Built-up area in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England
| Coordinates: | 52.756, -1.937 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SK 04 17 |
| Population: | 24,033 |
| Dialling code: | 01889 (Rugely) |
Rugeley sits on the northern edge of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, England, and enjoys a mix of wooded heathland and riverside countryside nearby. The town acts as a gateway to the Chase’s bridleways and trails, popular with walkers, mountain bikers and wildlife-watchers drawn to its heath, gorse and deer populations, while still feeling connected to larger centres by good road and rail links.
Historically a centre for coal mining and later for power generation, Rugeley has been reshaped in recent decades by decommissioning and regeneration, with light industry, local shops and growing commuter housing replacing much heavy industry. The town retains a strong local community character, with pubs, clubs and events reflecting its industrial past alongside access to countryside leisure on Cannock Chase, making it a practical yet pleasantly green place to live.