Mercia Marina

The Trent runs past Derby with a proper working marina in tow, and Mercia Marina is where you'll find narrowboats lined up like bookshelf spines along the water. It's functional rather than flashy - this is a real working mooring, not a theme park recreation. You can walk the towpath for free, watch the boats come and go, grab a coffee at the on-site cafe, and if you're serious about it, hire a narrowboat for a few days and actually live on the water. The setting is industrial-edged and honest. Kids don't mind it for an hour or so, especially if there are boats moving about, but it's not the sort of place that holds attention for an afternoon unless you're genuinely into canal life. The real draw comes if you're based nearby at Hill Farm Camping or Broadleaves Glamping - both excellent sites within a few miles. From there, Mercia Marina becomes a pleasant morning potter rather than a destination in itself. The towpath walks extend for miles in both directions, which is where the real value sits. Early mornings are worth it; you'll have the place nearly to yourself before the weekend crowds arrive.