Cannock Chase Forest: Top Family-Friendly Activities & Events (Local’s Guide)
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN CANNOCK CHASE FOREST STAFFORDSHIRE?
As lifelong West Midlands locals having taken many trips to Cannock Chase Forest, we’ve scoped out the top activities for adults and kids. Here’s our curated list of must-dos for a special trip to this Midlands gem, along with general info, our best tips, and a brief history.
Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, Cannock Chase Forest spans 6,700 hectares of woodland, heathland trails, and rugged natural beauty, and makes for one of the best free activities in the West Midlands.
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General Information about Cannock Chase Forest
Cannock Chase Forest address:
Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UZ
Postcode for Sat Navs: WS15 2UQ
Cannock Chase Forest car park:
There are 3 car parks at Cannock Chase Forest and they are: Birches Valley Forest Centre car park (open 7:30am-9pm), Camp Field car park, and Nine Gates car park.
Cannock Chase Forest opening times:
Cannock Chase Forest is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
– Winter (October-March): 10am-4pm daily
– Summer (April-September): 10am-5pm daily
– Weekends: 10am-5pm
Cannock Chase Map
Here is an overview map of Cannock Chase Forest:
Overview of Cannock Chase Forest:
From hiking to biking to stargazing, Cannock Chase offers endless active adventures surrounded by natural beauty.
Top Things to Do in Cannock Chase Forest:
– Hiking & Walking – Over 100 km of trails from leisurely rambles to full day treks
– Mountain Biking & Cycling – Dedicated routes for all skill levels across cross country terrain
– Go Ape Adventures – Treetop rope courses, zip lines and climbing challenges
– Segway Tours – Glide through forests and across heathlands on an electric Segway
– Horseback Riding – Guided trail rides taking in scenic views atop horseback
– Stargazing – take advantage of the stunning crystal clear skies at night
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Best walking trails in Cannock Chase Forest
Some of England’s best walking trails wind through Cannock Chase just waiting to be uncovered.
Here are 5 of my top route recommendations you don’t want to miss:
◉ Brocton Coppice (easy, 1.8 miles) – This scenic ramble loops through oak, silver birch and pine trees, past the historic Brocton Hall. Look out for crumbling ice house remains hidden in the hillside!
◉ Castle Ring (easy, 1 mile) – Trek uphill to this iconic Iron Age hill fort ringed with defensive ditches for panoramic views across the forest and beyond.
◉ Penkridge Bank (expert, 5.2 miles) – Follow the River Penk’s meandering curves through meadows, sandstone outcrops and peaceful woodlands.
◉ Hazel Slade (medium, 3.2 miles) – Traverse heather fringed paths around a Highland loch-like reservoir – a true hidden gem!
◉ Sheriff’s Piece (easy, 2.5 miles) – Ramble over the heights of Beaudesert taking in sprawling pastoral views and fern carpeted pathways.
From family friendly rambles to steady full day hikes, there are trails for all abilities. Don’t forget to stop at one of the forest’s cosy cafes for a tasty treat along the way!
Cycling routes for beginners in Cannock Chase Forest
With gentle gradients, extensive off-road cycle paths and welcoming bike centres, Cannock Chase offers fantastic terrain for beginner cyclists and families.
Here’s my pick of the top 3 routes to start:
◉ Follow the Dog Route (expert, 6.7 miles) – A smooth, wide track with fun trail features winding through pine forests.
◉ Way the Crow Flies (easy, 5 miles) – A flowing single track along sweeping heathland – access via Brocton Camp.
◉ Monkey Trail (expert, 14.2 miles) – Mixed surfaces traversing forest and meadows with great downhill sections.
The Cannock Chase Cycle Centre also offers trail guides, bike hire and route advice to help you make the most of the cyling. Just look for their logo brown tourist signs when visiting. Happy and safe riding!
Off-road biking trails in Cannock Chase Forest
Fancy more extreme riding? The forest ups the ante for experienced mountain bikers with fast, technical trails offering adrenaline-pumping downhill runs.
Top areas to check out:
✪ Go Ape Trail (easy, 1 mile) – Purpose built flowy red route beside the forest ropes course
✪ Seven Springs (medium, 4 miles) – A rollercoaster of rooty descents and banked berms
✪ Wallows Loop (expert, 7 miles) – Fast paced with big drop offs amidst picturesque streams
✪ Stilecop Bike Park – Pro level dirt jumps, drops and wooden features
Birmingham to Cannock Chase is just 35 mins by car (or 1 hour 12 mins by train). Here are all the best things to see and do in Birmingham.
Family-friendly activities in Cannock Chase Forest
It’s no wonder that Cannock Chase ranks as one of the top day trips from Birmingham for families. Beyond hiking and biking adventures, families will love the variety of family-friendly activities available across Cannock Chase.
