 | Burton-upon-Trent, which has an international reputation as the 'Capital of British Brewing', is the largest town in the National Forest and both the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal travel though the town. Its association with the brewing industry stretches back centuries and is the result of the quality of the local water. The water contains a high amount of dissolved salts: caused by the gypsum in nearby hills. At one time one quarter of all the beer that was sold in Britain was produced in Burton-on-Trent. There's a sculpture of the Burton Cooper in the shopping centre, which celebrates the town's brewing industry connections, and there's also the Coors Visitor Centre: formerly the Bass Museum, and the Marston's Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours to visit.
Burton-upon-Trent is also home to the Marmite factory: love it or hate it, and tyre manufacturer Pirelli is a major employer in the town. Another interesting fact is that the Burton-upon-Trent suburb Branston is where the famous Branston Pickle was first invented.
The town was also home to the Peel family who founded the Peelers: later becoming the modern day police force. You can see the Peel's family home in the town: Peel House on Lichfield Street. The town has one of the oldest amateur radio clubs in the country: formed in 1919.
The town has many sporting connections. From 2010 it will be home to the English National Football Centre, and is already home to the club formed in 1985 by coach and former World All Round Weightlifting Champion and Strongman Steve Gardner: The Powerhouse Gym, International All Round Weightlifting Club. This club boasts a number of British champions.
There's no end of things to see and do in the town and surrounding area. Branston Water Park offers a 40-acre lake for wind surfing, model boating and angling. You could also visit the stunning Stapenhill Gardens, walk through the Trent Washlands, or enjoy a boat trip on the River Trent. |
