Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina

16/06/2024

Not only is Connie serving great food at The Bubble inn Hotel - traditional Sunday Roasts, and great authentic Greek food, including special themed kebab nights, there is also a fantastic deli and butcher on site.

Just 5 mins drive / 20 mins walk down the canal from Mercia Marina - just over bridge 20 and turn left out of the Marina :)

25/05/2024

Many of our guests comment on how they’ve enjoyed the food from Lotus Indian Kitchen …..

This bank holiday there is live music and special deals.

Just one of the bank holiday special offers and activities at Mercia Marina. Why not come along and find out what else is happening in and around the Marina ?

24/05/2024

Feedback Friday …. 2 more happy guests enjoying their holiday breaks at here at

23/05/2024

This is a great addition to the options of things to do and see at Mercia Marina. Mercia Swan. Canal Boat Trips has teamed up with The Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant for discounted combo packages of boat trips and food.

Having personally experienced both, we would recommend these to our guests. 👍

🚤 Exciting News! Starting Wednesday, May 22nd, The Boardwalk is teaming up with The Mercia Swan to bring you two incredible boat trip & dining experiences! 🌊🍽️

•Boat Trip Takeout: Enjoy delicious £12 main meals to-go during your scenic tour.

•Private Charter & Dining: Book a private boat trip for up to 12 people and get 10% off dining at The Boardwalk before or after your cruise!
Don't miss out! Book your boat trip now at boat.st/book-online. All bookings must be made via Boat Street. ⛵️

Boat Street Cafe Mercia Marina Mercia Swan. Canal Boat Trips

18/05/2024

This is a great idea for our guests to take an open top bus top tour around the picturesque Peak District 🤗

Could easily be combined with a day trip to Castleton, Bakewell or Chatsworth, which are all around 45-60 mins away by car.

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/yorkshire/peak-sightseer

Who wants to hop aboard the Stagecoach Peak Sightseer?! 🙌🚌

New for this season, there are two routes called Red route and Blue route, so you can see even more of the Peak District National Park from an open-top bus!

Stops include Castleton, Chatsworth, Hathersage, Bakewell, the Monsal Trail and more! Plus, it's dog friendly too! 🐶

👉 Plan your day out at Peaksightseer.com

13/04/2024

Helping our special guests celebrate their wedding anniversary at this weekend.

The sun is shining outside, and inside we have the beautiful grazing box provided by our partner waiting for our guests to arrive

05/04/2024

Feedback Friday. …. We love hearing from our guests and what they’ve been up to during their holiday stay with us 🤗

This week our guests tried out our tip for a ‘Villager V3’ bus adventure to Derby and Burton.

It’s a great way to explore of the area and surrounding towns. Currently still only £2 per journey (by cash or card) , so usually cheaper and a lot less hassle than finding parking.

The bus stops right outside the Marina, with an hourly service 7 days a week. Timetable and live bus times are available from Trent Barton website and app.

Derby offers shops, restaurants, music venues. a theatre and much more.

Burton is a slightly smaller town, with a heritage of real-ale - being the original home to both Bass and Marstons. As well as a selection of shops and eateries it also boasts many real-ale pubs and its own ‘ale trail’.

Why not give it a try on your short break at Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina

trentbartonland

04/04/2024

04/04/2024

Exciting news for all our guests at Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina, with complementary 10% discount included with your short break with us 🤗👍

🍽️🌞SUMMER MENU - LAUNCHING 10TH APR 🌞🍽️

Our new menu launch is just 7 days away with some exciting new dishes across all of our menus from brunch to dinner & tapas.

We will also be bringing back some of your favourites including Shakshuka, Fish Finger Sandwich and....

Our popular 'Catch of the Day' Fish Special returns 🎣🐟

Make sure you are following us on Facebook/Instagram and keep an eye on our stories for some sneak peaks of what is to come from next week.

Table bookings can be made via our NEW website
www.theboardwalkbar.co.uk

27/03/2024

Plenty of activities going at Mercia Marina this Easter for our 2 lots of guests staying over the Easter period.

The Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant has live music, quizzes, Easter egg hunts and themed food nights, and Mercia Marina has a floating market over the Easter weekend, as well as all the normal shops, cafes and boat trips.

Worth a visit to the Marina if you’re local 🤗

📅 What's Coming Up at The Boardwalk? 📅

🐟 Good Friday Fish Tasting Menu 🐟
Indulge in a unique culinary experience with our twist on the traditional Good Friday 6-course fish tasting menu. Join us at 7pm on Friday, March 29th. £50 per person.

🎶 Feel Good Friday 🎶
Get ready for a night of live music in the bar area with Gareth Humphreys Music on Friday, March 29th, starting at 8:30pm.

🐰 Easter Sunday Lunch 🐰
Celebrate Easter with a special 2 or 3-course menu featuring delicious roast dinners including roast lamb and seasonal specials.

🧠 Quiz Night 🧠
Join Pineapple Quizzes for our monthly quiz night on Sunday, March 31st, starting at 6:30pm. It's £2 per person to participate, with half-time nibbles included. Winners get to spin the wheel for exciting prizes!

🥞 Brunch and Egg Hunt with The Easter Bunny 🥞
Start Easter Monday off right with a delightful brunch and egg hunt alongside the Easter Bunny at 10am on April 1st. Book now to secure your spot! Supporting the Help for Hannah fundraising.

🎵 Feel Good Friday 🎵
Enjoy another evening of live music in the bar area, this time with the incredibly talented Georgia Hair Singer, on Friday, April 5th, starting at 8:30pm.

🎨 Pots and Prosecco 🥂
Unleash your creativity at our paint-a-pot event with prosecco and nibbles, hosted by The Mug Tug on Wednesday, April 10th, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. All Bookings for this event must be done via this link: https://www.themugtug.co.uk/events/pots-prosecco-at-the-boardwalk-mercia-marina

🎸 Feel Good Friday 🎸
Wrap up your weekend with free live music from Dave O'Hara Music in our bar area on Friday, April 12th, starting at 8:30pm.

🇪🇸 Spanish Tapas Night 🇪🇸
Back by popular demand! Join us on Thursday, April 18th, from 6:30pm for Spanish Tapas Night featuring an extended tapas menu, special offers, sangria, and live Latino music from Roger Amar

🎤 Feel Good Friday 🎤
Close out your weekend on a high note with live music from The Boardwalk's very own Anna Milne on Friday, April 19th, starting at 8:30pm. Usually serving your drinks, this time she'll be serving sensational live music!

Mark your calendars and join us for these exciting events at The Boardwalk! 🎉

25/03/2024

We’re now open for 2024 season 🤗☀️…. And what better way to start than with some lovely feedback for us and our housekeeping team from our first guests of 2024 😎 ?!

15/03/2024

Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Gourmet Grazers and are offering for guests to pre-order grazing boxes for delivery to their lodge in time for their arrival. Just simply book directly via their website.

Why not start your holiday or short break with a luxurious box made according to your preference.

As a thank you to all our guests well even provide a complimentary bottle of fizz and a few nibbles on us 🤗.

Book your break now and stay at the amazing Mercia Marina

Contact us via our website : https://linktr.ee/heatherlodge

A welcome grazing box ready for the guests headed to

08/03/2024

Great news for Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina guests.
Beetroot Tree
Mercia Marina

We’ve got a lovely little spring offer for you…. Your regular size hot drink will be on us when you order brunch before 10am, Monday - Friday. Limited to flatbreads, french toast, sourdoughs and bagels.

26/02/2024

Why not treat yourself to afternoon tea on site at Beetroot Tree during your stay with us at Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina, Mercia Marina?! 🍰🧁🥮🫖☕️

Did you know we do afternoon teas? From £18 per person. Booking and deposit required.

23/02/2024

Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina guests love popping in here for coffee, food and cold drinks as part of their holiday with us.

Extensive menu and regular entertainment. Choose from the first floor restaurant with panoramic views over Mercia Marina, the more informal ground floor bar, or outside on the boardwalk.

