Everything you need to know to plan your visit. Find out about our facilities, opening times and car park charges...
How to find us
Birches Valley Forest Centre is located in the heart of Cannock Chase Forest, between Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley.
Address: Birches Valley Forest Centre, Birches Valley, Rugeley, Staffs
Post Code: WS15 2UQ
Google Map: Birches Valley Forest Centre
Sign Posts: Birches Valley can located by brown tourist signs, which have the white stag on a purple background
Public transport: Use the ‘get directions’ box to the right to get information on traveling to Birches Valley by public transport. The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town are both approximately 2 miles away
Car parking
We have 500 parking spaces with easy access spaces located close to the café, play area and Go Ape. See our Birches Valley Orientation Map for more details.
Up to 1 hour - £1.50
All day - £3
Payment by pay and display machines. Machines are cash only and do not give change.
Money raised from car parking goes towards the maintenance of the visitor centre, the trails and the wider forest.
Enjoy Cannock Chase and Hicks Lodge through the seasons with an annual Discovery Pass for £40 a year
Opening hours
We are open Dawn to Dusk, 364 days a year (Closed Christmas Day). Below are estimates of the car park opening and closing times.
| Month | Open | Close |
| January | 7:30am | 5:00pm |
| February | 7:30am | 5:00pm |
| March | 7:30am | 6:00pm |
| April | 7:30am | 8:00pm |
| May | 7:30am | 9:00pm |
| June | 7:30am | 9:00pm |
| July | 7:30am | 9:00pm |
| August | 7:30am | 9:00pm |
| September | 7:30am | 8:00pm |
| October | 7:30am | 7:00pm |
| November | 7:30am | 5:00pm |
| December | 7:30am | 5:00pm |
Toilets
Toilets are located adjacent to Birches Valley Café and include baby changing and accessible facilities. The toilets are opened and closed at the same time as the car park
Food and drink
Run by A&E catering, Birches Valley Cafe is open 364 days a year, serving a wide range of hot and cold food to eat in or takeaway...
Bike Shop
Swinnerton Cycles, possibly the best bike shop in Staffordshire, offers everything from bikes and clothing to sports drinks and trail maps, plus great advice and local knowledge.
Bike Hire
Swinnerton Cycles Bike Shop have a range of mountain bikes available to hire. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation
Forestry Commission run Tackeroo caravan site is located a short drive away from Birches Valley.
For other accommodation see visit Enjoy Staffordshire
Key contacts
Forestry Commission Cannock Chase Office - 01889 586593
Forestry Commission Duty Ranger – 07771 812608
Go Ape – 0845 643 9215
Swinnerton Cycles – 01889 575170
Birches Valley Café - 01889 574475
