Cannock Area Guide

History and Geography

As the popularity of Cannock grew, the suburbs developed, including Hednesford, Heath Hayes and Huntington and the small villages like Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley were absorbed into Cannock around this time. Their distinct identities can still be seen today in the town with individual high streets and shops. The last colliery in Cannock closed in 1967 and at Cannock Chase in 1993. Since then the town has become a popular residential area for commuters due to its easy links with Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Cannock Chase has a German war cemetery that contains just under 5,000 military dead from both the first and second world wars. Cannock is twenty miles from the National Memorial Arboretum, a British site of national remembrance situated at Alrewas near Lichfield.

Property Types & Demographics

Cannock offers a range of property types from Victorian homes and former miner's cottages through to state of the art newbuilds. The town offers great value for money for first time buyers, professional couples and families. As a result of the M6 opening, Cannock and the surrounding villages has seen a growth in housing and employment. Many commuters working in the surrounding towns and cities, find it a beautiful and convenient location.

Schools

Education in Cannock is good, with some 'outstanding' schools to choose from. These include a range of state schools, independent schools and special schools. Independent school, Chase Grammar, has regularly featured in the Top 100 Schools rankings in the UK.

Local Attractions

Shugborough Hall

The ancestral home of the Earl of Lichfield, now in the hands of the National Trust, this is a Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens and parkland, a play area for children and a tearoom and cafe.

Cannock Chase Forest

This beautiful attraction offers scenic woodland walks, orienteering trails, mountain bike trails and for the adventurous, Go Ape with zip lines and high ropes. There is a children's play area and a dog activity trail.

The Museum of Cannock Chase

Once home to the Valley Colliery the museum tells the story of Cannock Chase, from its industrial beginnings, to famous locals, social history, domestic life and wildlife. There are varied exhibitions and displays including interactive toys for children, a games gallery and plenty of quizzes.

Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

For a different view of the world, hire a narrowboat and travel the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. 46 miles long, it links the River Severn at Stourport with the Trent and Mersey Canal at Haywood Junction. There are historical buildings and structures along the cruiseway and lovely peaceful walks along the towpath.

Shopping

Cannock Shopping Centre was built in 1996 on the site of the Forum Theatre and offers a nice mix of high street brands like Argos and Holland and Barrett with some well-established independent businesses. There is a large car park with 750 spaces five minutes walk away and the bus station is right outside. Cannock Outdoor Market takes place every Friday and there is also an Indoor Market and the Prince of Wales market which runs three days a week. A huge new £160million retail complex, the McArthur Glen Outlet, is located close to Cannock with designer names including Jimmy Choo, The North Face, Hugo Boss and Ted Baker.

Leisure

Cinema & Theatre

The Prince of Wales Theatre is located in the town centre and shows live performances and events. The Electric Palace Picture House is a two screen old school cinema originally opened in 1914 and has sofa seating on the balcony area.

Eating Out

There is a range of international cuisines on offer in Cannock with a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes to cater for all tastes.

Gym & Health

Chase Leisure Centre offers gym, swimming and an 18 hole golf course while Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre offers a modern gym, boutique classes and pool.

Upcoming Developments

The excellent road and rail links mean that Cannock is expanding with many of the major housebuilders represented in the town.

A large development next to Cannock Chase is set to grow even bigger as consent has been granted for more than 850 properties on a section of land west of the Pye Green Road near Hednesford to be built.

Smaller developers offer 16 exclusive gated four and five bedroom properties in a beautifully landscaped setting and within walking distance of Hednesford.

Travel Connections

Excellent rail and road links mean that travelling to and from the town of Cannock is quick and easy. Local railway lines link Cannock to Birmingham. There are very good road links between all the towns and villages and the Chase rider bus service is reliable, running regular services.

Railways

West Midlands Railways travel from Cannock to Birmingham with journey times taking less than three quarters of an hour. Cannock to Walsall is approximately twenty minutes and London Euston is around two and a half hours away.

Road Links

Excellent road links. Cannock lies on the A34 and A5 and is close to the M6,the M6 Toll and the M54 motorways. This connects Cannock with Stafford and Telford as well as Birmingham which is around 30 minutes away.

Bus Services

Bus services operate under the Chase rider brand from Cannock to all the surrounding villages. A regular direct bus service to Stafford takes approximately 35 minutes. National

Airlines

Birmingham Airport can be reached by car in around half an hour, Manchester in just over one hour and both Gatwick and Heathrow in two to three hours.