Every guest staying with us gets a complementary discount card to use during their stay. This gets you money off and special offers at a lot of the establishments on site, including The Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant.

THE BOARDWALK:

Situated overlooking Mercia Marina, our bar and restaurant offer a delightful experience from day to night. Start your day with a cozy coffee and brunch, or perhaps a hearty breakfast on the weekends. As the sun sets, transition into an evening of tapas, signature dishes, and expertly crafted cocktails.

Venture upstairs to our restaurant for an elevated dining experience with picturesque views of the marina, treating yourself to our a-la-carte offerings or Sunday Roasts.

But that's not all! Join us for our exciting line-up of events, including 'Feel Good Fridays' featuring live music every Friday at 8:30pm, our monthly quiz night, enlightening clairvoyance evenings, and engaging creative socials.

Whether you're gathering with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a romantic meal, The Boardwalk promises unforgettable moments in an unforgettable setting. See you soon!

(Picture taken just 2 days ago from our Restaurant!)

19/02/2024

All the floating markets listed here are ideally located for guests at Heather Lodge

Mercia Marina and Willington are also regularly visited by a variety of trading boats selling coffee, ice cream, sweets, boating essentials, traditional decorative canalware, arts and crafts, gifts and even a bike repair/hire boat

And don’t forget there is the fantastic NB Milford Star (aka Boat Street Cafe) in permanent residence at the marina. Hot and cold drinks, breakfasts, brunches, afternoon tea and snacks. Choose to eat onboard, or on the canal side picnic tables. A lovely and unique experience popular with our guests.

02/02/2024

These beautiful little guys are regular visitors to our bird feeders at Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina. 😍

February marks the beginning of serious hustle for the long-tailed t**s! 🏡🐦

These little architects are on a mission, constructing intricate, cocoon-like nests. Watch as they weave magic using lichen to camouflage the outside, creating cosy homes nestled in tree forks 🌿👷

(C) Jon Hawkins

11/11/2023

04/09/2023

Fantastic news and lovely gesture from our friends at The Boardwalk Bar & Dining …. Not only 10% off all food for guests of Heather Lodge, but now also 10% off all drinks too…. Offer applies to all our guests, who will receive a marina discount card with their lodge keys.

Open from brunch all the way through to nighttime drinks and tapas. Be sure to bag yourself a table inside or out on the boardwalk overlooking the marina to make the most of the late summer sun ☀️!

One of our favourite recommends, and right on our own doorstep, so you can leave your car at home 🤗 x

29/08/2023

Check out the video for a quick glimpse of what Mercia Marina looks like from above …

On the public side you have :
- Boutique shops
- Boat trips
- Cafes
- Sculptures and art installations
- Award winning restaurants
- Live music and Entertainment
- Bars and Food
- Canalside and circular walks from the marina

In addition, a booking at Heather Lodge will get you all of this, plus the following not available for the general public, all for FREE…

- Access to the private residential area of Europe’s largest inland marina of 74 acres
- 2km perimeter walk around the award winning conservation site
- Outdoor games, trim trail and children’s park
- Community Cycle free ‘hire’ scheme
- BBQ usage (bring your own food and charcoal !!)
- Discount at on-site and local shops and eateries

Check out our lodge on Cottages .com - search for for reference UK43200

Discover Mercia Marina. The destination marina for luxury holidays, boating, shopping, eating, and an experience like no other at this award winning leisure...

20/08/2023

The Peak District, right on our doorstep, is always beautiful whatever the weather and whatever the season.

But this time of year it is awash with flowering heather 😍, And we do love a bit of heather at Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina

Catch it while you can! 💜 Who wants to explore the Peak District during heather season? 🙋✨

Each year, for around three weeks, the moorlands are brought to life with vibrant purple heather stretching as far as the eye can see - a photographer's paradise! 📸

If you're planning a visit, remember to stay by:
❌ Saying no to BBQs and open fires
🗑️ Taking your litter home with you
🐶 Keeping dogs on a short lead
🚗 Parking only in designated areas
👣 Sticking to public rights of way where possible

📍Stanage Edge, Peak District National Park
📸 IG/kaivaaaa

14/08/2023

Food stalls each Wednesday, plus beer and pizza from the fantastic Stable Ales Tap (open daily).

https://www.stableales.co.uk/pages/the-brewhouse

08/08/2023

Another of our favourite places locally is National Trust Calke Abbey.

