Three waymarked routes on the Staffordshire Tolkien Trail, woodland scenery and unusually vivid reminders of wartime history give Brocton a multifaceted character. For planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between these themes: the routes lead through different landscapes and to historic sites, while buildings and relics offer further insights into the area’s history.

Walking around Brocton

The Staffordshire Tolkien Trail comprises three waymarked routes. One circular walk leads to Brocton Camp. Another circular route on the trail passes through Brocton Coppice and into Sherbrook Valley. This means that the described routes focus on both a historic destination and woodland and valley landscapes. The Cannock Chase Geotrail offers another option: it is a 36 km circular route that passes Brocton.

The Walton-on-the-Hill to Brocton Doorstep Walk is also a separate option for finding your way on a walk: it follows Oldacre Lane to the village green in Brocton. As route conditions can change, check the latest route description before setting out. Near Brocton, Chase Vista offers a viewpoint and walking trails through wooded and grassy areas. The trails start at a car park near Brocton Coppice. As well as the named routes, a viewpoint and different types of landscape are therefore available as options for spending time outdoors.

Brocton Coppice: Wood Pasture and Beetle Species

Brocton Coppice is a 200-acre woodland with 600 sessile oaks. It is considered an example of heathland oak-birch wood pasture with free-standing veteran trees. This description links the character of the area to specific features: oaks and birches, old free-standing trees and heathland wood pasture. Brocton Coppice is of national importance for its saproxylic species. There are currently 27 beetle species listed for conservation; this number may be updated by the relevant authority.

A First World War Model

The Terrain Model of Messines tells a remarkable story of the First World War. Members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade built it in 1918 using German prisoners of war as labourers. The model depicts the Belgian town of Messines, also known as Mesen, and its German defences at the time of the Battle of Messines, which took place from 7 to 14 June 1917. It is the only known surviving model of its kind from the First World War still standing at its original site. The battle depicted, the model’s creation a year later and the people involved in its construction are distinct parts of its history.

The camps’ use is also part of the historical picture. The camp known as Brocton Camp initially served as a transit camp and was later converted into a training facility. Brocton Camp and Rugeley Camp were located near the German prisoner-of-war camp in Brocton Coppice. This local history of the camps forms a separate context alongside the creation of the Terrain Model of Messines.

Brocton Hall and Other Buildings

Brocton Hall is an 18th-century building. Its rounded, projecting central front and projecting Doric porch define its architecture. Inside, the building retains well-preserved moulded plasterwork and a contemporary stone cantilever staircase with an iron handrail. The top floor was destroyed by fire in 1939. These architectural details and the history of the fire offer different clues to the history of the house.

The dovecote near Brocton Hall is also part of the historic setting. Its hexagonal plan is documented; it is thought to date from the 18th century. The dovecote is listed at Grade II. The ruins to the north-west of Brocton Hall include a pointed Gothic arch, parts of tracery windows and several gargoyles. Brocton Mission Hall adds a clear date to this picture of local history: it opened in 1891.

During a stay in Brocton, you can explore walking trails, woodland, historic buildings and wartime history as distinct points of interest. Whether you focus your time on a route, the landscape of Brocton Coppice or the historic reminders depends on which of these themes interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Whittington, Oakamoor, Whitmore, Silverdale, Wetley Rocks, Penkridge, Long Compton, Kinver

For the broader travel overview: Staffordshire.