Activities at Cannock Chase Forest

No BBQs or fires allowed. Help us to prevent wildfires and protect the forest.

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

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day.

Monthly opening times are as follows:

January - 7:30am to 5:00pm

February - 7:30am to 6:00pm

March - 7:30am to 6:00pm

April - 7:30am to 8:00pm

May - 7:30am to 9:00pm

June - 7:30am to 9:00pm

July - 7:30am to 9:00pm

August - 7:30am to 9:00pm

September - 7:30am to 8:00pm

October - 7:30am to 7:00pm

November - 7:30am to 5:00pm

December - 7:30am to 5:00pm

How to find us

Sat Nav Postcode:

WS15 2UQ

Birches Valley, Rugeley

By Car

Look out for the brown tourist signs that have the white stag on a purple background.

By Public Transport

The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town are both approximately 2 miles away.

OS Grid Ref

SK 018171

Get directions

52.7502954, -1.9763149

Parking and prices

Parking charges apply at Cannock Chase Forest.

We have a ticketless and cashless parking system that uses number plate recognition technology.

How does it work?:

1. On entry to the site the system records your number plate.
2. Pay at the paystation before you leave. Remember your registration number as you'll need to enter this.
3. Your number plate will be recognised on exit and the system will know you have paid.

Disabled parking available – normal parking charges apply.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Parking Charges
Up to 1 hour	£3.50
Up to 2 hours	£6.00
Up to 3 hours	£9.00
All day	£10.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses/Coach - £10

Thank you for paying to park. We use the money you spend on parking to look after the nation’s forests. We don’t make a profit and rely on the support of our visitors and members, so every penny you spend is invested by Forestry England back into the management of our woodlands and is needed to make Cannock Chase Forest a great place for a day out.

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 13

Coaches/Minibuses welcomed

Disabled parking available

Facilities and access

We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Cannock Chase Forest without legal restrictions. Please remember to take personal responsibility for your health and hygiene and respect others if they wish to continue with some safety measures, such as wearing a mask or social distancing.
Be kind and patient to our staff, volunteers and onsite business partners. They are working hard to help you to get the best out of your visit.

For more help on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

View Accessibility Guide

Accessible toilet
Assistant dogs welcome
Baby changing facilities
Cafe
Cycle hire
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Information point
Picnic area
Play Area
Toilets

Things to do

Activities at Cannock Chase Forest

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Cannock Chase Forest

Gruffalo's friend, Mouse sculpture in the forest

Gruffalo Sculptures at Cannock Chase

Walking trails at Cannock Chase

Zog activity trail at Cannock Chase

group of ladies on mountain bikes in a forest

Breeze into the Forest at Cannock Chase Forest

Camping with Tackeroo at Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase Sled Dog Group

Children's play area at Cannock Chase

Dog activity trail at Cannock Chase

Go Ape Forest Segway at Cannock Chase

Child flying through the woods on a zip wire

Go Ape Tree Top Adventure at Cannock Chase

A child on the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Plus at Moors Valley

Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Plus at Cannock Chase Forest

Go Ape Tree Top Challenge at Cannock Chase

Go Ride at Cannock Chase Forest

Gruffalo orienteering activity pack on the grass

Gruffalo Orienteering at Cannock Chase

Horse riding at Cannock Chase

junior parkrun at Cannock Chase

Children running and enjoying the forest

Ladyhill trail at Cannock Chase

My Forest Activity Bag at Cannock Chase Forest

Nordic Walking at Cannock Chase Forest

Group of three people walking past a tree

Orienteering at Cannock Chase

Pedal and Play Trail

couple enjoying a picnic in a clearing within a forest

Picnics at Cannock Chase Forest

two runners crossing a stream on a running trail in the forest

Running trails at Cannock Chase

Man and woman observing the texture of a tree

Sensory Walk at Cannock Chase Forest

Nearby forests

Rosliston Forestry Centre

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.

Find out more

Large pond surrounded by tall trees on a sunny day

Dimmingsdale

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.

Find out more

Sun shining through trees with bracken and grass covered in dew

Seale Wood

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.

Find out more

Hicks Lodge

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.

Find out more