Cannock Chase Holiday Guide

Cannock Chase is located between Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley. The diverse landscape of widespread heathland and forests, combined with preserved trails and pathways provides a fantastic outdoor experience for all its visitors.

Things to do in Cannock Chase:

Cannock Chase was selected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 because of its stunning landscape, wildlife and history. Located in extensive areas of forest and woodland along with designated parkland it proposes 26 square miles of picturesque surroundings perfect for a holiday getaway.

The Museum of Cannock Chase is located on the border of the Hednesford Hills nature reserve, and illustrates the history of the area with its medieval royal hunting to the 19th century coalfield community. Throughout the year a wide selection of special events, exhibitions and energetic history activities take place, providing visitors with a variety of things to do and see and is the ideal place for discovering the natural history of the area.

Also boasting a wide range of landscapes including natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations and open heathland, with remains of industry, such as coal mining, is part of Cannock’s history dating back thousands of years. Cannock Chase was an ancient hunting forest and the wild fallow deer roaming here today are likely descendents from the original herd introduced by the Normans. So if you’re lucky you might witness them wondering around in the wild while you’re enjoying a walk around the beautiful scenic landscape.

Other visitor attractions of the area are The Heart of England Way, which is a long distance footpath, running 100 miles from Milford Common to Bourton, and provides wonderful extensive walking possibilities. The Cannock Chase Country Park and Hazelslade Local nature Reserve are bursting with wildlife, woodland and agriculturally improved grassland, perfect for a picnic when the weather is at its best.

Why visit Cannock Chase?

Cannock Chase is a popular destination for people seeking fresh air, peace and exercise with Fairoak Valley amongst the most popular areas for walking and cycling. Home to nocturnal animals, you can enjoy the surroundings all year round.

Cannock Chase is an extraordinary part of the UK and a rare spot of natural beauty. Scores of trails have been carefully laid out designed to give ramblers the best view of the wonderful landscapes that are on offer without destroying the countryside.

Being located in Staffordshire between Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford, motorists visiting from the north can take the M6 toll road to Cannock, while the M54 brings in travellers from the west.

Rail passengers can use Cannock railway station, which has good connections with Birmingham from where there are regular services running to London, Sheffield and Leeds. A number of local bus routes are also operated in the area.

Since 2006, a number of music events have been held in the chase as part of the Forestry Commission's nationwide Forest Tour. Acts including The Zutons, The Feeling and Status Quo have rocked the chase.