Explore one of Staffordshire's largest reed beds and spot nationally rare wildlife at this free Local Nature Reserve with play areas and accessible pathways.

Branston Water Park is a premier wildlife site in East Staffordshire, transformed from an open cast gravel pit into a thriving Local Nature Reserve. The park is home to many species of plants and animals, both common and nationally rare, with a particularly important reed bed that ranks among the largest in Staffordshire. Its 45 acres of lakes and habitats make it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can enjoy level paths running around the entire site, providing excellent disabled access and opportunities for leisurely walks or cycling. The park features a small visitor centre with information boards about local birds and habitats, a children's play area suitable for ages up to 8, and ample picnic areas around the lake. Free parking is available, along with accessible toilets and facilities for fishing through Burton Mutual Angling Association. The venue offers something for every season, with an unmanned visitor centre open daily during summer months (April to October) and weekends only in winter. Whether visiting for wildlife observation, family picnics, accessible recreation, or simply enjoying the natural landscape, Branston Water Park combines educational opportunities with family-friendly facilities. A cafe on-site provides refreshments, making it an ideal destination for a full day out.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

A

Asad Ali

2 months ago

Sit down dip your feet in water and just observe the nature and birds you will learn alot about how birds live there naturally and how they interact with each other. Just give yourself one hour without a phone or any other distraction. Silence of one hour., thank me later.

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Kellie B

3 months ago

Large lake for a nice walk around, lots of wildlife with toilets, cafe and free parking too, also leads onto the canal which can be walked along both ways

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Victoria

3 months ago

Place to go for a relaxing walk along the water edge. Cafe on site and benches scattered around to sit and take 5.

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Tammy Binnie

4 months ago

Beautiful place to go for a walk, fresh air and burn off steam with the kids. Our stroll with the dog. The swans and ducks and nature all looked so beautiful too. Well looked after. The cafe was good, coffee delicious and prices reasonable. There's a couple of toilets which are a significant upgrade from the shack there was on my last visit a few years back. Well done! There's a play park too which my 3 enjoyed and plenty benches scattered about to sit while you wait or simply too catch your breath. Will go again.

J

Jeremy Trew

a year ago

May 2025 This is a great place to take the family. There's a lovely cafe and two super clean toilets just by a large free car park. A well maintained path is good for walkers, runners, or cyclists and goes all around the water Near the cafe is an adventure playground and a picnic spot with several beaches. Branston Water Park lies just by The Trent and Mersey Canal, so you can do a spot of boat watching at a lock

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026