Living in Cannock

Cannock enjoys a close-knit community feel, with residents taking part in a variety of local events and shared activities. The town hosts weekly and monthly markets, community fairs, and seasonal celebrations, drawing together both long-term locals and new arrivals. Community centres and churches often serve as social hubs, running events, youth groups, and support for families or older residents.

Green spaces are a defining feature of Cannock’s local lifestyle. Cannock Chase provides renowned walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes, along with wildlife spotting and regular outdoor events. The park hosts fun runs, open-air concerts, and food festivals throughout the year. Sports clubs, fitness classes, and a modern leisure centre give residents plenty of options to stay active.

Overall, the social scene in Cannock is friendly and inviting, with a focus on neighbourly support and welcoming new residents into the fold. Families and individuals alike find plenty of opportunities to participate in local life, whether that’s through schools, sports, or the variety of groups and clubs active across the town.

Crime rates in Cannock are generally in line with similar towns across the Midlands, with the local neighbourhood policing team maintaining a visible presence in the community. The area sees lower levels of violent crime compared to larger cities, but, like many towns, it does experience some antisocial behaviour and property-related incidents, particularly in central areas.

Residents often praise local initiatives such as neighbourhood watch schemes, community policing, and dedicated safety campaigns run by Cannock Chase District Council and Staffordshire Police. Efforts to revitalise certain public areas, improved street lighting, and increased CCTV coverage have contributed to a sense of safety and ongoing regeneration. Cannock Chase, residential neighbourhoods, and newer housing estates are often considered the safest parts of Cannock.

Parking in Cannock is generally convenient, with a mix of free and pay-and-display car parks throughout the town centre and retail parks. Residents can access on-street parking options as well as resident permit schemes in select areas, particularly close to the high street and railway station. The town is less congested than larger urban centres, though traffic may build up near main shopping streets and during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Cannock’s road network includes direct access to the M6, A5, and M6 Toll, enabling swift car journeys to the wider West Midlands. The A34 and A460 provide efficient routes to surrounding villages and business parks. For regional connections:

• Stafford – approx. 20 minutes via A34 (10 miles)
• Birmingham – approx. 35 minutes via M6 (18 miles)
• Wolverhampton – approx. 30 minutes via M54/A460 (15 miles)
• Lichfield – approx. 20 minutes via A5190 (10 miles)

This combination of local and regional road links supports smooth access to employment, leisure, and airport destinations across the Midlands.

Cannock’s dining and nightlife scene is diverse, offering something for all tastes and ages. The town centre and nearby shopping parks feature a good selection of family-friendly pubs, traditional inns, and modern gastropubs. Popular venues include The Crown, The Royal Oak, and The Shoal Hill Tavern, each serving a mix of classic British and contemporary dishes.

Restaurants cover a broad spectrum, from independent Italian trattorias and Indian restaurants to familiar high-street chain eateries at the Orbital Retail Park. There are also a variety of cafés and bakeries for casual get-togethers, such as The Bakehouse or The Littleton Arms. Takeaway options are plentiful, reflecting the town’s multicultural community—everything from Chinese and Thai to pizza and fish and chips is readily available.

Nightlife in Cannock is relaxed rather than raucous. While there are a handful of cocktail bars and late-night venues, including Q Bar and Bar Sport, most evening entertainment centres on pubs, restaurant socials, or local live music nights. Residents also benefit from live shows and theatre at the nearby Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock town centre. For a livelier scene, many head to Birmingham or Wolverhampton which are easily accessible by train or car.

School Quality: Cannock benefits from several Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary and secondary schools, giving families a good choice for education and extracurricular activities.

Parks and Green Space: The proximity to Cannock Chase means families have access to expansive woodlands, playgrounds, and safe cycling trails, ideal for children of all ages.

Childcare: The area has a solid provision of nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs, supporting working parents.

Safety: Cannock is generally perceived as a safe and secure place to raise children, with active neighbourhood communities and visible police presence.

Family Activities: Families can enjoy a range of activities, from outdoor pursuits in the Chase to sports clubs, libraries, swimming pools, and organised local events.

Cannock is known for its pet-friendly ethos, particularly owing to the presence of Cannock Chase with its network of walking trails, open spaces, and dog-friendly picnic areas. Dog walkers from across Staffordshire and the wider Midlands are often drawn here for the opportunity to explore woodland and heathland in safety.

The town supports several local and chain veterinary practices, pet supply shops, and a handful of dog-friendly pubs and cafés. Housing in Cannock is generally accommodating to pet ownership, particularly in suburban and village neighbourhoods. Public spaces are well maintained with litter bins and dog-waste stations, reflecting a considerate attitude to pets in the community.

Many local parks and open spaces actively welcome dogs, and annual events sometimes include pet shows and charity walks. For those with horses, livery yards and bridleways are available throughout Cannock's surrounding countryside.

Cannock’s transport links make it especially appealing to commuters and those who travel regularly throughout the region. The town’s central location in Staffordshire provides straightforward access to local towns, cities, and regional attractions. Cannock railway station is conveniently situated near the town centre and is part of the Chase Line, with frequent direct services to Birmingham New Street, Walsall, and Rugeley.

Bus services are comprehensive, connecting Cannock with neighbouring areas such as Walsall, Stafford, Wolverhampton, and Lichfield. Major routes include links to the local hospital, business parks, and shopping centres. For those who travel by car, Cannock sits adjacent to key motorways like the M6, M6 Toll, and A5, offering direct routes to the West Midlands and beyond.

The following commute times highlight Cannock’s strong connectivity:

• Birmingham – approx. 30 minutes by train or 35 minutes via M6 (18 miles)
• Stafford – approx. 20 minutes by train or car via A34 (10 miles)
• Wolverhampton – approx. 25 minutes by train or 30 minutes via M54/A460 (15 miles)
• Lichfield – approx. 20 minutes by car via A5190 (10 miles)

The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport, around a 35-minute drive from Cannock. The town’s accessibility is further enhanced by safe cycling routes and pedestrian pathways, especially linking the town with Cannock Chase and surrounding villages.

Cannock offers a range of educational opportunities, making it a strong choice for families. The town features a mix of primary and secondary schools, several with strong reputations in the local area. Educational facilities range from state-funded to independent options, each providing a comprehensive curriculum and after-school activities.

Primary schools in Cannock: Notable primary schools include Springhill Primary Academy, acclaimed for its community feel and last rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in March 2021. St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School is another popular choice, lauded for its nurturing environment and also receiving a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in November 2019. Bridgtown Primary School is well-regarded for its inclusive ethos and most recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in February 2022. Longford Primary Academy is also a standout, praised for its academic progress (Ofsted: ‘Good’, January 2020).

Secondary schools in Cannock: Cannock Chase High School is the main comprehensive in the town, offering both GCSE and A-level options. The school was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in July 2022 and is known for its wide range of extracurriculars. Cardinal Griffin Catholic College is another leading secondary, combining academic excellence with a strong pastoral system (Ofsted: ‘Good’, March 2018). Kingsmead School in nearby Hednesford is also highly thought of (Ofsted: ‘Good’, November 2021), as is Norton Canes High School (Ofsted: ‘Good’, September 2019).

Colleges and Further Education: South Staffordshire College, with a campus in Cannock, offers a range of vocational and academic post-16 options, including apprenticeships and adult education. Walsall College and Stafford College are accessible for those seeking broader courses.

Universities: While Cannock does not have its own university, the town benefits from close proximity to several leading higher education institutions. The University of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire University, and Birmingham City University are all within reasonable commuting distance, making higher education highly accessible to local residents.