Cannock Chase Forest Birches Valley
Escape into the serene woodlands of Cannock Chase Forest, offering family trails, cycling adventures, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Cannock Chase Forest Birches Valley
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape into the serene woodlands of Cannock Chase Forest, offering family trails, cycling adventures, and beautiful natural landscapes.
"A perfect escape into nature with stunning scenery and a calming atmosphere."
🚗 Parking Costs
Day parking is £8, with shorter stays costing £3-£5. Factor this into your budget.
🚶♀️ Trail Variety
From easy Gruffalo trails to challenging bike routes, there's something for everyone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gruffalo & Superworm Trails
Birches Valley Visitor Centre
Interactive trails bringing beloved children's characters to life amidst the forest. Perfect for little adventurers!
Birches Valley Visitor Centre
Rugeley WS15 2UQ
Hub for activities, featuring a cafe, cycle hire, and access to numerous walking and biking routes.
Woodland Walks
Various trails throughout the forest
Explore peaceful woodlands, open clearings, and serene pools teeming with wildlife. A true nature escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Fees & Trail Access
+2Best Trails for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Costs
Day parking is £8, with shorter stays costing £3-£5. Factor this into your budget.
🚶♀️ Trail Variety
From easy Gruffalo trails to challenging bike routes, there's something for everyone.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers good ice cream and refreshments, though you can also bring a picnic.
🚴 Cycle Hire Available
Rent bikes at Birches Valley for exploring the extensive cycling network.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Costs
Day parking is £8, with shorter stays costing £3-£5. Factor this into your budget.
🚶♀️ Trail Variety
From easy Gruffalo trails to challenging bike routes, there's something for everyone.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers good ice cream and refreshments, though you can also bring a picnic.
🚴 Cycle Hire Available
Rent bikes at Birches Valley for exploring the extensive cycling network.
🎶 Music Inspiration
Cannock Chase inspired the song 'Cannock Chase' by Labi Siffre, a beautiful acoustic piece. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cannock Chase Forest's stunning scenery, peaceful woodlands, and well-marked trails, making it a highlight for nature lovers and families alike. While the parking fees are noted as expensive, the abundance of fun activities for all ages, including the popular Gruffalo trail and bike tracks, makes it a highly recommended destination for a day out in nature.
"As a tourist visiting the area, I was absolutely blown away by Cannock Chase Forest. The scenery is stunning , peaceful woodlands, open clearings, and some truly beautiful views. It felt like a perfect escape into nature.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it quickly became one of the highlights of my trip. The trails are well, marked and easy to follow, and there’s such a calming atmosphere throughout. Whether you’re into hiking or just want to enjoy a quiet walk, this place is a must visit. I’d definitely come back again!"
Daniela Petrescu
"A lovely wood to visit. A really nice walk through the trees to the pools with dragonflies and swallows darting over them. Lots of wildflowers and butterflies.
A nice cafe with VERY good ice-cream.
Well worth a visit and highly recommend."
S Shiels
"Great place to visit but you have to pay for parking but there are lots of fun things to do here for all ages!!"
Hannah Wyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cannock Chase Forest is accessible by car, with the Birches Valley Visitor Centre (Rugeley WS15 2UQ) being a popular starting point.
Yes, Birches Valley Visitor Centre has a large car park. Fees apply: £3 for 1 hour, £5 for 2 hours, and £8 for all day.
While there are cycle paths within the forest, direct cycling routes to the visitor centre depend on your starting point. Bike hire is available on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the forest itself is free. However, you will need to pay for parking at the visitor centres.
No, the Gruffalo Trail and Superworm Trail are free to access once you've paid for parking. They are self-guided.
Opening hours can vary, but the visitor centre typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the Forestry England website for the most up-to-date information.
While not always available, keep an eye on the Forestry England website or local event listings for potential guided walks, wildlife events, or cycling challenges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The forest offers a variety of trails, from the family-friendly Gruffalo and Superworm trails to longer woodland walks and dedicated bike tracks. The peaceful woodlands and pools are particularly lovely.
Yes, there's a playground and the popular Gruffalo and Superworm trails, making it very family-friendly.
Absolutely! Cycle hire is available at Birches Valley Visitor Centre, allowing you to explore the extensive network of bike tracks.
You might spot dragonflies and swallows near the pools, and various wildflowers and butterflies throughout the forest.
The forest offers beautiful scenery, especially during autumn, with opportunities for capturing woodland shots, wildlife, and scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Birches Valley Visitor Centre that serves refreshments and is known for its good ice cream.
Definitely! Many visitors bring picnics to enjoy amidst the beautiful forest surroundings.
While the visitor centre has a cafe, you'll find more dining options in the nearby towns of Rugeley or Cannock if you're looking for a wider selection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The visitor centre has a playground, and the cafe is known for its ice cream, a guaranteed win with kids. 🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
These trails cater to various skill levels, from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging mountain biking paths. The forest's varied terrain and scenic beauty make for an exhilarating ride. 🚶♂️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
These are perfect for younger children and provide a fun way to explore the forest.For more active visitors, the forest boasts an extensive system of dedicated cycle tracks. Bike hire is available at the Birches Valley Visitor Centre, making it easy to access these routes.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, you'll find trails suited to your ability. Beyond these specific trails, numerous walking paths wind through peaceful woodlands, open clearings, and alongside serene pools, offering a tranquil escape into nature. The Birches Valley Visitor Centre Experience
+1Within the centre, you'll find a cafe that's popular for its refreshments and particularly its ice cream.
The visitor centre is also the gateway to many of the forest's popular attractions, including the children's trails and the start of various walking and biking routes. It’s the ideal starting point for planning your adventure in the forest.The visitor centre also occasionally hosts events and challenges, such as the Birch Challenge and Head Torch 10K, so it's worth checking their schedule for any special activities.
A Haven for Nature and Music
Beyond its musical connection, the forest is a delightful spot for nature lovers. Visitors often remark on the peaceful woodlands, the beauty of the open clearings, and the tranquility of the pools where dragonflies and swallows can be seen.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit