Rugeley

Coal mining shaped this Staffordshire market town for generations, but these days Rugeley trades more in outdoor adventure than black diamonds. The old industrial landscape has given way to something altogether more appealing - vast swathes of Cannock Chase spread out to the south, while the River Trent winds lazily through the countryside to the north.

Cannock Chase dominates the local scene. Go Ape has set up camp here, offering treetop adventures that'll have you swinging through the canopy like a proper Tarzan. The forest stretches for miles - proper wilderness that's cracking for mountain biking, walking, or just getting lost among the heather and bracken.

Close to town, the Wolseley Centre sits alongside the River Trent, combining nature reserve with visitor facilities. It's well worth the short trip from Rugeley's centre. The river itself offers decent fishing and gentle walks along the towpath, though it's hardly the Thames for drama.

Rugeley itself keeps things low-key. The high street has the usual suspects but stays reasonably busy, especially on market days. Nothing too fancy, but that's rather the point - it's a proper working town that hasn't been dolled up for tourists.

Getting here is straightforward enough - regular trains from Birmingham and Stafford stop at Rugeley Town station, while the M54 provides decent road links. Being based at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring Cannock Chase without the daily drive from Birmingham or Wolverhampton. Several camping options dot the area around Four Oaks Farm and beyond, giving you quick access to both the forest adventures and the gentler riverside walks.