Moorings on the River Trent

The River Trent is England's third-longest river and one of the most important waterways on the inland network, flowing 297 navigable kilometres from Staffordshire through Burton, Nottingham, Newark and Gainsborough before joining the Humber Estuary at Trent Falls. Managed by the Environment Agency on its lower reaches and the Canal & River Trust above Cromwell Lock, the Trent is a broad, fast-flowing river that gives boat owners real space to spread out — wide locks, generous moorings and big-river character throughout. For long-stay berths, marinas at Sawley, Trent Lock, Newark, Farndon and Torksey offer full liveaboard facilities, while Nottingham's Castle Marina and the city centre Meadow Lane mooring put boaters within walking distance of restaurants, sport venues and rail links. The Trent is the central junction of the network — connections to the Trent & Mersey, Erewash, Soar, Chesterfield, Fossdyke and Aire & Calder all branch off, making it the natural launch point for Four Counties, Pennine and Fens cruising rings. Below Cromwell the river is tidal and demands careful planning, but rewards experienced crews with proper river boating and access to the Humber. Strong currents, big locks and commercial traffic in places mean the Trent suits confident skippers and wider beam vessels well — but it's also one of the network's most rewarding rivers to live aboard.