Museum of Cannock Chase
The Museum staff will be taking their usual two week break over Christmas and New Year from 4pm on 19th December until Monday 4th January.
We want to make sure you have the best visit possible with us at the museum, so please make sure you have looked at our new safety procedures and museum etiquette before your visit (listed below).
As per government guidelines, face coverings are to be worn inside the museum building, except for those who are exempt and children under the age of 11.
In accordance with government guidelines for Tier 3, the museum is currently not allowed to open to the public. However, we are allowed to open our gift shop and also operate our coffee shop as take away only and we will be open on Fridays and Saturdays between 11am and 4pm.
Shop local at the Museum this Christmas!
Though we cannot currently open our galleries or run our outdoor activities, our shop has plenty of unique gifts that could make the perfect presents and stocking fillers for the whole family! Pick up some festive tree decorations, stock up on stocking fillers, or give that special someone a gorgeous silver jewellery set from Estella Bartlett or a leather handbag from Mala.
We also have a great range of local books and coal mining souvenirs for the history buff in your life. Our coffee shop will also be open for takeaway available from reception, where we will be serving teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and sweet and savoury treats. Perhaps grab a hot drink to go for ready for a wintery walk on Hednesford Hills?
Please note: due to the guidelines for Tier 3 restrictions, there will be no toilet facilities or interior exterior seating.
All of our Covid-safe measures remain in place. We would love to see you!
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
- Re-opening safety measures info
- What's here
- When we're open
- Where we are
- How to get in touch
- Events at the museum
- Check out our visitor services
- Find out what we do for schools
Opening times
- Easter to September (spring and summer seasons): Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11am to 4pm (Last entry at 3.30pm).
- October to Easter (We are currently closed due to Covid Tier 3 restirctions).
Re-opening information regarding safety, distancing and changes in etiquette
New safety measures and changes to facilities:
• Current Opening Arrangements: In accordance with government guidelines for Tier 3, the museum is currently not allowed to open to the public. However, our museum shop is permitted to open and our coffee shop is open as a takeaway.
• Cleaning and sanitising stations: We have enhanced cleaning protocols and there will be a regular cleaning regime on site. We will also have hygiene stations/hand sanitation points throughout the site.
• Toilet Facilities: Due to the guidelines for Tier 3 restrictions, there will be no toilet facilities or interior or exterior seating
• Coffee Shop: The coffee shop is takeaway only and all orders will be taken from the museum reception
• Gift shop: The gift shop will be open with extra guidelines, including a one way system, in place, which will be displayed on clear signage.
New outdoor activity packs
We have put in place self-guided activities in our fabulous outdoor space for families to do. Family activity packs will be available to purchase outside the museum and will retail at £4.99.
What is inside the activity bag:
- Branded Museum of Cannock Chase canvas bag
- A4 Nature Explorers Activity Pack including instructions on a fairy house trail in the woods, word search, drawing activity, scavenger hunt and heathland mosaic activity
- Peg character making kit
- Nature coaster making kit
- Branded pencil
- Walking guide around the Hednesford Hills
New safety measures and changes to facilities:
• Current Opening Arrangements: In accordance with government guidelines for Tier 3, the museum is currently not allowed to open to the public. However, our museum shop is permitted to open and our coffee shop is open as a takeaway.
• Cleaning and sanitising stations: We have enhanced cleaning protocols and there will be a regular cleaning regime on site. We will also have hygiene stations/hand sanitation points throughout the site.
• Toilet Facilities: Due to the guidelines for Tier 3 restrictions, there will be no toilet facilities or interior or exterior seating
• Coffee Shop: The coffee shop is takeaway only and all orders will be taken from the museum reception
• Gift shop: The gift shop will be open with extra guidelines, including a one way system, in place, which will be displayed on clear signage.
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 (Temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions)
- 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
In accordance with government guidelines for Tier 3, the museums galleries and exhibitions are currently not allowed to open to the public.
However, our gift shop will still be open and coffee shop will be open for takeaway orders.
Our current opening times for take away coffee shop and the gift shop are: 11am to 4pm.
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 parking.
Parking
The front of the museum will be closed to vehicles – visitors are to use the rear car park and there will be designated disabled parking at near to the craft workshop.
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
Events at the Museum
Families can take part in exciting activities outside with our Family Activity Pack. The Activity Packs will be on sale for £4.99 at the outdoor order point outside the museum entrance.
The pack contains 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.
