Exploring Cannock Chase: A Day of Woodland Walks, History & Hidden Gems

June 25, 2025

tree in Cannock chase, 20 minutes from Eagle House

If you’re staying with us here at Eagle House in Eccleshall, one of the great things about our location is how many beautiful and diverse places you can explore nearby. One of our recent favourites is Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just a 30-minute drive from our elegant, award-winning bed & breakfast and self-catering accommodation.

We spent a full day out discovering just a few corners of this vast and fascinating area—and it’s safe to say we’ve only scratched the surface!

Starting at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre

Our visit began at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, which is a great base to start exploring. There’s ample parking (affordable too), clean loos, a welcoming café, and even a well-equipped children’s play area—ideal if you’re travelling with little ones.

Cannock Chase is perfect for dog-friendly adventures. We brought our four-legged friend along and saw plenty of other happy dogs enjoying the woodland walks. It’s a huge area, with miles of paths winding through scenic forest and open heathland. If you’re not sure where to begin, grab one of the free walking or cycling leaflets at the Visitor Centre—they include routes of different lengths and abilities.

For visitors needing a little extra accessibility support, we were really impressed to see electric wheelchairs available to borrow. The paths near the centre are flat, wide, and surfaced, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are also lots of benches dotted along the way, ideal for resting and taking in the peaceful woodland surroundings.

Along the way, we spotted a stunning array of butterflies, especially in the sunlit glades, and soaked up some of the local World War II history—Cannock Chase was once home to a military camp, and there are informative displays near the visitor centre outlining its fascinating past.

Cannock chase, 20 minutes from Eagle House

tree in Cannock chasewater, 30 minutes from Eagle House

Castle Ring: Stepping Back in Time

Next, we drove to Castle Ring, the highest point on Cannock Chase and home to an ancient Iron Age hill fort. The views are beautiful, and the site has a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. Castle Ring was likely built around 2,500 years ago, and while the ramparts are now grassy and tree-lined, you can still sense the history underfoot.

There’s free parking right by the site, and just across the road is The Park Gate Inn—a lovely traditional pub with a big, flower-filled beer garden. We stopped for a refreshing drink in the sunshine, making the most of the calm setting before heading off to our final destination.

Chasewater Reservoir: Family Fun by the Water

To end our day, we headed to Chasewater Reservoir, which offered a completely different atmosphere. It’s a vibrant spot with plenty for families to enjoy: a crazy golf course, a large play area, cafés, and a narrow-gauge railway that loops around the lake. There’s also a nature reserve element to the site, and we enjoyed an ice cream while watching water birds glide across the reservoir.

Again, there was good parking here and the paths are well-maintained, making it another accessible and dog-friendly stop.

A Local Gem Worth Visiting Again

One of the best things about Cannock Chase is just how much it offers—whether you’re into walking, cycling, wildlife, history, or just a peaceful escape into nature. As it’s so close to Eagle House Eccleshall, it’s easy to make a spontaneous trip or plan a full day out during your stay.

As much as we enjoyed our visit, we left feeling like we’d only seen a fraction of what’s there. It’s a place you could return to again and again, each time discovering something new. We’re already planning our next trip!

So if you’re looking for things to do near Eccleshall, whether you’re here for a relaxing weekend or a longer holiday, Cannock Chase is a must-visit. And at the end of the day, you can return to the comfort and character of Eagle House—your home from home in Staffordshire.