Chasewater Country Park sits between Burntwood, Brownhills and Norton Canes, wrapped in a picturesque countryside setting. This country park spans 360 hectares, including 90 hectares of open water, making it a top choice for a family day out in Staffordshire.
Every season brings a different mood to this parkland area. Summer days buzz with activity, while winter mornings feel calm and still. Locals proudly call it a breathtaking natural retreat worth visiting again and again.
Spot local deer wandering near Chasewater Reservoir and you’ll quickly understand why nature lovers keep returning. The park covers nearly 900 acres of diverse landscapes, blending woodlands, meadows and wetlands into one wide green open space.
A keen naturalist finds rare habitats protected as a Sites of Special Scientific Interest SSSI, home to countless birds and animals. Kids enjoy open space to play, while adults take a gentle stroll, go walking, running or try bird watching.
Staffordshire County Council manages this reservoir and surrounding land, keeping the stunning scenery open for all. Whether you want a tranquil escape or an adventurous day out, Chasewater Country Park delivers natural beauty every single visit.
Features And Facilities At Chasewater Country Park
The lake at Chasewater Country Park is technically a man made lake, its shimmering waters forming the heart of the whole parkland. This makes it the perfect anchor point for visitors planning their outdoor activities for the day.
Toilets stay open between 11am and 3pm, with reliable cafe facilities and on site catering nearby. Bringing your dog is welcome too, as long as you clean up properly behind them on the paths.
History fans should visit the outdoor activity grounds, where the site once hosted the Staffordshire 70.3 Ironman event swim event for 8 years running. That legacy still draws curious visitors today.
Families often head toward crazy golf and pedal go karts, two firm favourites for any great family day out. Out of respect for wildlife and the local environment, barbeques and barbecues are no longer permitted anywhere on site.
This thoughtful balance between recreational activities and conservation is exactly what makes Chasewater Park stand apart from other outdoor activity grounds across Staffordshire.
Watersports At Chasewater Country Park
Thrill seekers can try water skiing, wakeboarding and wake boarding across the open reservoir. Add water zorbing, zorbing, sailing and paddleboarding also called paddle boarding into the mix for endless water sport activities.
Proper sports concessions run most weekends, supporting busy watersport activities and general water sports. One memorable boating session here taught me why donut rides and open water swimming stay popular through every season.
Watersports fans must still respect dangerous currents below the surface. Public swimming outside organised sessions is never allowed across Chasewater Reservoir, keeping every visitor genuinely safe.
Wildlife And Walking Trails
Calmer days suit gentle picnics by the lake, with easy terrain and paths that welcome pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. Try the self guided circular nature walk for a relaxed family route.
Bird hides built for proper bird watching line the route, overlooking the wet lowland heathland across 360 hectares. This stretch shelters deer, newts, wild birds and other animal species year round.
Spot bird species including ducks, swans and migrating waterfowl along quiet nature trails. These paths wind through the park, giving genuine wildlife room to thrive away from busier crowds.
Chasewater Railway
The Chasewater Railway stands as a genuine historic attraction, running vintage steam trains and diesel trains along a well kept historic track. It recreates decades of charm through reliable historic steam trains and recreational activities.
Most services run on weekends, offering visitors a proper nostalgic journey back to a bygone era. The ride rewards patient guests with genuinely stunning views stretching across the water.
Check train running dates and special events for the Chasewater steam railway at chasewater railway website before visiting, since timetables shift seasonally throughout the year.
Innovation Centre At Chasewater Park
The Chasewater Innovation Centre works as an environmentally friendly visitor centre, packed with useful visitor information for every guest. It’s the perfect starting point before exploring the wider country park.
Inside, interactive exhibits sit alongside rotating art and craft exhibitions from talented local artists. Both children and adults enjoy hands on recreational workshops scheduled throughout the year.
You’ll also find a small gift shop and a cosy cafe serving snacks and light refreshments. Proper restroom facilities make this an easy, comfortable stop during any visit.
The building doubles as a venue for meeting facilities and conference facilities, hosting business events alongside rotating exhibitions. It blends practical use with genuine community value.
For opening times or upcoming sessions, call or email directly. Staff respond quickly to most enquiries about the Innovation Centre.
Events At Chasewater Country Park
Chasewater Park makes a fine venue to host any event, from a family celebration to a full community festival. Even a quiet corporate retreat suits the relaxed, open setting perfectly.
Stunning landscapes, open skies and peaceful surroundings create a genuinely welcoming atmosphere here. Guests of every age enjoy the space, whatever the occasion calls for.
The park’s versatile outdoor spaces suit everything from seasonal celebrations to guided walks and wildlife workshops. Each event type offers different scenic views across the water and surrounding land.
Check the park’s calendar ahead of time to plan something properly memorable. Booking early helps secure the best dates during busier seasons.
Few venues capture the spirit of the great outdoors quite like this one. Even a simple gathering becomes one of those unforgettable gatherings people remember for years.
Outdoor Events At Chasewater Park
Chasewater Country Park hosts a fantastic range of outdoor events throughout the year, drawing families, locals and visitors together. From seasonal festivities to guided walks, there’s always something truly exciting to experience.
The park’s versatile outdoor spaces suit community festivals, wildlife workshops and relaxed family celebrations perfectly. Stunning landscapes and open skies create a naturally welcoming atmosphere for every gathering.
