Scheme FAMILIES WELCOME WALKERS WELCOME BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES hhh 2 Pennants Camping & Touring Park Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 HZ Tel: info@beehivefarm-woodlandlakes.co.uk Pitches: 25+ hook up, 25+ plain camping. Price on application. Touring caravans, motorhomes, tents accommodated and camping pods available to hire in an attractive woodland site. Over 66 acres of woodland, wildlife areas, fishing lakes, small animal farm and play area for under 10 years. Caravan storage available. Inspection & grading symbols: THE AA FOR DETAILS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SEE PAGE Main Street, Linton, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6PZ Tel: Number of units: 1. Total bedspaces: 6 (plus folding bed on request). Price per unit per week from Cottage for 6 (+1). Three bedrooms. Modernised and warm. Woodburner in lounge. Separate dining room. Village situation with pub and restaurant. Large garden and private parking. Plenty of nearby activities. PLEASE NOTE: Rates quoted were supplied by the establishments in Autumn Visitors are advised to confirm prices when booking. hhhself Catering CAMPING & CARAVANNING Part-time Wheelchair Users Accessible to a person with restricted walking ability. The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the national sustainable tourism award for the UK. TRIP ADVISOR: You can read reviews on many of the places mentioned in this guide on the website 31

17 Accommodation at a glance stay where it s all happening... Book a break! L-R: Camping at Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes, Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Hilton at St George s Park, YHA National Forest. HOTELS AND GUEST ACCOMMODATION ABBOTS BROMLEY Marsh Farm, AA**** Farmhouse, , from 30 pppn ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Best Western Appleby Park Hotel, AA*** Hotel, , from 49 prpn Champneys Springs Health Resort, Ferne Cottage, VB** B&B, , from 30 pppn Flagstaff Island Premier Inn, , from 29 prpn Hillfield House, Swannington, VB**** B&B, , from pppn Measham House Farm, VB**** B&B, , from 40 pppn The Clockmakers House, VB**** B&B, , from 34 pppn The Royal Hotel, AA*** Hotel, , from 35 pppn BURTON UPON TRENT Hampton by Hilton at St. George s Park, Needwood, Hilton at St. George s Park, Needwood, Holiday Inn Express, AA Budget Hotel, , from 55 prpn Premier Inn Burton on Trent East, Bretby, AA Budget Hotel, , from 39 prpn Mercure Burton upon Trent Newton Park Hotel, Newton Solney, VB**** Country House Hotel, , from 71 pppn Premier Inn Burton on Trent Central, AA Budget Hotel, , from 29 prpn Redmoor House, VB** B&B, from 2 pppn The Delter, AA**** Guest Accommodation, , from 45 prpn The Riverside at Branston, AA*** Hotel, , from 45 prpn Three Queens Hotel, AA*** Hotel, , from 50 pppn Three Queens Lodge, VB Budget Hotel, , from prpn Travelodge Burton A3 Northbound, VB Budget Hotel, , from 37 prpn Travelodge Burton A3 Southbound, VB Budget Hotel, , from 37 prpn Travelodge Burton upon Trent Central, , from 39 prpn Wendy s B&B, VB****, , from 70 prpn COALVILLE Hermitage Park Hotel, AA***, , from 39 pppn Ravenstone Guest House, AA**** Guest House, , from 35 pppn The Post House B&B, VB**** B&B, , from pppn DERBY Bonehill Farm, Mickleover, VB*** B&B, , from 30 prpn The Bubble Inn, Stenson, VB**** Guest Accommodation, , from 6 prpn Hotel Ibis budget Derby, Willington, , from 25 prpn Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel, Mickleover, AA**** Hotel, , from 4 prpn Nook Cottage B&B, Swarkestone, VB**** B&B Silver Award, , from 30 pppn Smithy Farm, Twyford, VB**** Guest Accommodation, , from 50 pppn The Barn Retreat at Ashe Hall, Etwall, VB*** Guest Accommodation, , from 30 pppn KEGWORTH & CASTLE DONINGTON Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, AA**** Hotel 2 Rosettes, , from 70 pppn Castletown House, VB**** Guest Accommodation Silver Award, , from 40 pppn Days Inn Donington, Shardlow, AA Budget Hotel, , from prpn Donington Manor Hotel, AA*** Hotel, , from 60 prpn Donington Park Travel Lodge, , from 19 prpn Falcon Inn & Hotel, AA***, , from 75 prpn Hilton East Midlands Airport, VB**** Hotel, , from 50 prpn Holiday Inn Express, AA*** Travel