17-05-2025
The beautiful forest that inspired Winnie the Pooh just 2 hours from London
Looking for the perfect day out but aren't sure where to head? Then you're in luck, as we have the perfect destination for you.
Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is an ancient area of open heathland and part of the High Weald National Landscape.
The forest is most famous for being the location that inspired the children's stories, the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A Milne.
Ashdown Forest is easy to get to from London, taking just under two hours via car, or you can take the train with a similar journey length.
The forest covers 10 square miles and is one of the largest open-access areas in Southeast England, according to the Ashdown Forest website.
The land is home to many rare and threatened species and has a rich human history connected to Kings and more.
A.A. Milne lived on the edge of the forest and would often explore the area with his son, Christopher Robin.
The stories of Winnie the Pooh gained mass popularity when they were illustrated by E.H. Shepard.
It's understood that E.H. Shepard used Ashdown Forest to create the images for the fictional Hundred Acre Wood.
Since then, the forest has attracted thousands of fans of Pooh who explore spots like Pooh Sticks Bridge, Galleon's Lap, Roo's Sandy Pit, the Heffalump Trap and the Enchanted Place.
On the edge of Ashdown Forest is Pooh Corner, which celebrates the characters and is home to a shop and tearoom.
The tearoom serves the likes of homemade sandwiches, cakes, scones and also runs a seasonal specials menu.
On the online review site Tripadvisor, one fan of Ashdown Forest said: "The views in this forest are incredible.
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"We mainly stuck to the Winnie the Pooh themed areas, but the entire region is lush and green."
Another visitor said: "Beautiful morning stroll through Ashdown Forest with the family.
"Kids were blown away to see Pooh and friends everywhere in the woods."
