The Dragon Willington * Canal-Side Pub with Rooms

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Key details

About the Hotel

12 Canal Bridge, Willington (Derbyshire), United Kingdom

Near the National Forest

Great

8.7

8.9

/10

4.8

4.3

4-star countryside escape in Willington, Derbyshire

Location

The Dragon is located in Willington, Derbyshire, providing direct access to nearby attractions such as Calke Abbey and the National Forest. The hotel sits conveniently close to major transportation routes, allowing easy access to both Derby and Burton upon Trent. This setting creates an ideal base for exploring the picturesque countryside of the Midlands.

Dining

The Dragon boasts a vibrant restaurant, the Dragon Bar & Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced dishes and traditional favorites. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu with options ranging from classic British meals to vegetarian selections. A daily breakfast is also available, providing a hearty start for guests each morning.

Guest Rooms

The Dragon offers a variety of accommodations, including comfortable en-suite rooms and family rooms designed for larger groups. Each room is equipped with essential amenities to ensure guest convenience during their stay. The hotel emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.

Entertainment

The hotel provides various entertainment options, with a unique event space available for meetings and celebrations. Regular events and themed nights enhance the experience for guests looking for social activities. The surrounding area also offers options for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

Facilities

The Dragon is equipped with ample parking space and a beer garden, allowing guests to relax outdoors. The venue is suitable for private gatherings and offers an inviting pub atmosphere. Guests can access comprehensive facilities that cater to both dining and socialization needs.

Highlights

Location: Close to Calke Abbey and National Forest

Dining: Dragon Bar & Restaurant with local dishes

Guest Rooms: Comfortable en-suite and family rooms

Entertainment: Regular themed nights and events

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the stunning Willington Green to enjoy its serene beauty.
Indulge in the local delicacy, livers and bacon, at The Dragon Inn.
Visit the historic Willington Railway Station for a glimpse of the past.
Explore the nearby Willington Farm Shop for fresh, local produce.
Discover the art at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery just a short drive away.

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Select your room type

The Dragon Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double or Twin Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Dragon Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Parking
Pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

Cycling

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Children's menu

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Tea and coffee facilities

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Dragon in Willington offers a delightful fusion of British cuisine and local flavors, featuring a warm and inviting atmosphere that caters to families and romantics alike. With a variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, this dining venue provides guests with satisfying meals at any time of the day.

The Dragon Hotel Willington Restaurant photo

The Dragon in Willington

British, Local, Grill/BBQ

Ambiance

Family friendly, Traditional, Modern, Romantic setting that invites leisurely meals and memorable gatherings.

Key Offerings

Begin the day with a choice between a hearty Full English or Irish breakfast, along with an a la carte menu featuring flavorful grilled specialties, catering to various dietary preferences.

Reservation

Reservations are not needed.

Open daily from 08:00 to 00:00, providing ample opportunity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Dragon Hotel Location

12 Canal Bridge, Willington (Derbyshire), United Kingdom

Map view

12 Canal Bridge, Willington (Derbyshire), United Kingdom

City landmarks

Landmark

Mercia Marina

4000 ft

Farm

Betty's Farm Shop

3100 ft

Landmark

Willington Gravel Pits Nature Reserve

2300 ft

Landmark

St. Wystan's Church

1.1 mi

Landmark

St Wystan's Church

1.1 mi

Landmark

Ockbrook Gun Club

2.5 mi

Church

Anchor Church

3.0 mi

Farm

Highfields Happy Hens

3.3 mi

Landmark

Burton Albion Football Club

3.5 mi

Nearby

Repton Rd

Willington Gravel Pits

600 ft

Restaurants

The Green man

300 ft

1 Canal Bridge

Explore Willington (Derbyshire)

Local Insights

Mercia Marina

15 minutes' walk

Waterfront destination with shops, eateries, and boat rentals. Ideal for relaxing strolls along the scenic canal pathways.

Willington Gravel Pits Nature Reserve

9 minutes walking

Nature reserve featuring a rich array of wildlife, perfect for birdwatching and tranquil nature walks.

Betty's Farm Shop

12 minutes' walk

Local farm shop offering fresh produce, unique gifts, and delicious homemade treats. A great spot for local flavors.

St. Wystan's Church

20 minutes' walk

Historic church renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere. A peaceful retreat for reflection.