Accommodation, , from 52 prpn Kegworth House, AA***** Guest Accommodation, , from 3 prpn Ladygate Guest House, VB**** Guest Accommodation Silver Award, , from 35 pppn Queen s Head Hotel, Belton, AA**** Restaurant with Rooms, , from prpn Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport, , from pppn Scotts Corner Guest House, VB*** Guest Accommodation, , from 27 pppn Spring Cottage VB 4**** B&B from 40 pppn The Priest House Hotel, AA**** Hotel 2 Rosettes, , from 45 pppn Thistle Hotel East Midlands Airport, , from 90 prpn LICHFIELD Alrewas Hayes, Alrewas, VB***** Guest Accommodation Silver Award, , from 5 prpn Harlaston Post Office B&B, VB**** Guesthouse, , from 40 prpn Holly Tree Cottage, Alrewas, VB** B&B, , from 50 prpn Netherstowe House AA**** Guest House, , from 9 prpn Wisteria Lodge, Harlaston, VB local scheme, , from 50 pppn MARKFIELD Fieldhead Hotel, AA***, , from 65 prpn Horseshoe Cottage, VB***** Guest Accommodation Silver Award, , from 50 pppn Travel Lodge, , from 19 prpn The Wheatsheaf Inn, AA**** B&B, , from 40 pppn MELBOURNE Derby House Bed & Breakfast, Ticknall, VB**** Guest Accommodation Silver Award, , from pppn Melbourne Arms & Cuisine India, AA*** Inn, , from 40 prpn The Coach House, AA**** Guest House, , from 32 pppn SWADLINCOTE Campville Cottage, Netherseal, VB**** B&B Silver Award, , from 30 pppn Fern Cottage, Coton in the Elms, VB**** B&B, , from 30 pppn Manor Farm, Coton in the Elms, VB**** Farmhouse Silver Award, , from pppn Overseale House, AA*** B&B, , from 20 pppn The Mill Wheel, AA**** Inn, , from 56 prpn TUTBURY Boars Head Hotel, Sudbury, AA*** Hotel, , from prpn The Lavender Patch, Hilton, VB***** Farmhouse Gold Award, , from 5 prpn UTTOXETER Ashmore B&B, Doveridge, VB**** Guest Accommodation, , from 35 pppn Bowmore House, VB**** Farmhouse, , from pppn Bulls Head, Alton, VB*** Inn, , from 45 prpn High View Cottage, AA**** Guest Accommodation, , from prpn Manor House Farm, VB**** Farmhouse Gold Award, , from 30 pppn Premier Inn Uttoxeter, VB & AA Budget Hotel, , from 49 prpn Travelodge Uttoxeter, VB Budget Hotel, , from 43 prpn Windy Arbour, VB**** Guest Accommodation, , from 30 pppn YOUTH HOSTEL YHA National Forest, Moira, VB ****, , from 12 pppn SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION ABBOTS BROMLEY Blithfield Lakeside Barns, VB****, , from 200 pw ASHBOURNE Dove Farm Cottage, Ellastone, VB****, , from 26 pppn ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Dandelion Hideaway, Osbaston, VB****, , from 405 pw Forest Lodge, Packington VB****, , from 600 pw Lakeview Lodges, VB****, , from 475 pw Norman s Barn, VB****, , from 340 pw Upper Rectory Farm Cottages, VB****/*, Gold Award, , from 330 pw COALVILLE Church View Barn, Swepstone, VB*** Gold Award, , from 200 pw DERBY 10 Main Street, Repton, VB local scheme, , from 30 pw Aqua Narrowboats, Willington, VB***** Narrowboat, , from 704 pw Mercia Marina Lodges, Willington, VB**** Holiday Park, , from 400 pw National Trust Calke Abbey Holiday Cottages, Ticknall, , from 370 pw LICHFIELD Kingfisher Holiday Park, Fradley Junction, VB***** Holiday Park Rose Award, , from 140 Netherstowe House Mews, AA****, , from 105 prpn MELBOURNE Woodland Hills Court, Stanton by Bridge, VB***/*, , from 350 SWADLINCOTE 50 Mill Street, Coton in the Elms, VB****, , from 320 pw Forest Lodges, Rosliston, VB***/*, , from 366 pw Grangefields Pine Lodges, Netherseal, VB****, , from 20 pw Park View Barn and Spinney View Barn, Grangewood, VB****, , from 3 pw Seal Brook Farm Cottages, Grangewood, VB****, , from 309 pw Sealwood Cottage Vineyard, Linton, VB****, , from 270 pw Swainswood Leisure Park, Overseal, VB***** Holiday Park, , from 355 pw The Little Retreat, Linton, VB***, , from 149 pw TUTBURY Oaklands Country Lodges, Church Broughton, VB**** Gold Award, , from 400 pw Windlehill Farm Cottages, Sutton on the Hill, VB****, , from 200 pw UTTOXETER Aldersbrook Cottage, Denstone, VB****, , from 300 pw Keeper s Cottage, Prestwood, VB**** Gold Award, , from 230 pw Moorcourt Cottages, Upper Leigh, VB****, , from 450 pw Newborough Cottages, VB****, , from 00 pw Woodland Views, VB****, , from 430 pw CAMPING & CARAVANNING ASHBOURNE Dishfield Farm Caravan Park, Sutton on the Hill, Caravan Club, , from 5 ppipn Hay Lane