We get it. When thinking of booking your next holiday, you’d probably like to get a little further away from Birmingham than Cannock Chase. But this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, might we remind you, remains an underrated part of the West Midlands region – and one that can be enjoyed by all!
Home to a Go Ape outdoor activity centre, an award-winning museum (located in a former deep coal mine), and endless walking (and cycling) trails, The Chase offers so much to do. It’s also full of incredible wildlife everywhere you look – with the deer of Cannock Chase probably its most prevalent.
Introduced in Norman times, there are hundreds of fallow deer to be found roaming the countryside here, with several more red deer and muntjac too. Your best spot for seeing them is with an overnight stay at Silver Trees Holiday Park, where you can hire a holiday home, located next to its very own nature reserve (designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Hire a lodge on the edge of the park, and enjoy stunning views of the woodlands from the decking veranda, all-weather tennis court and indoor heated pool. Its biggest USP, however, is Silver Trees’ peaceful ambience, which means there’s no clubhouse, amusements or children’s play area. But that allows for wild fallow deer to approach unfrightened.
Wait until the end of June or July onwards to catch young ‘Bambi’ deer springing about in full view, while the deer more readily roam in the winter months. Every lodge, which fits a maximum of four to six people, also comes with a full-length picture window so you can experience the wildlife up close. Plus, it has all the home comforts – like a shower, oven, flat-screen TV and central heating – you can think of.
Now, a stay at Silver Trees Holiday Park isn’t going to be for everyone. Stag dos (no pun intended) or young families probably will want somewhere you can be a bit more noisy. But those looking for a peaceful getaway that’s still within short driving distance of Birmingham should look no further. Silver Trees Holiday Park won’t reopen for the season until the start of March, but you can learn more here or book your stay here.