Cannock Chase Forest

Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire is a massive outdoor playground that’s way more than just a bit of woodland. It’s a major attraction where you can easily spend a full day, especially if you’re into wheels, heights, or just burning off some serious energy.

The Main Hubs

The action is split between two main spots: Birches Valley (the busy one with the big activities) and the Marquis Drive Visitor Centre (a bit more relaxed with open heaths and history).

For Walkers, Cyclists, and Riders

Cannock Chase is famous for its trails. Most are circular and start from the main centres.

• Ladyhill Trail: A short, easy 1-mile circular loop. It’s mostly flat and surfaced for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Perfect for a gentle stroll with young kids who want to hunt for the Gruffalo sculptures or peek at the Fairy Trees.
• Fairoak Trail: A 2.5-mile circular walk through the valley. It’s a bit longer but still relatively easy, taking you past some lovely pools.
• Pedal and Play: Specifically for kids (ages 3-11) finding their forest feet. It’s an off-road cycling loop with challenges to build skills.
• Follow the Dog & The Monkey Trail: These are the “big hitters” for mountain bikers. Follow the Dog is a 6.7-mile red-graded singletrack with plenty of roots and stones. If that’s not enough, The Monkey Trail extends it to 14 miles with more technical climbs and descents.
• Heritage Trail: A longer 10-mile linear route connecting Cannock, Hednesford, and Rugeley. It’s a mix of town and forest paths with plenty of history boards along the way.
• Horse Riding: There are dedicated bridleways across the Chase, and you can even book a trek at the nearby Cannock Chase Trekking Centre if you don’t have your own horse.

Big Attractions & Activities

The star of the show for thrill-seekers.

• Treetop Adventure: Best for younger kids (over 1m tall, usually ages 4-10).
• Treetop Adventure Plus: For more confident kids (over 1.2m and age 6+).
• Treetop Challenge: The full-on experience for teens and adults (minimum 1.4m tall and age 10+).
• Forest Segways: A fun way to zip around the trails on two wheels (minimum weight 7 stone / 45kg).

Adventure Playgrounds: Both Birches Valley and Marquis Drive have large play areas. They are great for letting the kids loose while you grab a coffee nearby.

Is it for you?

• Young Kids: They’ll love the Gruffalo trail, the fairy trees, and the easier play areas. It’s very hands-on and “magical” for them.
• Teenagers: They might roll their eyes at a walk, but they’ll be all over the Monkey Trail mountain biking or the high ropes at Go Ape.
• Parents: It can be a “hands-off” day if you stick to the play areas or let older kids roam the trails, but Go Ape requires adult supervision (and often participation) for the younger ones.

Money and Food

• The Budget: Entry to the forest itself is free, so it’s a great low-cost day out if you just bring your own bikes or boots and a picnic.
• Discounts: Look out for Forestry England annual memberships if you plan to visit more than a few times—it covers your parking, which can get pricey if you stay all day. Go Ape sometimes has offers for groups or early bookings.
• Parking: Marquis Drive has some free parking, but the main Birches Valley car park is pay-and-display.
• Food: There are cafes at both main centres serving the usual hot drinks, cakes, and light bites. They can be a bit of a treat, so many families stick to the plenty of picnic benches dotted around.

Nearby Gems

If you want to make a weekend of it, the Shugborough Estate (National Trust) is just down the road for a more “stately” experience, or you can head to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Cannock if you need a shopping fix after all that fresh air.