Cycling at Willington Gravel Pits

9 minutes walking

Biking trails through the nature reserve. Rentals available locally; enjoy picturesque routes suitable for all skill levels.

Willington Football Club Matches

5 minutes' drive

Exciting local football matches at the club. Check the schedule for match days; a fun experience for sports enthusiasts.

Yoga Sessions at Local Studios

5 minutes' drive

Relaxing yoga classes available nearby. Perfect for unwinding; classes cater to all levels, with options for outdoor sessions.

The Green Man

1 minute walking

Traditional pub offering hearty British fare and a selection of ales. Inviting atmosphere; vegetarian options available.

The Red Lion

15 minutes' walk

Charming pub with a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu, known for its Sunday roasts. Reservations recommended for peak times.

Saffron Indian Cuisine

5 minutes' drive

Authentic Indian dishes in a friendly setting. Popular for flavorful curries; caters to dietary preferences including vegan options.

The Brunch Box Cafe

5 minutes' drive

Café with live music evenings and a vibrant atmosphere. Hosts trivia nights; family-friendly events are available throughout the week.

Derby Theatre

15 minutes' drive

Local theatre showcasing a variety of performances, from plays to musicals. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows.

Getting around

City Centre

Willington (Derbyshire)3 min · 700 ft

Airports

East Midlands (EMA)42 min · 17.4 mi

Nottingham (NQT)68 min · 27.8 mi

Train

Willington Train Station3 min · 700 ft

Willington Railway Station3 min · 700 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-21:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Former name

the cottage at the dragon

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Dragon Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 564 verified reviews

8.6/10

Great

86%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Comfort

9.3/10

Facilities

9.0/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Location

9.1/10

Staff

9.4/10

Value for money

8.9/10

Steven from Australia

Single

Superior Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 12, 2026

8.5/10

amazing stay!

comfortable mattressgood toiletriesloose showerhead

the room, a superior double room, was very clean. it was nice i get a large bed with a comfortable mattress topper. the toiletries and towels provided were good quality.

i noticed some cobwebs in a few places. the shower head felt loose, and water sprayed all over the bathroom when used. this was a bit inconvenient.

Facilities

9/10

the pub attached has a wide selection of food and drinks. prices seem reasonable, especially with the post-meal drink discount. this.

Rooms

8/10

the room included a television and electric kettle. it was also provided good tea and coffee-making facilities. i find the bed very comfortable and the room was quiet.

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Christina from United States

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings ABOUT the stay

acceptable locationbroken tvrude staff

the location was acceptable.

the tv did not work. When i reported it, it was not addressed during MY stay. the staff were also rude and dismissive.

0 Helpful

Samuel from United Kingdom

Couple

superior double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 24, 2026

9.3/10

charming stay

quiet roomcomfortable bedgreat service

the bed was very comfortable, and i found the room excellent. the staff were cute and informative , and the breakfast was superb. i would book here again next time.

the entrance was close to the kitchen exit , where the bins and builders rubbish were. it was really unexpected.

Location

9/10

the hotel offered nice walks along the canal , and i found good local pubs. it was also conveniently situated near mercia marina , only five minutes away.

Facilities

9/10

the room was clean and tidy , and i appreciated the new refurbishment. air conditioning was available , and it was great on a hot day. the bathroom was large , and everything looked new and well designed.

Dining

10/10

i found the food in the restaurant really good , both dinner and breakfast. the chef was amazing with food intolerances, and nothing seemed too much trouble. the pub is good with good value food.

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Daniel from United Kingdom

Single

superior double room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 13, 2026

6/10

amazing roombroken t.v

the rooms are presented amazing so comfy.

I paid £300 for two nights. Initially the room looked nice though the t. v did not work on arrival, and was not addressed.

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Logan from United States

Single

Standard Double Room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

5/10

some issues !

non-functioning tvrefrigeration unit

The tv did not work when i arrived. I reported it, but nothing happened ! then, the electric went off on the first night. i reported this too, but again, no one addressed it. finally, the shower had no hot water, and a refrigeration unit was on all night, disturbing my sleep!!

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derek from united kingdom

Single

superior double room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 21, 2025

7/10

breakfast choicesfriendly servicemain roadhigh temperature

The a la carte breakfast offered great choices! the service i received was friendly and professional. parking was easy and free. It's true that it gets busy at times though.

The room faced the main road! this caused considerable noise. also, controlling the radiator's temperature was difficult. It was too hot for my liking.

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