Ashdown Forest: Winnie-the-Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood, History & the Best Walks

Ashdown Forest occupies the highest sandy ridge of the High Weald in East Sussex, about thirty miles south of London. Despite its name, much of it is open heathland of heather, gorse and bracken, with clumps of pine and wide views across the Weald.

Why Ashdown Forest & the High Weald Is Special

Ashdown Forest is one of the largest areas of open access land in the South East, and its high, open heaths feel wonderfully wild.

It is also, for millions of readers, the real Hundred Acre Wood, the setting of A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

The History of Ashdown Forest & the High Weald

Ashdown Forest began as a medieval hunting forest, created soon after the Norman Conquest. The monarchy and nobility hunted here into Tudor times; Henry VIII had a hunting lodge at Bolebroke Castle near Hartfield, and courted Anne Boleyn at nearby Hever Castle.

The forest's heathlands are so important for wildlife that they are protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation.

In the 1920s the author A. A. Milne lived at Cotchford Farm near Hartfield, on the edge of the forest, and it became the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, illustrated by E. H. Shepard. Visitors still play Poohsticks from the little wooden bridge nearby.

What to See & the Best Walks at Ashdown Forest & the High Weald

Walk from the Gills Lap car park over the heath, the "Enchanted Place" of the stories, and visit the memorial to Milne and Shepard. Play Poohsticks at Poohsticks Bridge, a short walk from the Pooh car park near Hartfield.

Stop at the Ashdown Forest Centre near Wych Cross for maps and the forest's story, and walk out across the heath for the views.

Wildlife at Ashdown Forest & the High Weald

Fallow deer roam the forest, and the heaths are home to rare birds such as the Dartford warbler and the nightjar, which churrs on summer evenings. Please keep dogs under control, especially during the bird nesting season.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Ashdown Forest & the High Weald

The forest lies in the High Weald National Landscape. For gardens, Sheffield Park and Garden, Wakehurst and Nymans are all close by.

Coolings Wych Cross is on the edge of the forest at Forest Row, and Lewes is a short drive south; see our guide to Lewes.

Ashdown Forest & the High Weald Through the Seasons

Spring brings birdsong and the coconut scent of gorse. In August the heather flowers purple. Autumn colours the bracken and the beech woods, and winter walks bring long views across the Weald.

Getting to Ashdown Forest & the High Weald

The nearest railway station is East Grinstead, with buses towards Forest Row. There are many small car parks across the forest.

Ashdown Forest & the High Weald: Questions & Answers

Is Ashdown Forest the Hundred Acre Wood?

Yes. A. A. Milne lived at Cotchford Farm on the edge of the forest, and it inspired the Hundred Acre Wood of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

Where is Poohsticks Bridge?

Near Hartfield, a short walk from the Pooh car park on the edge of Ashdown Forest.

Our Advice

Our advice: Bring a picnic, walk out from Gills Lap across the heath, and finish with a game of Poohsticks.