Local history
Burton-on-Trent grew up around the monastery of St Modwen, where the monks were quick to realise that the water in the area, rich in salts, was perfect for brewing. This was the beginning of the town's prosperity and its well-deserved reputation as the brewing capital of Great Britain. By the end of the nineteenth century, there were over 40 breweries in the town. Taking advantage of the by-products of brewing, the town is also the home of the Marmite and Bovril industries. To preserve the quality of the water, vital to the local industries, the use of agricultural chemicals is banned throughout much of the surrounding countryside. The story of brewing in Burton-on-Trent can be explored through the visitor centres and tours organised by two of the present day breweries.
Transport
Abbey Fields is around two miles from the A38, giving fast access to Birmingham and Derby, and there are services to both cities from Burton-on-Trent Rail Station, half a mile from the development. East Midlands Airport is 14 miles away.
Outdoor activities
Burton-on-Trent is situated within the western part of the National Forest, a project which is blending new and mature woodlands to create 200-square miles of fascinating environments, natural habitats and varied landscapes. Several parts of the forest provide peaceful recreational space, within easy reach of Abbey Fields, including the delightful section that extends from Sinai Park, just three-quarters of a mile from the development, westwards to Tatenhill, site of the intriguing National Forest Maize Maze at Postern House Farm. The National Forest also includes the Trent Washlands, the attractive wetland park area that helps give the town centre its special character.
Entertainment
Middleway Leisure Park, around a mile from the development, includes a Cineworld cinema and a Frankie and Benny's diner, and there is a 24-lane bowling alley at Burton Superbowl in the Riverside Centre in the High Street. A selection of bistros and restaurants can be found throughout the town.
Leisure and fitness
There is selection of gyms and leisure centres in Burton-on-Trent including Fitness First, where the facilities include a gym, cardio theatre, sauna and steam room, and the Meadowside Leisure Centre which offers a 25m swimming pool, separate teaching pool, squash courts, a sports hall, a dance studio and an adventure play area for children. Branston Golf and Country Club, two miles from Abbey Fields, has both 18 and 9-hole courses in addition to fitness and swimming amenities and a bar and restaurant.
Health care
There is a comprehensive health centre in Gordon Street, just 400 yards from Abbey Fields, with six doctors and three practice nurses, and a second, smaller practice in easy reach in Carlton Street. The Burton Family Dental Centre provides orthodontic and hygienist services as well as general dental treatment.
Shopping
There is a good selection of local shopping, including a convenience store, an off-licence and a supermarket, within half a mile of Abbey Fields. Most shopping in Burton-on-Trent is focused on the pedestrianised town centre around a mile from the development which includes a comprehensive choice of high street names, supermarkets and specialist retailers, many of them housed alongside bars and cafés in the extensive Coopers Square, Octagon and Burton Place shopping centres. There is also an indoor market hall, and popular open air markets are held in the town on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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