Mercia Marina Willington
Europe's largest inland marina, offering unique shops, cafes, restaurants, and waterside living.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Mercia Marina Willington
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest inland marina, offering unique shops, cafes, restaurants, and waterside living.
"A vibrant and trendy little place with plenty of parking and most shops dog friendly."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Most shops and cafes are dog-friendly, perfect for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🚶♀️ Canal Towpath Strolls
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the charming village of Willington. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Promenade Luxury Apartments
Mercia Marina
Stunning collection of luxury apartments offering breathtaking waterside views.
Elegant Touch Beauty Salon
Mercia Marina
Award-winning salon offering a range of beauty treatments in a relaxing environment.
+1
Compamigos Derby
Mercia Marina
Enjoy Chinese-inspired tapas and a welcoming atmosphere at this popular restaurant.
+1
Art Gallery & Sculptures
Mercia Marina
Discover amazing art pieces and unique sculptures dotted around the marina.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Marina Access
Embrace the Waterside Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Most shops and cafes are dog-friendly, perfect for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🚶♀️ Canal Towpath Strolls
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the charming village of Willington. :walking:
☕ Coffee & Bites
The Boat Café is a popular spot, and many cafes offer outdoor seating on sunny days. :coffee:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's plenty of parking, though some building work may be ongoing. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Most shops and cafes are dog-friendly, perfect for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🚶♀️ Canal Towpath Strolls
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the charming village of Willington. :walking:
☕ Coffee & Bites
The Boat Café is a popular spot, and many cafes offer outdoor seating on sunny days. :coffee:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's plenty of parking, though some building work may be ongoing. :car:
🧊 Ice & Essentials
Stillwaters offers essentials, including gas, coal, and even whippy ice cream cones. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mercia Marina to be a vibrant and trendy spot, perfect for a leisurely day out with plenty of parking and dog-friendly options. The marina offers a pleasant mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, with scenic walks along the canal. While some building work is ongoing, it generally doesn't detract from the experience.
"Visited here on a blustery Monday afternoon in September. Fair sized car park - but some building work going on at front of car park. A limited number of shops, cafes and restaurant. Walking trails are close by if you fancy going for a walk or taking your dog."
Sardev Singh
"I regularly visit Mercia Marina. It is a very vibrant and trendy little place. Plenty of parking, and most of the shops are dog friendly. On a nice day most of the cafes have outdoor seating. The Boat Café is a favourite of mine. There are several cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as gift shops and a gallery. There are also some nice little nature walks you can do. The village of Willington is a pleasant, short walk away along the canal tow path where you can find several pubs."
Rob Clayton
"The visitor mooring is small. We had to go past and go turn around while waiting for the boat that was there. There are steps up to the path going to the shops which makes access for a trolley with gas and coal difficult. You get gas from Stillwaters which is in the corner of the boardwalk. They sell all sorts of essentials and even have whippy ice cream cones.
There are some lovely sculptures around the marina."
Lee-Ann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercia Marina is located in Willington, Derbyshire. While Findern Lane may experience closures, alternative routes are available via the Dobbies roundabout or through Willington and Frizams Lane.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, the marina is described as being a short walk from Willington village along the canal towpath, suggesting local bus services might be available to Willington.
Follow signs for Mercia Marina from the A38. Be aware of potential diversions if Findern Lane is closed, which will direct you via the Dobbies roundabout or through Willington.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Mercia Marina. Some building work may be ongoing at the front of the car park.
Yes, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the canal towpath from Willington village to Mercia Marina.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mercia Marina is generally open to visitors without the need for tickets to enter the marina itself. Access to individual shops, cafes, or attractions may vary.
Specific opening hours for the marina as a whole are not provided, but individual shops, cafes, and restaurants will have their own operating times. It's recommended to check with individual establishments if you have a specific visit in mind.
There are no stated entry fees for visiting Mercia Marina. It's a destination for browsing shops, dining, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Yes, you can take a barge or narrowboat trip down the canal from Mercia Marina.
Absolutely! Mercia Marina is described as a nice way to spend a few hours, with shops, cafes, restaurants, and walks to enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mercia Marina features a variety of shops, including gift shops, a gallery, and specialized retailers like Elegant Touch Beauty and B Well Life for jewelry.
Yes, there are several cafes, bars, and restaurants, including Compamigos Derby offering Chinese-inspired tapas and The Boat Café, a popular choice. +1
Yes, there are nice little nature walks around the marina, and you can also walk along the canal towpath to Willington village.
Most of the shops at Mercia Marina are dog-friendly, making it a great place to visit with your pet. :dog:
Visitors can enjoy browsing unique shops, dining at cafes and restaurants, admiring sculptures, and taking in the waterside views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque waterside views, the boats, unique shopfronts, and the sculptures scattered around the marina. The changing seasons, like icy blasts, also offer unique photographic moments. +1
The luxury apartments like The Promenade offer striking modern architecture against the water.
Yes, the marina is filled with various boats, from narrowboats to wider beam vessels, providing ample opportunities for boat photography.
The marina offers lovely waterscapes, especially during sunrise or sunset, and the surrounding canal paths provide scenic natural backdrops.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With plenty of parking and a variety of cafes, including The Boat Café, it's easy to find a spot for a snack or lunch.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them. The relaxed atmosphere of the marina makes it a pleasant place for both you and your dog to spend a few hours. :leash:
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
The marina's location also provides access to wider natural areas, making it a good starting point for exploring the Derbyshire countryside. The combination of waterside views and accessible trails makes it an appealing spot for a relaxed outdoor excursion. :nature_tree:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Retail and Dining Scene
For those seeking pampering, the award-winning Elegant Touch Beauty salon offers a range of treatments in a tranquil setting. +1The culinary offerings are equally appealing, with options ranging from casual cafes to more distinctive dining experiences. Compamigos Derby is a highlight, known for its Chinese-inspired tapas and lively atmosphere, perfect for sharing dishes and enjoying a unique meal.
+1 The Boat Café is another popular choice for a relaxed coffee or light meal, and on sunny days, many establishments offer outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the waterside ambiance. Beyond the main attractions, the marina is a hub of activity. You can find essentials at Stillwaters, which also serves up delightful whippy ice cream cones.
Life on the Water: Boating and Waterside Living
Visitors can even experience this lifestyle firsthand by taking a barge or narrowboat trip down the canal, offering a unique perspective of the area. The development of luxury apartments, such as The Promenade, further enhances the appeal of waterside living at Mercia Marina. These residences offer breathtaking views and a blend of tranquility with modern convenience, attracting those who dream of a life by the water.
Properties like Lavender Lodge showcase the desirability of holiday homes within the marina, featuring high-end amenities and sought-after locations. While the visitor mooring can be small, the overall marina environment is well-maintained and tidy, contributing to its appeal.
Community and Local Connections
The marina also serves as a point of interest for nearby towns, with Burton Radio highlighting it as a great local day out destination just a short drive away. The marina's integration with the surrounding area is also notable. A pleasant walk along the canal towpath connects visitors to the village of Willington, where traditional pubs offer further opportunities to experience local life.
Furthermore, the marina is a platform for local businesses to thrive, from award-winning beauty salons to restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.
+1 This local focus, combined with its unique waterside setting, makes Mercia Marina a cherished destination within Derbyshire. 
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