Here are my top things to do with kids by age range:
Ages 5-7:
➤ Gruffalo Trail – Spot beloved characters on this interactive 1.5 mile woodland walk
➤ Adventure play areas – Kingsley Wood and Milford Common have exciting equipment and trails
➤ Birches Valley Forest Centre – Forest discovery rooms, crafts and play zones for little ones
Ages 8-12:
➤ Go Ape Tree Top Adventure – 1,500 metres of tree-to-tree zip wires, obstacles and crossings to challenge older kids
➤ Family cycle routes – Gentle paths ideal for honing bike skills
➤ Zog Trail app – Interactive technology brings forest quests to life
Teens:
➤ Escape Rooms – Put your heads together cracking clues at themed Cannock Escape forest rooms
➤ Geocaching trails – Find hidden boxes following GPS coordinates and clues
➤ Forest Segway tours – Zoom between trees learning to master futuristic transport
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Gruffalo Party Trail at Cannock Chase
In partnership with Magic Light Publishing, the Long Forest Trail has been transformed into an exciting Gruffalo-themed adventure!
Families and kids can embark on their own interactive quest through the forest discovering eye-catching activity posts based on the beloved book character.
How it works:
- Download and print the free Gruffalo Party Trail activity sheets before arriving
- Pick up a pick up a Gruffalo Party Trail pack from the café for just £4 (optional)
- Follow the 1.2 mile trail finding markers and enjoying fun challenges
It’s a wonderful way to bring much-loved stories to life and explore Cannock Chase’s natural delights. Follow the Gruffalo’s Party trail this half term for magical outdoor fun!
Looking for quiet spots for picnics in Cannock Chase Forest? Pingle Slade is the perfect spot for picnics and ball games. It’s a large open area within the Pine Forest, just a short walk from the car park/main visitor area.
Further reading: Head to nearby Chasewater Reservoir, home to one of the best paddle boarding spots in the West Midlands.
Go Ape Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase Forest hosts the longest continuous zip-wire of all the Go Ape locations in the UK!
Go Ape Cannock (Birches Valley Forest Centre)
Admission: £0 First 15 minutes free (dropping bike off/ quick walk of the dog or cup of tea), £3 up to 1 hour, £5 up to 2 hours, £8 whole day (until gates are closed), £8.00 for minibus, £10.00 for coaches. Book your tickets in advance HERE:
Opening times: 10am-2pm daily (closed on Mondays)
★ Further reading: Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Stoke-on-Trent
Educational activities for kids in Cannock Chase Forest
Beyond fun and games, Cannock Chase Forest offers fantastic opportunities for kids to learn hands-on about the natural world.
From Forest School sessions building shelters to nature detective quests, children can uncover forest secrets while building confidence and skills.
Some top programs on offer include:
Nature Tots Sessions – Forest-themed play and crafts for ages 2-5 years
Forest Rangers – Wildlife observation, tracking skills and survival for ages 8+
Pond Dipping – Investigate nearby ponds finding frogs, insects and larvae
Bushcraft – Learn campfire cooking, natural art and wilderness skills
Few settings make better classrooms than the outdoors – book an educational forest adventure this term!
Top Tip: head to Cannock Chase Forest in autumn: for some of the best views and activities when the leaves are golden hues of yellow, orange and brown!
Events at Cannock Chase Forest
Around the forest there are seasonal events throughout the year, from small family outings, to large, live concerts. Here is an up-to-date list of events happening in and around Cannock Chase Forest.
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Discover the Best Birdwatching Spots
With over 6,700 hectares of woodland and upland heath home to over 100 bird species, Cannock Chase attracts keen birdwatchers year-round.
Here are my top 3 favourite areas to spot feathered residents and seasonal visitors:
Top 3 Birdwatching Spots in Cannock Chase
Sherbrook Valley – Far-reaching views attract birds of prey circling like red kites and buzzards.
Marquis Drive Visitor Centre – Feeder filled forest edge frequented by finches, tits and nuthatches.
Gatewings Lake – Spot waterfowl including herons, coots and cormorants.
For the best birdwatching, head out early morning or late afternoon when activity levels peak. And don’t forget your binoculars and field guide!
Best spots for Stargazing in Cannock Chase Forest
Coated in a blanket of trees by day, Cannock Chase transforms into a gateway to the cosmos once darkness falls. Having been designated an official International Dark Sky Discovery Site for its clear views, stargazing conditions are sublime.
According to Go Stargazing, the forest is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural location, which means you’re in luck for some quality stargazing.
My top place to lay a blanket and get gazing is Brocton Coppice (Milford Car Park). With an open outlook across Strawberry Meadows to the south, it’s perfect for meteor spotting or picking out constellations.
For excellent guided astronomy events, the annual Dark Skies Festivals are also held at various visitor car parks between October and March.
More Stargazing Locations in Cannock Chase Forest:
> Brindley Bottom Car Park
> Camp Field Car Park
> Coppice Hill Car Park
> Penkridge Bank Car Park
> Seven Springs Car Park
> Stile Cop Car Park
> White House Car Park
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Insider Tips From a Local
After sharing the best Cannock Chase walks, activities and history – I’ve saved the best for last! Here are my top insider tips to help unlock the most of your visit:
✔️ Pack Wellies & Woollies – Weather changes fast so dress prepared with proper footwear and layers
✔️ Go Off Peak – Avoid weekends and school holidays when car parks overflow
✔️ Download the App – Audio trails and AR bring new interactive elements
✔️ Grab a Map – Navigate beyond main routes to uncover hidden gems
✔️ Make a Weekend of It – Glamping, quaint villages and real ales beckon nearby
✔️ Look Up – Don’t forget to glance skyward for starry nights or aerial displays
✔️ Come Again – Return often and spot seasonal shifts across moody heathlands
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Brief History of Cannock Chase Forest
This forest in Staffordshire has been around for a while and has seen its fair share of activity, becoming one of the best places to see in the West Midlands.
