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Chasewater Country Park: A Scenic Reservoir and Nature Escape in Staffordshire

Explore Staffordshire’s largest canal feeder reservoir with scenic trails, water sports, heritage steam trains, and rich wildlife habitats.

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Chasewater Country Park, spanning 360 hectares with a 90-hectare reservoir, offers a rich mix of outdoor activities including walking, cycling, bird watching, water sports, and heritage steam railway rides. Nestled between Burntwood, Brownhills, and Norton Canes, this picturesque park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, featuring rare habitats and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Facilities include cafés, playgrounds, and accessible paths, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Chasewater Country Park

  • Pool Ln, Burntwood, WS8 7NL, GB
  • +441543370737
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 6 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 6 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 6 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Bring cash for parking as card machines can be unreliable; annual parking passes offer good value for frequent visitors.
  • Visit the heritage steam railway for a nostalgic ride that showcases the park’s industrial history.
  • Use the accessible paths around the reservoir for easy walking or cycling with prams or wheelchairs.
  • Pack a picnic instead of using barbecues to help protect the park’s sensitive natural environment.
  • Check the Innovation Centre for seasonal exhibitions and events to enrich your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Access Chasewater Country Park via the M6 motorway junction 12 and A5, with on-site pay-and-display parking available. Parking costs £1.20 for up to two hours and £3.50 for all day; annual passes can be purchased for £38. Note that parking machines may only accept cash.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect nearby towns such as Burntwood and Brownhills to Chasewater Country Park. Bus travel times vary between 20 to 40 minutes depending on the route. Check local timetables for current schedules and service frequency.

  • Train and Taxi

    The nearest train stations are Lichfield Trent Valley and Walsall, both approximately 8 to 10 km away. From either station, a taxi ride of around 15 minutes is recommended to reach the park, as public transport connections from the stations to the park are limited.

  • Cycling

    Cycling routes lead to Chasewater Country Park from surrounding areas, with dedicated cycle paths and flat terrain making for an accessible and scenic ride. Bike parking is available on-site.

Chasewater Country Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Chasewater Country Park

A Historic Reservoir with Industrial Roots

Chasewater Country Park is centered around Chasewater Reservoir, originally constructed in 1797 as Norton Pool to serve as a canal feeder reservoir for the Wyrley and Essington Canal. This reservoir remains the largest canal feeder reservoir in use today in the West Midlands and is the third largest by volume in Staffordshire. The dam and reservoir were engineered to maintain water levels for the extensive Birmingham Canal Network during the region’s industrial growth. Over time, the reservoir's role shifted from industrial utility to recreational and conservation purposes, with major restoration and management efforts by Staffordshire County Council since the 1980s.

Vast Natural Landscapes and Wildlife Habitats

The park covers 360 hectares, including 90 hectares of water and extensive wet lowland heathland, providing diverse habitats that support deer, newts, and a wide variety of bird species. Several areas within the park are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), reflecting their ecological importance. Bird watchers and naturalists can explore nature trails and quiet spots to observe rare and native wildlife in a tranquil countryside setting. The park’s environment is managed to balance public access with conservation goals.

Outdoor Activities for All Ages and Interests

Chasewater Country Park offers an array of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. The reservoir supports water sports such as sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, paddleboarding, and open water swimming. On land, there are well-maintained walking and cycling paths, including accessible routes suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Families can enjoy playgrounds, crazy golf, pedal go-karts, and picnic areas. A heritage steam railway runs through the park, providing nostalgic rides that evoke the area's industrial past.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

The park is equipped with visitor-friendly facilities including an Innovation Centre, cafés, and a shop. Toilets are available, though some have limited opening hours. Parking is pay-and-display, with charges currently set at £1.20 for up to two hours and £3.50 for all-day parking; annual parking passes are available. The park is dog-friendly and offers disabled access with some limitations. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics as barbecues are prohibited to protect the environment.

Community and Events

Chasewater hosts regular exhibitions at the Innovation Centre and seasonal events that engage visitors throughout the year. The park’s open spaces are also available for private events such as family celebrations and corporate retreats, providing a scenic backdrop for memorable gatherings. The park’s management promotes sustainable use and environmental education to foster a connection between visitors and the natural world.

Location and Accessibility

Situated between Burntwood, Brownhills, and Norton Canes, Chasewater Country Park is accessible by car via the M6 and A5 motorways. Public transport options include local bus services, though the nearest train stations (Lichfield Trent Valley and Walsall) require onward travel by taxi or bus. The park’s terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate, with some kissing gates that may challenge pram users. The combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance makes Chasewater a treasured destination in Staffordshire.

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