Vast grounds to explore with woodland, old lime kilns, tunnels, and wildlife like these amazing Red Deer - all for the price of a carpark ticket.

The house itself is quite unique in the National Trust portfolio, in that it’s like ‘the house that time forgot’….

The eccentric former owner was somewhat of a collector of just about everything, and the rooms have been left just as they were when the house was occupied - with a vast array or artefacts, peeling paintwork and abandoned rooms - when each room became full the owner closed it and started filling another !

08/08/2023

We might be almost the furthest place from the sea in the UK, but we have deck chairs and sunshine here at Mercia Marina…..

Our free deck chairs are the perfect place to sit and watch the boats go by whilst enjoying a snack or delicious ice cream from one of the cafés on site.

04/08/2023

We love changeover days and picking up feedback from our guests ….. here’s the latest ❤️😎.

This weekend’s availability has now been filled, but how about bagging yourself a short break from next Friday ?

£395 for upto 4 people Friday-Monday, starting 11th. Weather is picking up next week - it’s a great time to treat yourself for a relaxing break here at Mercia.

04/08/2023

Here’s a great guide to some of the tourist attractions right on the doorstep of Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina, including information on travelling there by public transport.

Some attractions also offer discounts for those who have travelled by public transport, so why not leave the car at home and make a road trip by bus ?!

https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/blog/days-out-by-bus-in-the-peak-district-derbyshire?fbclid=IwAR2EgjD97WTLiqYbO-7dfzYQ6Gb9Z4HY1xrFUt24OQ9TYeLj4tVxrZVB1kc_aem_ATBUu-7h9fkKCsC-A7v3kw6_WW0NEv8AaIcvMhkQPkveYSDhxlY8RFahSMAp697OXxY

Your next adventure is just a bus ride away! Check out these great visitor attractions you can explore by bus...

31/07/2023

We always try things out before recommending them to our guests….. so in the interest of market research we went to The Boardwalk Bar & Dining for lunch yesterday, and can confirm it was delicious !

Our dedicated research team tried the beef, chicken and roasted cauliflower dishes and all were very tasty 😋

Our window seat gave us the perfect vantage point to watch what was going on at the marina …. a flotilla of swans, and the trip boat ‘Mercia Swan’ taking visitors for cruises out on the Trent and Mersey canal.

26/07/2023

Take a look around here at

We have some late availability for a couple of dates in august - pls inquire for details.

25/07/2023

Just a little over 30 minutes drive from Heather Lodge at Mercia Marina…. Matlock; one of England’s oldest tourist destinations.
We would recommend combining on a one day road trip with Bakewell and/or Castleton to see some of the most picturesque villages and scenery in the Peak District.

‘The seaside town without the sea’ 🌊🏠

Nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, on the banks of the River Derwent, Matlock Bath was one of the country’s first tourist destinations and visitors flocked for miles in the Victorian era to sample its healing spa waters 💦

Today Matlock Bath is famous for its fish and chip shops 🍟, amusement arcades 🎲, small theme park at Gulliver's Kingdom, and cable car rides leading to a cliff top country park at The Heights of Abraham 🚠

📸 IG/

23/07/2023

Click the link to read a lovely article all about our South Derbyshire location, it’s history and what’s to see and do in the area.

Once an industrial and mining area, but now completely regenerated and covered with picturesque water features and the National Forest.

There are many historical villages to discover, plus of course our very own Mercia Marina, with its 74 acres of walks, wildlife, food, drink, activities and accommodation all set in the largest inland marina in the whole of Europe.

Well worth a read if you’re considering visiting the area.

Sharing its border with Derby; the Derbyshire Dales; and Erweash as well as East Staffordshire; Lichfield District; North Warwickshire; North West…