Believe it or not, today’s carefully conserved habitat bursting with leisure activities has a long and storied past. Here’s a brisk history recap:
– 800 BC – Hill fort built at Castle Ring during the Iron Age marking Celtic tribal boundaries
– 70 AD – Roman roads are built crossing Cannock Chase enroute from Letocetum to Pennocrucium
– 800 AD – Saxon settlements spring up nearby including Huntington, later renamed Penkridge
– 1000 AD – Land used as a royal forest and hunting ground under King Canute
– 1600s – Trees coppiced on rotation to produce charcoal and wood
– 1878 – Over 75,000 trees planted to restore diminishing woodlands
– 1900s – Area developed for military training trenches during WWI with WWII structures still evident
– 1958 – Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
– 2005 – Receives European Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status
The forest has since been home to military camps and air bases during both World Wars. But it’s not all ancient history – the forest is still used for active mining, quarrying, and forestry operations today.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Cannock Chase Forest, be sure to keep your wits about you and watch out for those active mining areas!
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Food and Drink: Cannock Chase Forest Cafe
Grounds Cafe is located at Birches Valley and provides a high-street cafe experience to walkers, cyclists, families, and all who enjoy the countryside.
Alternatively, stop for a quick cuppa at the smaller Brindley Heath Visitor Centre Cafe or the seasonal Stanley Cycles Cafe at Marquis Drive.
Top Tip: Cannock Chase Forest is one of the best day trips from Birmingham for families.
Accessibility features in Cannock Chase Forest
If you’re looking for a fun day out in Cannock Chase Forest but need some accessibility features, don’t worry, the forest has got you covered!
According to Accessibility Guides, the forest offers a variety of activities and amenities suitable for all ages and abilities, including level access to the main entrance of the forest, a children’s play area, and woodland walks.
If you’re interested in biking, the Cannock Chase Cycle Centre is also accessible, with a 2000mm wide route and 750mm wide door.
The Cannock Chase Code
As a visitor to this precious landscape, adhere to the Countryside Code respecting habitats, local residents and other forest lovers:
Stick to footpaths – avoid trampling sensitive vegetation
Carry out litter – leave no trace behind
Keep dogs under control – livestock graze these fields
Plan safe fires & BBQs – take care with naked flames
Follow signs and advice – for a better experience all round
Protect wildlife – do not touch or feed deer and other residents
Share friendly greetings – to fellow ramblers and riders
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Why is Cannock Chase famous?
Cannock Chase is famous for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history. It’s known for its ancient woodland, heathland habitats, and as England’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is also renowned for mountain biking trails, World War I training camps, and alleged paranormal activity.
Is Cannock Chase Forest free?
Entry to Cannock Chase Forest is free. Visitors can explore the trails, enjoy the scenery, and use picnic areas at no cost. However, some activities like Go Ape, certain events, or guided tours may have fees. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Is there free parking at Cannock Chase?
Parking at Cannock Chase is not free. There are several car parks throughout the area, including Marquis Drive, Birches Valley, and Milford Common. Fees vary depending on location and duration of stay. Some car parks offer annual passes for regular visitors.
Is Cannock Chase worth it?
Cannock Chase is definitely worth visiting. It offers beautiful landscapes, diverse recreational activities, and rich biodiversity. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying nature, Cannock Chase provides excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Can you wild camp on Cannock Chase?
Wild camping is not permitted on Cannock Chase. The area is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and overnight camping is restricted to designated campsites. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before planning any overnight stays.
Where to Stay in Cannock Chase Forest:
Here are my top budget and luxury recommendations:
◉ Friar’s House, Stafford (2-bed apartment) £ – Superb 9.1
◉ Chase Heights Pet Friendly with Hot Tub (3-bed house) ££ – Exceptional 9.5
Tip: For a truly memorable experience, consider staying at one of Staffordshire’s best log cabins with hot tubs
Nearby Forests to Also Explore
Once you’ve uncovered Cannock Chase’s many delights, nearby forests beckon offering yet more woodland wandering and cycling adventures:
Rosliston Forestry Centre (10 miles) – Family oriented trails with natural play areas, a café, and cycle hire facilities.
Dimmingsdale (14 miles) – Ancient woodland renowned for its rare plant species, rock formations, and charming ‘fairy glen’.
Blithfield Forest (15 miles) – Waterside walking and cycling paths encircle the glistening Blithfield Reservoir.
Seale Wood (18 miles) – Peaceful trails under mature pine tree canopies just outside Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Hicks Lodge (20 miles) – Part of the National Forest with scenic lakeside bike trails and family activities.
