Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase comprises 26 miles of beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Here you can find fascinating differences in landscape and wildlife, including rare and endangered birds and a herd of around 800 fallow deer.
Walking
There are at least ten mapped walks in Cannock Chase, which range from one to 12 miles in length. The walks are gentle, relaxing and a marvellous way to take in the surrounding views. There are a number of visitor centres and museums on the Chase, and to the north-east Shugborough Hall, the Earl of Lichfield's ancestral home, can be found. At the south are the remains of Castle Ring, an Iron Age hill fort, which is the highest point on the Chase, at 794 feet. You can also find several glacial erratic boulders, remnants of glaciation, along the walks.
Cycling and mountain biking
The chase is home to two dedicated marked mountain bike trails, free and open all year round. You don't need to bring your own bike, either, as Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, resident on the Chase, offer a range of bikes to hire from as little as £20. You can also hire kids' bikes, trailers and ‘tag along' bikes, which attach to an adult's mountain bike. Book early as demand is high.
Segways
For a unique, green way to enjoy the forest, try an hour of ‘off the beaten track' fun with self-balancing, all-terrain electric Segways. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.
Go Ape
Go Ape is all about getting out, having fun and being adventurous. There are two levels of Tree Top Adventure, in which there are tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and an unforgettable zip wire. Go Ape was awarded Silver in the Best Small Visitor Attraction category in the Enjoy Staffordshire Awards, 2014.
Cannock Chase Trekking Centre
The ultimate experience in horse riding and pony trekking, the centre provides off-road riding through the forest of Cannock Chase all year round. Whether your dream is a gentle walk through the picturesque landscape, pub treks or more exhilarating rides, the centre has it covered.
Other nearby attractions
Drayton Manor theme park, packed with fantastic adult- and kid-friendly rides and its very own zoo, is only around a 40-minute drive away. World renowned Alton Towers is around an hour away, as is the National Forest – another great area full of natural beauty.
Foxfield Railway
Be an engine driver for the day! The Foxfield Railway offers the thrill of firing and driving a full-sized steam locomotive, or perhaps you simply want to ride on the footplate and let someone else do the work. Both these dreams can be realised at Foxfield Railway, just 23 miles away from Cannock.
Restaurants and nightlife
Cannock offers a great range of restaurants, and one or two clubs for those who fancy dancing the night away.
Georgios is an atmospheric, pretty little Greek restaurant which serves traditional Greek fare. For a lovely welcome, perfect lighting, great music and Indian food, try Spices on Walsall Road in Cannock. Bar Sport shows live sports all day every day, on multiple giant screens in a stylish environment. It has an exceptional menu, and fresh food is prepared every day.
We're sure you'll agree that Cannock is an absolute gem of a centre for a family getaway.
