Willington

Willington is situated to north of Repton between the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal in South Derbyshire. The bridge over the river Trent at Willington was built in 1836 and was one of the last main road toll bridges in England. It was not made free until 1898. A settlement from the Beaker period was excavated in gravel beds by the river Trent. St Michael's church in Willington dates from the 12th century. The Canal had a dramatic effect on the growth of the village and this led to the development of a small inland port. The arrival of the railways in the 1800's meant a gradual decline in the use of canals for transport and industry. Today the canal is now a valuable habitat for wildlife and is also now used for leisure.

Home to Mercia Marina - Derbyshire's largest waterside marina attraction, a shopping and holiday destination with more than 20 businesses, including shops, restaurants and coffee houses as well as boat trips and fabulous canal side walks.

Near by villages

Barrow on Trent is a quiet, village, sited between the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Most of the village is lies within a conservation area and at the village centre is St Wilfred's Church, a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century and containing some very fine 13th century pillars. The war memorial is of great interest. It was presented by the Arkwright family to the Derbyshire village, which in proportion to its size, sent most men to the front in the First World War.

Egginton village sits on the River Dove. The canal is carried across the Dove by an 18th century aqueduct, built by James Brindley. St Wilfred's Church at Eggington is a Grade I listed building and dates from the 13th century.