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Cannock Chase Forest

Garden, Park & Outdoor · Staffordshire, England

Cannock Chase Forest is a garden, park & outdoor in Staffordshire, England. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceFree entry
Forestry England page: entry is free; parking is the main cost (Forestry England members park free).
Opening timesEvery day except Christmas Day from 7.30am; closing varies by month (5pm in Nov-Jan up to 9pm in May-Aug).
Best time to goDry days; arrive early on weekends.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening.
Best agesAll ages
If it rainsOutdoor: pick dry days
ParkingTicketless number-plate parking at Birches Valley. (£4 up to 1 hour, £7.50 up to 2 hours, £11 up to 3 hours, £12.50 over 3 hours)
FoodGrounds Café (sandwiches, cake, ice cream, coffee). Play area and visitor centre.
Money saverFree or low-cost; parking is the main cost; take a picnic.
Top tipsBirches Valley visitor centre, play area, trails and bike hire; Go Ape on site.
What to packWellies, waterproofs, picnic, bug spray, sun cream

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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