The motto of Staffordshire is “The knot unites” and nothing comes together more perfectly than your family and a trip to the beautiful Cannock Chase.
Lying in the heart of the country and honoured as Britain’s smallest mainland Area of Outstanding Beauty almost 60 years ago, Cannock Chase forms a sensational landscape not just for its residents but also for its thriving animal and plant life.
Find good quality holiday accommodation to rent for a few days so that you can be in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and stay in Staffordshire to visit Cannock Chase.
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Looking for a challenging walk or thrilling cycle route? This former Royal forest has them in abundance. You can wander in a daze amongst the purple heather on leisurely walks like the Staffordshire Way through to local market town Penkridge. Alternatively, why not pedal your way through the heart of the country? Young cyclists and families will love the easy going Fairoak Trail, a leisurely circular route with sensational views of the wild deer laden Fairoak Valley and Pools, whereas those looking for their next adrenaline fix will thrive at the prospect of facing Cannock Chase’s original, award winning and ever popular mountain biking trail Follow The Dog, a 7 mile single track pathway with plenty of hidden features.
If all else fails, how about hiring a horse from the Cannock Chase Trekking Centre which provides expert guidance to beginners or even those wanting more of an exhilarating journey?
The fun certainly doesn’t stop there! Although quite clearly idyllic and peaceful, Cannock Chase certainly has its boisterous side too. This is showcased through its yearly music extravaganza, the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live gigs. Attracting such names as Elbow, Paul Weller and Kaiser Chiefs in recent times, Forest Live 18 will be hosting amongst other TBC acts, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott from The Beautiful South. Now that’s a Perfect 10 if ever I’ve seen one!
The National Arboretum northeast of Lichfield is the place to head for in October to see the radiant colours of autumn. People are often surprised to find an armed forces memorial there and this may be of interest to any holidaymakers with links to the forces.
Away from music, Cannock Chase is renowned in Staffordshire for its delicious range of food and drink options. Local eatery and winner of the Staffordshire Awards 2017 Springslade Lodge, located exquisitely on Broadhurst Green is an elegant tearoom that is the perfect place to dine in any season. In winter, you can warm up in front of a traditional log burner with a hot drink and homemade warming meal, whereas in summer, you can be among the stunning scenery in the Lodge’s private garden with a fruity ale sourced from nearby Lymestone Brewery in your hand.
Families in search of culture and history enthusiasts will more than appreciate The Museum of Cannock Chase, next to Hednesford train station. Formerly home to the Valley Colliery, a training pit for many young men starting out in jobs in the coal industry, this museum which holds a 2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor tells a fascinating tale of Cannock Chase as an industrial town through to its present-day situation. Kids in particular will love the Interactive Toys and Games gallery which is just one of the many sights to behold in this free of charge and exciting attraction. If you’re searching for more fun filled family trips in the area, you could also make your way over to Penkridge to enjoy The Rodbaston Animal Zone, home to more than 750 animals from around the world. With Meet The Keeper Sessions and Animal Encounters just a couple of the activities on show here, children and parents alike will never be bored. Why not spend some of your pocket money after with a trip to the Zoo Shop? What will be that ideal gift to remind you of this special day?
Alternatively, in Rugeley, another historic market town situated on the north-eastern edge of Cannock Chase, you can unleash your hidden Tarzan at Go Ape! Swing through 1500 metres of tree to tree crossings and thrilling zipwires on an adrenaline filled adventure that will get your heart pumping ten to the dozen. For those not keen on heights, you can still get involved in the day with a two wheeled Segway ride through the stunning forest. An unforgettable experience and definitely one for the front of your photo album!
Cannock Chase is the ideal retreat for those wanting the ultimate package in a holiday. Not only is this Staffordshire gem a picture-perfect location with arguably the finest views in the whole of the UK, but it is also a place that can provide that special something which will leave you and your loved ones wanting to come back time after time.
So, save other Staffordshire tourist friendly attractions like Alton Towers, Heaton Park and The Potteries for another day. Your family adventure holiday starts right here in Cannock Chase.