A.A. Milne wrote “you can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes”, and I think he was right about that. So off we went, on our adventure to the real Hundred Acre Wood – Ashdown Forest.
Anyone who knows us personally will be aware that Joe & I actually got married here in 2017, enjoying our first meal as ‘Mr & Mrs Curtis’ with close family at Pooh Corner. However, as Teddy hadn’t been born then, this was his first time exploring the forest, and so we took the opportunity to show him all the sights and learn all about the origins of our favourite cuddly little cubby.
Pooh Corner, Hartfield
In my opinion, your first stop should be to Pooh Corner in Hartfield. There are three main reasons for this, most importantly because this is where you will find a very useful map of the iconic locations and tips on how to get there easily. The maps are £1.50, beautifully designed and serve as a lovely keepsake after your adventure too. Secondly, you must visit the tea room and enjoy a smackerel of something sweet (or savoury, or both), however it gets very busy during the school holidays and at weekends. The wait time easily reaches an hour in the middle of the day, so you should visit just before lunch, if possible. Finally, you should take the opportunity to explore the Pooh-seum – a museum which has been carefully curated with love and care. The artefacts have been displayed in a way that pays homage to the Milne family’s history, then takes you on a journey through the stories, the more modern films and even the music behind the animation. There is a lovely tribute to the Sherman Brothers, plus some unusual Pooh collectibles that have been collected from across the world. Whatever piques your interest here, one thing is for sure – you will not make it out of the gift shop without spending any money!
The Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest
OK, so it is a little larger than a hundred acres (6,500 acres to be precise), but it is evident that this vast expanse of woodland and heathland was the inspiration for the famous stories from the moment you arrive. There are many landmarks to find, all of which can be located with the assistance of the handy map I mentioned earlier. Our favourite is ‘Pooh’s Thoughtful Spot’ high up on the hill with gorgeous views over the forest. Here you’ll find a memorial plaque dedicated to the creators of the classic stories: A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. We parked at ‘Piglets’ car park and took a short cut through the ferns, but we have trekked from Hartfield village once before (it takes hours and is not the easiest walk, however it is possible if you like a hilly hike)!
Visiting the Houses of Owl, Piglet, Eeyore & Pooh
When walking from Chuck Hatch Lane car park, your path to Pooh Sticks Bridge will take you directly through the woods past Pooh’s neighbour’s homes. These not only work as wonderful picture spots, but also serve as a reminder that the characters from A.A. Milne’s stories have really come to life and have touched the lives of countless children across the world, still seeming relevant and poignant today as ever.
Pooh Sticks Bridge
I hope you’ve collected plenty of branches along the way, because by the time you reach the bridge itself, there will not be a stray stick in sight! Everyone, young and old, must play a game of Pooh Sticks when visiting, so be sure to come prepared!
Useful Information
Pooh Corner
Address: Pooh Corner, High Street, Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7 4AE
Website: poohcorner.co.uk
Parking: There is very limited parking in the village, however on weekends and during school holidays, the local primary school allows visitors to park free of charge in their car park. The signage for “Weekend Parking” is subtle, but it’s free and quite frankly invaluable.
Ashdown Forest
Visitor Centre Address: The Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JP
Website: ashdownforest.org
Parking: Throughout the forest, parking is largely chargeable, though you can move between car parks in the forest within your paid timeframe. Fees can be paid by phone (see below).
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In Summary
Whether old or young, an avid fan or casual cub cuddler, a visit to the original Hundred Acre Wood is a must for anyone who cares to feel young at heart or finds joy in spending a little time in nature, surrounded by the comfort of old friends.
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