Farm, Foston, Camping & Caravanning Club, , from 9 ppipn ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Conkers Camping & Caravanning Club Site, VB*****, , from 22 ppipn Ingles Hill Caravan Site, Caravan Club, , from 10 ppipn Measham House Farm, Caravan Club, , from 14 ppipn BURTON UPON TRENT Cross Farm, Rolleston on Dove, Caravan Club, , from 10 ppipn Willowbrook Farm, Alrewas, Caravan Club, , from ppipn COALVILLE Battleflat Lodge Farm, Ellistown, Camping and Caravanning Club, , from 5 ppipn Lower Grange Farm, Camping and Caravanning Club, , from 6 ppipn DERBY Shardlow Marina Caravan Park, AA 3 Pennant Camping & Touring Park, , from 13 ppipn MELBOURNE Dovesite, Caravan Club, , from 10 ppipn Scaddows Farm, Ticknall, Caravan Club, , from 5 ppipn Springwood Fisheries, Caravan Club, , from 10 ppipn Stanton s Wood Caravan Site, Ticknall, Camping & Caravanning Club, , from 6 ppipn SWADLINCOTE Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes, Rosliston, VB***, AA 2 Pennant, UTTOXETER Forestside Farm, Marchington, Caravan Club, , from 15 ppipn (Camping Pods from 35 prpn) Uttoxeter Racecourse Caravan Club Site, VB** Touring park, , from 9.0 ppipn Highlighted entries see pages 2-31 pppn per person per night prpn per room per night pw per week ppipn per pitch per night PLEASE NOTE Rates quoted were supplied by the establishments in Autumn Visitors are advised to confirm prices when booking. 32 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18 WEEKEND BREAK DEALS With so much to explore and do in The National Forest & Beyond, you ll need more than just one day. So why not make a weekend of it? We have some brilliant deals for short breaks that will save you money. It is so simple. The breaks include accommodation and tickets for brilliant activities or attractions. You can choose from BREWERY BREAKS BUSHCRAFT BREAKS SPA BREAKS WALKING FESTIVAL WEEKEND (MAY) YHA FAMILY BREAKS STAY PLAY EXPLORE FAMILY BREAKS CHECK OUT THE SHORT BREAK DEALS ON

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20 So accessible It s all happening... ATTRACTIONS ACCOMMODATION BY ROAD For visitors travelling by car or coach, the National Forest & Beyond is easily accessible from the M1, M6, M42/A42, A50, A511 and the A3. For cycle routes visit our website BY BUS Information on bus and coach timetables is available from: Traveline Tel: , Website: National Express Tel: , Website: THE NATIONAL FOREST HOPPER The Arriva Midlands 9a bus route is The National Forest Hopper. This hourly service runs from Leicester*, via Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and Swadlincote, to Burton upon Trent passing many of the Forest s top attractions including Snibston, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Moira Furnace, Conkers, Swadlincote Ski Centre, Sharpe s Pottery Museum, the National Brewery Centre and the open air pool at Hood Park Leisure Centre. Find out more on the website *The bus is labelled 29a from Leicester to Coalville. Passengers do not have to change buses. BY RAIL National Rail Enquiries, Tel: , Website: An excellent website that provides times and details of trains, buses and other public transport along with driving instructions is 1 BEACON HILL COUNTRY PARK 2 BLUEBELL WOODS OF YOXALL LODGE 3 BRADGATE PARK & SWITHLAND WOOD COUNTRY PARK 4 LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTRY PARKS 5 SENCE VALLEY FOREST PARK 6 HICKS LODGE: THE NATIONAL FOREST CYCLE CENTRE 7 NATIONAL FOREST LLAMA TREKS TREASURE TRAILS 9 FOREST FOUR WHEEL DRIVE 10 GREENWOOD DAYS 11 LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTRY PARKS SERVICES: VOLUNTEERING 12 SWADLINCOTE SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE 13 THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IN THE NATIONAL FOREST 14 WOODLAND SURVIVAL CRAFTS 15 WOODLAND WAYS LTD 16 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH CASTLE 17 ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH MUSEUM 1 BATTLEFIELD LINE RAILWAY 19 BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD HERITAGE CENTRE 20 CALKE ABBEY 21 CATTON HALL 22 CLAYMILLS VICTORIAN PUMPING STATION 23 DONINGTON LE HEATH MANOR HOUSE 24 GRACE DIEU PRIORY 25 GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY 26 KEDLESTON HALL 27 