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Due to harvesting works there are currently diversions on the Monkey mountain bike trail. - Find out more

Visitor information

Cannock Chase Forest is one of the best value days out that the Midlands has to offer

With a children’s play area, Go Ape, orienteering trails and even a dog activity trail, you will not be stuck for something to do at Cannock Chase Forest, located north of Birmingham. 

We have a range of woodland walks to suit all ages and abilities, and for those wanting to explore the forest on two wheels, make sure to check out our cycling trails for some of the best family and mountain biking opportunities in the Midlands.

Hire a bike from our cycle centre, bring a picnic or lunch at the cafe. Come rain or shine, you will all go home having had a fantastic forest adventure.

Food and drink

Generic coffee.

Grounds Café

Finish your cycle ride in the forest with a homemade cake and a coffee.

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Cannock Chase Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

From relaxing family rides through the picturesque forest to the dedicated single-track of Follow the Dog and the Monkey Trail, there's something for everyone.

Cycling trail maps are available to purchase from Go Ape, Grounds cafe and Cannock Chase Cycle Centre for £1.50. 

Find out all about the new Pedal and Play Trail here.

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump in to Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson's classic story. 

His friends have only just joined us here at Cannock Chase Forest and we are really excited to have them. Head to the Ladyhill trail to find them all today.

Post your Gruffalo photos on our Facebook page  - we'd love to see them.

From a gentle stroll around the Ladyhill Trail with lots to see and do, to a longer walk around the picturesque Fairoak there's a great day out for everyone.

Trail maps are available to purchase from Go Ape, Grounds café & Cannock Chase Cycle Centre for £1.50. 

Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand-new family activity trail and free app!

How does it work?

1. Download the new ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app before you visit

Point the brand new app at special markers along the trail and access all sorts of exciting challenges as you go.

Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you’ll be able to collect golden stars, just like Zog and have the chance to take a photo with everyone’s favourite dragon at the end of the trail!

Capture the fun by saving videos and photos as you complete the bonus activities!

Get it on Google Play     Get it on the App Store

2. Get your claws on a Zog trail activity pack 

Grab the Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the cafe, Go Ape or Visitor Welcome Point.

Inside you’ll find: 

kraft bag to colour in.

dragon wings to decorate and wear. 

Zog glasses. 

stickers. 

trail leaflet. 

pencil and crayon. 

3. Follow the trail

Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them.  

Share your Zog fun using the #ZogTrail hashtag.

Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Nearby forests

Sensory garden at Rosliston

From surfaced trails and cycle routes to outdoor play areas, a cafe and a sensory garden, a visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre is a great day out for everyone! 

Pick up a site guide when you arrive or download from our website and create your own adventure...

Meander through the mature woodland at Fox Covert to gain an insight of how the rest of The National Forest may look in the future. 

Large pond surrounded by tall trees on a sunny day

Once an aristocrat's dream, Dimmingsdale is now a delight for everyone.

Come and stroll down magnificent drives built by the Earl of Shrewsbury, where fine carriages once rode. The rolling countryside provides an abundance of woodland, streams, ponds and lakes which will transport you to a place of peace and calm.

Make sure to stop off for a drink and snack at the Rambler’s Retreat which offers a wide range of refreshments in a relaxed setting.

Sun shining through trees with bracken and grass covered in dew

Planted in 2002, this community woodland is the perfect spot for a family walk, a burst of exercise and even a picnic.

Seale Wood will become a working coppice woodland, with a goal to encourage the development of a local timber industry. 

 

bench in front of a lake

In the heart of the National Forest, Hicks Lodge is a former coal mining site that has been totally transformed by new plantings and exciting trails for you to enjoy.

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