The Museum Of Cannock Chase — Attraction in Cannock Chase

Myself, my partner and our 6-year old visited here on Saturday. We arrived at 3:55pm (the closing time listed on the website and google maps state that the museum is open until 4:30pm) and we were refused entry.

I would hold my hands up if we had gotten there at 4:30pm and the closing time stated 4:30pm, but we didn’t, we got there at 3:55pm which is more than enough time to mooch around as it’s only a small place.

I’m not a moaner or a complainer, but this whole ordeal of treatment just felt very unfair and unjust because the information provided on opening times was adhered to by ourselves.

The staff working there (a male on reception and a female who was taking the signs down outside) said two conflicting statements - the lady said “sorry we’re closed” to which I responded about the information listed on the website and google maps being 4:30pm, and then the male on reception said that last entry was 4pm… I asked why we couldn’t go in then as it was 4pm and we would qualify for ‘last entry’ - to which he responded… “we’re closing now”

I then further questioned one more time, if the last entry was 4pm why we couldn’t go in, and they just said that they were closing.

It felt very childish and immature and our six year old felt disappointed too.

Out of integrity and as a representative of the company, they should have stuck to their rules of ‘last entry at 4pm’ but they refused us and we don’t really know why other than feeling that they both wanted to go home earlier. (I also said this to them, to which they didn’t have much to say in response)

It felt very unfair and disrespectful

My question is, are the opening times listed on the website and google maps correct?

If they are, I hope the staff members who were on duty on Saturday shall be informed so going forwards circumstances like that...

The Museum of Cannock Chase tells the story of the surrounding area and some of it's notable persons in a small and compact two floor layout. Entry is free, as is car parking. Something of a rarity!

Downstairs there's a brief history of the land, war related anecdotes and props, a coffee shop and a temporary exhibit room which changes according to the schedule of events. Upstairs you'll find a collection of nostalgic toys and games behind glass, whilst jutting off from here is a games room where children can dive in and play.

The final room is dedicated to the importance of the now deceased coal mining industry. You can don a hard hat and have a wander through a short low ceilinged mine passage and see some of the equipment used by the mine works.

Overall, it's heavy on the text so young children will probably get quickly bored and tend towards to the toys, but for adults it's a good way to spend an hour or so all for the price of an optional donation. You can't say fairer than...

Great little museum tucked away on the edge of Cannock Chase Forest in Hednesford. Although quite small in size it was packed with interesting exhibits and information. I was expecting lots is stuff regarding Cannock Chase as it exists now. However, there's much more information on the industry and social aspects of the area. The section devoted to the local coal mining of the area was fascinating with many interactive and hands-on exhibits which gave a real insight into the awful conditions men (and young boys) had to face. The section on local social conditions was also brilliant with many recorded accounts of life back then. Overall a wonderful place to visit and considering it was free entry, well worth spending a couple of...