Best attractions and places to see around Dunstall, Staffordshire, are characterized by picturesque countryside and historic buildings. This small village is situated between Burton upon Trent and Barton-under-Needwood, offering access to The National Forest. The area provides a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites, making it a destination for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. Dunstall is known for its extensive estate and proximity to significant waterways.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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A great place to walk and a visit to waterside is a must in the Sun
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a great place to walk round - just wish it had a dinner / pub overlooking the lake
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Former opencast mine now a scenic large central lake surrounded by paths for enjoyable walking.
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Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal, hosts a great little café over-looking the canal, with facilities in the courtyard. A pub, nature reserve and action at the canal locks make this a great place to have refreshments after your run. Can get a little busy due to location.
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Ferry Bridge is a pretty Victorian foot bridge over the River Trent. Built to replace a small ferry service that had operated at the same site since the 13th century. and gifted to the town by brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass, later Lord Burton. The bridge is a "semi-suspension" bridge, of which this is the first and only one of its kind in Europe to be built to this design.
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This beautiful lake forms part of the Conkers circuit which is a mixture of path, bridleway and tarmac. With benches to sit on it makes a perfect spot to stop for a snack!
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Part of the Conquers Circuit- a lovely mix of tarmac, gravel, and bridleway.
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Dunstall and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can visit National Memorial Arboretum, a significant memorial park with over 30,000 trees and 350 memorials dedicated to those who died in conflicts. Another notable site is Ferry Bridge, a unique Victorian semi-suspension footbridge over the River Trent, built in 1889. The village itself is home to historic structures like Dunstall Hall, a Grade II* listed country house, and St. Mary's Church, a Grade II listed church built to serve the estate.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Conkers Waterside is a great day out with outdoor walks, adventure playgrounds, and indoor activities, located within the National Forest. The National Memorial Arboretum is also family-friendly, offering educational experiences and peaceful reflection. Additionally, Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal, provides a lively spot with a café and opportunities to watch canal boats.
Dunstall is nestled within The National Forest, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore the 1,000-acre Dunstall Estate with its farmlands and woodlands, providing various walking routes. Conkers Waterside and Albert Village Lake are part of the popular Conkers Circuit, offering scenic trails. Branston Water Park, a local nature reserve, also features a 2.8-mile trail known for its wildlife.
The area around Dunstall offers a variety of cycling routes. For road cycling, you can find easy to moderate routes like the 'St Mary's Church, Dunstall – Skinny Kitten Cafe loop' or the 'Sunset View at Barton Marina – Washlands and River Trent loop'. If you prefer touring, consider the 'Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath – Fradley Junction loop' or the 'Branston Water Park – Sunset View at Barton Marina loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'Conkers Waterside – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Dunstall, Cycling around Dunstall, and Gravel biking around Dunstall guides.
Yes, Ferry Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing an opportunity to enjoy the unique Victorian footbridge over the River Trent. Many of the paths around the canals, such as those near Fradley Junction, are generally flat and suitable for easier access, though specific accessibility details for all trails should be checked locally.
You'll find amenities near several attractions. Fradley Junction hosts a café overlooking the canal and a pub. Conkers Waterside also has cafes. Within Dunstall village, traditional English pubs like The Dunstall Arms and The Dog and Partridge are popular choices for local food and drinks.
Beyond the main attractions, the Dunstall Estate itself offers peaceful walks through its 1,000 acres of farmland and woodland, often with permissive paths. The Trent and Mersey Canal, which passes through the parish, features a listed cast-iron milepost on its towpath, a small historical detail for canal enthusiasts. The Dunstall Nature Walk near Barton-under-Needwood is also a peaceful, wooded route for nature lovers.
At Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can experience a vibrant canal-side atmosphere. It's a great spot to watch canal boats navigate the locks, enjoy refreshments at the café, or visit the nearby pub. The junction also provides access to nature reserves and walking paths along the towpaths.
The natural areas around Dunstall, particularly within the Dunstall Estate's woodlands and at places like Branston Water Park, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. These areas are home to various farm animals and local wildlife. Branston Water Park, in particular, is known for its diverse ecosystem and is a designated local nature reserve.
Absolutely. Many walks in the Dunstall area can be combined with a visit to a local pub. The traditional English pubs in Dunstall village, such as The Dunstall Arms and The Dog and Partridge, are popular choices. Additionally, Fradley Junction, a key point on the canal network, has a pub right by the water, making it an ideal stop after a canal-side stroll.
Dunstall Hall is a Grade II* listed country house dating back to the early 19th century, with a history of ownership by prominent families like the Arkwrights and Hardys. It's now a popular venue for events. St. Mary's Church, a Grade II listed building, was constructed to serve the Dunstall Hall estate, showcasing stunning architecture and serving as a significant historical site reflecting the village's past.


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