Heather Lodge receives high praise for its tranquil marina setting, spacious and well-equipped interiors, and responsive owners. Guests appreciate the peaceful, secure environment and the lodge's suitability for families or couples. Many highlight the cleanliness, comfort, and thoughtful touches, with easy access to local attractions and amenities. While a few mention minor issues such as occasional noise, cleaning standards, and building works, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a popular choice for a relaxing break in Derby.
Most guests found the lodge very clean and well maintained, though a few noted areas for improvement in cleaning standards. Overall, cleanliness is consistently rated highly.
The marina location is frequently described as beautiful, peaceful, and secure, with easy access to walks, shops, and local attractions. Guests value the tranquil setting and convenience.
Guests repeatedly mention the lodge's comfort, homely feel, and spacious layout. The beds and living areas are described as cosy and relaxing, contributing to a restful stay.
The lodge is praised for being well equipped with quality furnishings, kitchenware, and amenities. Some minor suggestions for improvement are noted, such as placemats and additional storage, but overall facilities are excellent.
Several guests mention welcome gifts and thoughtful touches, such as a gift basket and Christmas decorations. Please note that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
Come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Mercia Marina and stay in comfort at Heather Lodge, located on the lakeside in the private area of an award-winning marina.. 4 steps to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Smart TV, Games, Doors Leading To Veranda
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Gas Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine, Doors Leading To Veranda
Utility Room: Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, Smart TV
Ensuite: Walk-In Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link Kingsize Bed (2 x Singles On Request), Smart TV
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Gas central heating, gas, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Rear garden. Decking with garden furniture. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking.. Enjoying a lakeside setting, Heather Lodge has a contemporary and spacious feel. The dual aspect open plan living area includes living and dining areas and a fully equipped modern kitchen with island unit. The living area has views of the lake to the front where swans, ducks, coots and other waterfowl are frequent visitors. This can be enjoyed through the French windows whilst sitting in the comfort of the living room, or outside relaxing in the sun on the large 30m² raised deck. To the rear of the lodge, there is a small grassy area which can also be enjoyed by guests. The hedgerow and bird feeders attract a great variety of garden birds, making the dining area an excellent vantage point. The lodge comes with all the amenities you would expect including Smart TVs throughout, Hive controlled central heating, complementary Wi-Fi, board games for those occasional rainy days and all bed linen and towels are provided. A welcome basket awaits you as you start your holiday and Heather Lodge comfortably sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, which are served by a family bathroom and an en-suite with large walk-in shower.
Around the marina are some lovely walks, a variety of shops, and several places serving food and refreshments with all tastes catered for. There are three cafés open throughout the day, one of which is a floating narrowboat tearoom. From daytime to evening, the Boardwalk Bar and Dining and the award-winning Lotus Indian restaurant both offer excellent menus. There are also a great range of shops and boutiques to browse around at leisure, but don’t forget to show your Heather Lodge discount tag attached to your keyring – most establishments at the marina offer a discount on production of your card. Within the marina gates there is plenty to take advantage of such as the trim-trail and a 2km walk around the perimeter of the marina. There is also free bike hire available for you to use during your stay. Short canal cruises operate from spring through to autumn and there are many walks and cycling routes straight from the door.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Willington Wetlands is also on the outskirts of the village and if you’re lucky you might just spot the resident beavers that have recently been introduced. Willington village is only 20 minutes away on foot, either along the canal towpath, or via the road. There are three Pubs, a supermarket, post office, florist, café, chip shop, an Indian restaurant and a Chinese take-away. The marina is served by a regular bus route, so trips to Burton-on-Trent and Derby are also possible for further shopping or entertainment whilst being able to leave the car at home.
Our location borders on the National Forest and Derbyshire’s Peak District, and is just a short distance from Cannock Chase, meaning there is much for the outdoor enthusiast. Alton Towers theme park, Splash Landings, Trent Adventure Canoe Hire and Go-Ape are also close by. For those who prefer a little quieter holiday there are many beautiful market towns such as Ashbourne and Bakewell, Chatsworth House and a wide variety of National Trust properties all within easy distance.
Free WiFi
There is open water in the property grounds.
Susan Keily
Stayed here 3 times this year best lodge I’ve stayed in overall, lovely position spacious comfortable and relaxed 😎
Confirmed Guest
Nice and peaceful location. Within easy reach of many amenities. The security is very welcome as is your own parking spot outside the lodge.
Sarah Stead
Quiet and peaceful setting. Felt very safe as part of a gated community with the boat owners. Heather was clean and modern and the owner was friendly. There lodge information folder was comprehensive and well laid out. Nice welcome goodies but no teabags, milk etc so good that we were well equipped. There was a generous amount of washer and dishwasher tablets, needed as only 6 pieces of pots and cutlery for 4 so frequent washes needed. We missed a wardrobe in second room and somewhere for toiletries in the shower. The Dragon pub in Willington was great for drink and a meal. The Mercia Swan was good for a cruise along the canal.
Become a Big Cottages member for free and enjoy exclusive pricing and discounts on thousands of large properties.
Login to see
Sign up to see
Login to see
or
Already a member login here
Not a member?
By entering my email address, I agree to Big Cottage's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Big Cottages.
Thank you for joining, member discounts are now available.
Sign up to be alerted of any last-minute cancellations and discounts.
By entering my email address, I agree to Snaptrip's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Snaptrip.
So we can send you deals and availability relevant to you.
By entering my email address, I agree to Snaptrip's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Snaptrip.