Cannock Chase Crematorium

The crematorium itself sits quietly on the edge of Cannock Chase, but what makes this spot worth knowing about is the surrounding landscape. You're looking at genuine heathland and woodland that's been designated a nature reserve - proper wild stuff for the Midlands. The terrain is open heath dotted with birch and pine, which sounds a bit bare until you realise that's exactly what makes it special. This is recovering heathland, the kind of habitat that's rarer than you'd think in England.

Walkers get the most out of Cannock Chase. The network of paths crisses the reserve, and you can easily spend half a day exploring without bumping into crowds. Spring brings adders and lizards if you're keeping an eye out. Birdwatchers do well here too - the mix of open ground and scattered trees attracts species you won't see in dense forest. The whole area feels like you've stepped outside the industrial heartland, even though Rugeley's just a few miles away.

It's free to roam and there's no entry gate - you just park up and walk. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though you could easily stretch it to a half day if the weather's decent. The ground can get boggy after rain, so proper boots matter.

If you're staying at one of the camping sites nearby - Cannock Chase Camping Club is closest at just over three miles - this makes an excellent morning or evening walk before heading back to base. The reserve connects into broader Cannock Chase trails, so you're not limited to one loop.