South Derbyshire's Sparkling Jewel: Explore Mercia Marina!
Mercia Marina: a remarkable transformation offering a unique day out. Explore independent businesses, savour delicious food, and enjoy stunning waterside vistas. A must-visit for locals and those seeking a relaxing escape.
By Tom Drysdale
Nestled between Willington and Findern lies a remarkable success story: Mercia Marina. Once a humble disused quarry, it has blossomed into one of South Derbyshire’s premier visitor destinations, a testament to vision, transformation, and a thriving community spirit.
It all began with a bold idea in the 1980s, sparked by a speculative land purchase. The subsequent extraction of gravel for the nearby A50/A38 interchange left behind a vast expanse of water. With the historic Trent & Mersey Canal just a stone's throw away, the dream of a marina took hold. A significant £9 million investment by the Thorntons and their partners brought this vision to life, with Mercia Marina opening its doors (or should we say, waters!) in September 2008. From the outset, the aim was to create more than just a place for boats – it was to become a destination in its own right.
✨ A Vision Realised, A Community Hub
The goal was clear: to create a flagship attraction for the Midlands – a place that was vibrant, accessible, and welcoming to all, offering free parking and appealing to holidaymakers, sightseers, boaters, and businesses alike. And that vision has certainly been achieved! Today, Mercia Marina welcomes over 800,000 visitors each year and enjoys fantastic support from the local community.
With over 18 independent shops, charming boutiques, and thriving businesses, the marina has evolved into a bustling cosmopolitan hub, reminiscent of a delightful seaside resort. Visitors can expect personal, friendly service and are sure to discover something new and exciting with every visit.
🍽️ Eat, Relax, and Soak Up the Atmosphere
Food and drink are central to the Mercia Marina experience. Start your day with breakfast or enjoy a leisurely coffee by the water at one of the three delightful cafés – you can even enjoy your refreshments on the water! For a more substantial meal, choose from two award-winning restaurants serving up mouth-watering tapas and flavourful Indian street food. And if a drink with a view is what you fancy, the marina’s lively bar is the perfect spot for watching the boats glide by and simply unwinding.
Looking To The Future: The Promenade
🏞️ More Than Just Shops and Restaurants
Mercia Marina offers so much more than just dining and retail therapy. The public spaces are adorned with impressive sculptures and captivating artwork, adding a touch of culture to your visit. It's also the starting point for three scenic circular walks, perfect for exploring the rich wildlife and picturesque countryside views that surround the marina.
Fancy a slower pace? Why not take a tranquil boat trip along the historic Trent and Mersey Canal? And if you find yourself wanting to extend your stay, you can book a luxurious lodge nestled within the 77-acre site, complete with exclusive access to private areas. Many visitors fall in love with the marina so much that they decide to purchase a holiday home or a canal boat, becoming part of the welcoming residential and leisure boating community.
🏗️ Looking to the Future: The Promenade
The journey of Mercia Marina is far from over. Its growth continues with an exciting next chapter: The Promenade. This architecturally striking building, with its distinctive saw-tooth roof design, will offer two floors of luxurious apartments – approximately 40% larger than average – boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the marina.
The ground floor will introduce new and exciting experiential retailers, a charming café, and a planned high-quality Italian restaurant, further enhancing the already impressive culinary offerings at the marina.
🏡 More Than a Day Trip – A Way of Life
Mercia Marina is more than just a place to spend a few hours; it's a place that people return to time and time again. Whether you're drawn by the unique boutique shopping, the delicious food and drink, the peaceful waterside surroundings, or the chance to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community, there's always something new and wonderful to discover at Mercia Marina.
📍 Visit Mercia Marina and Experience It For Yourself!
Location: Find us between Willington and Findern, South Derbyshire!
Website: www.merciamarina.co.uk
Come and experience the unique charm and vibrant atmosphere of Mercia Marina – your perfect local escape!
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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