Check the park’s calendar regularly to stay updated on upcoming special events and recreational activities. Early booking helps you secure your spot during the busiest and most popular event seasons.
Few venues across Staffordshire match Chasewater Park for unforgettable gatherings set against peaceful surroundings. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or a lively community festival, every event feels truly memorable here.
Visitor Information For Chasewater Country Park
Planning ahead makes any trip to Chasewater Country Park smoother and more enjoyable. Two practical areas matter most reporting issues quickly and understanding the parking system before you arrive.
Staff stay easy to reach throughout opening hours, and the annual pass system rewards regular visitors nicely. Both systems work together to keep the country park running smoothly for everyone.
Whether you’re a first time visitor or a regular, knowing these details in advance saves time and avoids confusion once you’re already on site.
How To Report Problems
If something needs fixing on site, contact the Chasewater team directly.
Staff handle most enquiries promptly, whether reporting damaged paths, facility issues, or general concerns. Don’t hesitate to flag anything that affects visitor safety or enjoyment.
Parking At Chasewater Country Park
On site parking is charged, and machines often need cash, so come prepared before you arrive. Buy annual parking passes in person from the Chasewater Innovation Centre.
Passes are also available by phone during normal opening hours. One annual pass also covers the car parks at Milford Common and Marquis Drive on Cannock Chase.
This combined coverage works out as excellent value if you plan to visit multiple sites regularly throughout the year across Staffordshire.
Families At Chasewater Country Park
Families find plenty of quality time here, whether that means a relaxed picnic beside the lake or free play at the playgrounds. Every corner is designed with younger visitors in mind.
Older kids enjoy proper outdoor adventure, from cycling longer routes to exploring quieter trails away from the main paths. There’s always something fresh to discover during return visits.
Seasonal workshops and special events keep things lively throughout the year. This steady rotation of activities is exactly why so many families treat Chasewater Park as a regular destination.
Special Events In Chasewater Park
Chasewater Park hosts a variety of exciting events all year round, giving families a new reason to visit each season. From seasonal celebrations to themed weekends, there’s always something new happening.
Guided walks and wildlife workshops run regularly across the parkland, helping younger visitors connect with nature up close. These hands on sessions make learning genuinely fun for children and adults alike.
The park’s calendar fills quickly with community festivals, outdoor workshops and family adventure days beside the lake. Booking early guarantees you never miss the most popular seasonal highlights.
Check or email for upcoming special events at Chasewater Park. Planning ahead simply makes every family day out smoother and more memorable.
Ownership Of Chasewater Park
Staffordshire County Council took over Chasewater Country Park in May 2011, securing its long term future as a vital regional resource. This transfer marked a major turning point for the site.
Before that, Lichfield District Council had inherited the park in 1994 following a local authority boundary change. Management responsibilities shifted significantly during this period of local reorganisation.
Chasewater Country Park History
Since then, millions of pounds in external grant funding have funded a genuine transformation of the entire site. Both the district council and county council played a part in this progress.
The reservoir still feeds water levels for the Birmingham Canal Network, supplying the Canals and Rivers Trust, formerly known as British Waterways. This ongoing function adds practical value beyond recreation alone.
This rich history explains why Chasewater Country Park remains such a treasured, well funded part of Staffordshire’s natural landscape today.
Benefits Of Chasewater Country Park
Chasewater Country Park offers something genuinely special for every type of visitor. From quiet nature walks to thrilling watersports, this Staffordshire gem rewards anyone willing to explore its full 360 hectares of varied landscape.
Families return again and again for the lake, playgrounds and easy paths that suit pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. Few spots blend accessibility with genuine natural beauty quite this well.
Wildlife lovers gain real value too, with rare habitats, protected SSSI status and regular bird watching opportunities. The wet lowland heathland alone makes repeat visits worthwhile throughout changing seasons.
History adds another layer of charm through the Chasewater Railway and its vintage steam trains. Riding past the reservoir on a classic carriage remains one of the park’s most memorable experiences.
The Chasewater Innovation Centre rounds out any visit nicely, offering shelter, refreshments and hands on exhibits. It’s the perfect place to plan your route before heading back outdoors.
Event organisers shouldn’t overlook this venue either, given its stunning landscapes and versatile outdoor spaces. Few locations combine practicality with such a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings of any size.
Backed by Staffordshire County Council since 2011, this country park continues benefiting from steady investment and careful management. That ongoing commitment protects the site for generations still to come.
Whether you’re chasing adventurous day out thrills or a peaceful tranquil escape, Chasewater Country Park delivers both within one beautiful setting. Few destinations across Staffordshire offer this much variety in a single visit.
FAQs About Chasewater Country Park
Where Can I Get Food At Chasewater Country Park?
The cafe offers snacks, light refreshments and warm on site catering daily.
Is Parking Available At Chasewater Country Park?
Yes, on site parking is charged, so bring cash for payment.
Does Chasewater Country Park Have A Parkrun?
Yes, a free weekly parkrun takes place around the scenic reservoir trail.
Are There Photos Of Chasewater Country Park Online?
Yes, stunning photos showcase the lake, wildlife and railway.
What Time Does Chasewater Car Park Open?
The car park opens early daily for parking and outdoor activities.