Overview

The good thing is that it is free to visit, and it’s reasonably disabled friendly, with a lift and toilets. Here you will see the history of Cannock Chase from its industrial start, it’s social history, domestic life, and of course wild life. It has a gallery, toys and games memories for you, coal mining section, but what we liked was the two rooms as life used to be way back, with a very interesting 1940’s room, and a miners cottage can be seen. There is a sort of coffee shop, a little gift shop, and toilets. Very interesting 30 minute or so visit. OUR REVIEW We arrived at an open area of woodland and housing mixed and blended together quite well, with a large waterwheel catching the eye. (photo 1) leading towards the entrance for the small museum (photo 2) and down at the front entrance, two disabled bays are available (3) with a ramp leading up to museums entrance. Pleasant staff greeted us and quickly explained a bit about what the museum is about (4) and straight away you can start reading history of the areas transport (5) Depending on how you can cope, a Stannah lift will take you up to the first floor, (6) or take the small lift (7). Personally we found it very small and only just managed to get chair and carer in, but still caught feet under a small ledge running across back of lift, and because you have to hold the lift button to move it, my husbands toes, (in shoes) got trapped on the ledge and nearly caused a nasty accident, but just managed to pull out before really twisting his feet, so watch out for this concern. Up stairs, we entered the coal mining section (8) with interesting enough items to see (9) and opposite in far end we found a disabled toilet (10) which although small was very clean, with grab rail available, just basic but good enough (11). One room of interest was a replica of an old miners cottage with lots of memories for the rather senior visitors (12), and opposite this, another old living room (13) holding lots of interest for all (photos 14 and 15). Real old memories are captured in the toys and games section (16) so all in all, not a bad little museum, well worth popping in if passing like ourselves. After departing it’s surprising how quickly we found ourselves travelling along beautiful country roads, fresh green leaves opening up to herald in spring (17) with inviting paths running off into the woodland (18) ideal for kids and excitable puppies, but watch out for those spaces that have cattle in fields (19) but far distant views hold lots of interest for those fit enough to still enjoy walking (20). OUR FINAL THOUGHTS Worth a visit if you are passing, but would not suggest you go out of your way. It was interesting but small, but did bring back happy memories. The ride through Cannock Chase was very nice and scenic. If we may, could we suggest following the route we took, which allowed us to see so much of the Chase itself. From the museum, it’s sat NAV is WS12 1TD, we aimed for the visitor centre, SAT NAV WS12 4PW Then follow SAT NAV for Fallow Forest WS12 4PS this is also Go Ape route. Now journey to German war memorial. WS15 8QS Then set SAT NAV for your own next destination. This trip will allow you to see so much, with places you may wish to spend a bit of time at.

Transport & Parking

It was easy enough to find, with plenty of parking for such a small museum.

Access

Disabled bays can be found right outside the museum, and inside museum, we found enough room to move around without breaking anything. The lift was so handy, but very small, a large chair would struggle, but may just make it if individuals can turn bodies round a little to be able to hold the button to keep lift going.

Toilets

Toilet is small, we left chair outside, but it’s clean and well looked after, with a grab rail.

Staff

Nice, willing to advice us and help if needed.

Photos