Museum of Cannock Chase
The Museum of Cannock Chase offers free admission and tells the fascinating story of Cannock Chase, from its industrial beginnings, to its military role, famous local citizens, social history, domestic life and wildlife.
What you need to know
- What's here
- When we're open
- Where we are
- How to get in touch
- Self-guided Activities at the Museum
- Check out our visitor services
- Find out what we do for schools
Opening times
- Easter to September: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 4.30pm (Last entry at 4pm)
- October to Easter: For these hours please contact the museum.
About the Museum of Cannock Chase
The museum site was once home to the Valley Colliery, the training pit for thousands of young men beginning their working lives in the local coal industry.
The pit has gone and in its place are over 30 acres of green space on the edge of Cannock Chase, at the gateway to the Hednesford Hills Nature Reserve.
Today the hills form one of the last remaining areas of heathland in Britain.
With free entry and a year-round programme of activities it is a great day out for the family!
The Museum of Cannock Chase is packed with fascinating stories for all the family. Learn about...
- Cannock Chase's industrial beginnings
- Its important military role
- Famous local citizens
- Local life - and wildlife.
What's here?
- Cannock Chase Gallery
- Interactive Toys & Games Gallery
- 1940s Room
- Miners Cottage Gallery
- Coal Mining Gallery with crawl through tunnel!
- Coffee Shop selling cakes, hot & cold drinks, ice creams and snacks.
- Visitor Information Point
- Gift Shop with a great range of gifts, pocket money toys, jewellery and souvenirs
- Excellent range of local history books
- Local Walks on the beautiful Hednesford Hills and Cannock Chase
- Quizzes to amuse the kids!
Throughout the year we run a packed programme of family events and children's workshops. We also run an award-winning education service and have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions.
Opening times
-
- Easter to September (spring and summer seasons): Tuesday - Sunday 11am to 4.30pm (last admission at 4.00pm).
- October to Easter (autumn and winter seasons): please contact the museum for more information.
We are closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year
Where we are
The museum is just 15 minutes' walk from Hednesford bus and railway stations, with ample free parking. Follow the brown ‘purple stag’ signs from major routes into Cannock Chase.
Our address
Museum of Cannock Chase
Valley Road
Hednesford
Staffordshire
WS12 1TD
How to get here
By car
Located on the edge of the Hednesford Hills Nature Reserve, the museum is just 15 minutes walk away from Hednesford bus and train station. It is easily accessible by car and coach from the M6 and M6 Toll, and A460 with ample free parking.
Parking
The front of the museum will be closed to vehicles – visitors should use the rear car park and there will be designated blue badge parking near to the Craft Workshop opposite the main museum building.
By public transport
Nearest railway station: Hednesford
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2
This site provides easy and free access to public transport timetable information.
How to get in touch
Email us: museumofcannockchase@ihlmail.org
Call us: 01543 877666
Self-guided Activities at the Museum
Families can take part in exciting activities with our Busy Bags which are priced at £4.99 or £8.50 for two. They contain self-guided outdoor activities including a walk guide around Hednesford Hills, an enchanted fairy trail, a nature scavenger hunt and great craft activities- all packaged together in a Museum of Cannock Chase branded canvas bag.
You can also take a walk around our site and enjoy our Sculpture Trail – there are 10 sculptures depicting wildlife from Hednesford Hills to find. Ask at Reception for a map and quiz.