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Cannock Chase Forest

Forestry England
Birches Valley
Rugeley
Staffordshire
WS15 2UQ

Tel: 0300 067 4340

Image shows a family enjoying a summer walk

About

Action and adventure in the heart of Cannock Chase.

Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating woodland adventure on Cannock Chase. From the Midland’s best mountain bike trails or leisurely woodland walks, get the kids to let off some steam in one of the adventure play areas or take in the scenery up high from the platforms of Go Ape! Cannock Chase Forest has something for all the family.

A particularly popular location for Mountain biking, Follow the Dog, The Monkey Trail, the Stile Cop bike park and the innovative Pedal and Play facility for younger budding MTB riders, offer the thrill-seekers the perfect routes to hone their off road biking ability. If you have just purchased your first bike or you have a wobbly youngster mastering their balance bike, take the whole family on one of the family adventure routes.

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday in 2024 and to celebrate, everyone is invited to join the fun on our Gruffalo Party Trail!

For those looking for something more sedate, the woodland is a secluded haven for wildlife enthusiasts or discover the latest children’s activity trail, usually based around a popular children’s novel and once all the fun is done, make sure you stop by Grounds café for a refuel.

Guide Prices

Entry is free into the forest, however parking charges apply.
Up to 1 hour - £3.50
Up to 2 hours - £7
Up to 3 hours - £9.50
All Day - £11
Minibuses - £10
Coaches - £10

The car park Pay & Display machines accept coin and card payments.
You can also use RingGo at Cannock Chase Forest which allows you to pay for parking online or via an app. Please download the RinGo App before travelling if you can.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Membership Pass for only £50 for the whole year. Buy it through the Forestry England website.

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Cannock Chase AONB is located between the towns of Cannock, Hednesford & Rugeley. The Forest Centre can be accessed via the A51 or A34 following directional white on brown signs to the Visitor Centre.

Use Sat Nav Postcode WS15 2UQ.

OS Gird Ref SK 018171  

Public Transport Directions

The nearest railway stations are Rugeley Town, and Rugeley Trent Valley approximately 3 miles away.

TripAdvisor

Gradings

  • VAQAS VAQAS
VAQAS VAQAS

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Public toilets
  • Telephone (public)

Target Markets

  • Coach parties accepted

Opening Times

Open New Year
November & December (1 Nov 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday07:30 - 17:00
Bank Holiday07:30 - 17:00
May - August (1 May 2025 - 31 Aug 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday07:30 - 21:00
Bank Holiday07:30 - 21:00
September (1 Sept 2025 - 30 Sept 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday07:30 - 20:00
October (1 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday07:30 - 19:00

* Open daily from 07:30am. Closed Christmas Day

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