MARSTON S BREWERY 2 MELBOURNE HALL AND GARDENS 29 MOIRA FURNACE 30 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM 31 NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE MUSEUMS 32 SHARPE'S POTTERY MUSEUM 33 SUDBURY HALL AND THE NATIONAL TRUST MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD 34 THE NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE 35 BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES 36 BLUE CROSS, ROLLESTON REHOMING CENTRE, HILDA ARCHER SANCTUARY 37 CONKERS 3 CRACKPOTZ CERAMIC CAFE 39 NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM 40 ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE 41 SNIBSTON 42 STONEHURST FAMILY FARM & MUSEUM 43 TROPICAL BIRDLAND 44 TWYCROSS ZOO 45 MERCIA LEISURE TRIPS 46 MERCIA MARINA 47 SHORTHEATH FISHERY 4 BARTON MARINA 49 BYRKLEY GARDEN CENTRE FERRERS CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS 51 FERRERS GALLERY 52 PLANTERS AT BRETBY 53 THE OCTAGON SHOPPING CENTRE BETTY S FARM AND SHOP 55 BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATES 56 HELEN S BAKEHOUSE AND TEAROOM 57 LAKESIDE BISTRO 5 THE CATTOWS FARM SHOP AND TEA ROOM 59 THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON Crown copyright [2010]. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number Please note that this map is designed to help locate key venues across the destination and not all roads are marked HOTELS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION 1 FERNE COTTAGE 2 MEASHAM HOUSE FARM 3 THE ROYAL HOTEL 4 HAMPTON BY HILTON AT ST GEORGE S PARK 5 HILTON AT ST GEORGE S PARK 6 MERCURE BURTON UPON TRENT NEWTON PARK HOTEL 7 THREE QUEENS LODGE RAVENSTONE GUEST HOUSE 9 THE POST HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST 10 NOOK COTTAGE B&B 11 BEST WESTERN PREMIER YEW LODGE HOTEL 12 RADISSON BLU HOTEL EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT 13 THE PRIEST HOUSE HOTEL 14 WISTERIA LODGE 15 OVERSEALE HOUSE YOUTH HOSTEL 16 YHA NATIONAL FOREST SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION 17 BLITHFIELD LAKESIDE BARNS 1 FOREST LODGE AT HILL FARM 19 LAKEVIEW LODGES 20 NORMAN'S BARN 21 UPPER RECTORY FARM COTTAGES 22 AQUA NARROWBOATS 23 MERCIA MARINA LODGES 24 NATIONAL TRUST CALKE ABBEY HOLIDAY COTTAGES 25 KINGFISHER HOLIDAY PARK 26 WOODLAND HILLS COURT MILL STREET 2 FOREST LODGES 29 PARK VIEW AND SPINNEY VIEW BARN 30 SEAL BROOK FARM COTTAGES 31 SEALWOOD COTTAGE VINEYARD 32 THE LITTLE RETREAT 33 OAKLANDS COUNTRY LODGES 34 NEWBOROUGH COTTAGES CAMPING & CARAVANNING 35 INGLES HILL CARAVAN SITE 36 STANTON S WOOD CARAVAN SITE 37 BEEHIVE FARM WOODLAND LAKES Well Dressing Train Station Tourist Information National Forest Boundary Steam Railway Glasgow Edinburgh Belfast Newcastle York Manchester Sheffield Dublin Stoke Derby Nottingham Birmingham Leicester Coventry Oxford Cardiff Bristol London MAPS & GUIDES Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 245 (The National Forest), 246 (Loughborough), 233 (Leicester) and 259 (Derby) cover the whole National Forest & Beyond area. Log on to to order a 245 map or pick up a copy from the local Tourist Information Centres. Photo credits: Ben Hall (2020Vision), Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Chris Beech, Crackpotz, Dan Cartright, Great Central Railway, Hilton at St George s Park, Jackie Rock, Kathy Belfield, Kevin Mason, Leslie Hextall, Lisa Brooks, Martin Vaughan, National Forest Adventure Farm, National Forest Llama Treks, Runner Photos, Uttoxeter Racecourse, YHA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of printing. However, the National Forest & Beyond partners, which include East Staffordshire Borough Council, the National Forest Company, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council, cannot be held responsible for any error, omission or subsequent changes. Copyright the National Forest Company Design: PLEASE HELP TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THIS GUIDE BY PASSING IT ON TO A FRIEND OR RECYCLING WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED WITH IT. Quartz Supreme Offset is made from ECF pulp and has FSC certification. Vegetable based inks were used throughout. 3 Follow us on facebook & twitter 39

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