If you’re ever in need of a cosy day out, we’ve got just the suggestion for you. Just two hours from London you can go back in time to your childhood, and reconnect with an old friend by heading to the real-life Hundred Acre Wood. That’s right – we’re talking about the very woods that inspired the iconic Winnie the Pooh setting.
Ashdown Forest, or rather ‘Pooh Country’ or ‘Winnie the Pooh Forest’, is a national forest found in the county of East Sussex. The site was previously used as a Medieval hunting forest and is home to Henry VIII’s hunting lodge. But it’s definitely best known as the inspiration behind A. A. Milne’s magical Hundred Acre Wood from his Winnie the Pooh stories.
It was in the nearby village of Hartfield in Cotchford Farms where A. A. Milne lived and wrote about Pooh’s adventures with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, drawing inspiration from exploring the forest with his son Christopher Robin. And now visitors and families flock to the forest to explore for themselves and find the landmarks that feature in the beloved children’s stories. (Although, it’s worth noting, that not all of them are the exact ones that inspired Milne.)
Winnie the Pooh landmarks
One of the iconic images from the Winnie the Pooh books is that of Pooh playing ‘Pooh sticks’ over Pooh bridge. The game was originally invented and played by Milne and his son over the area’s Posingford Bridge. That bridge has sadly not survived the years, but it was replaced in the 1970s with a new Pooh bridge. The new bridge was in fact opened by Christopher Robin himself and was officially renamed Poohsticks Bridge. You’ll find it just north of Pooh car park.
Winnie the Pooh landmarks are dotted all over the forest for visitors to find. Be sure to look up to the trees for Owl’s house, keep an eye out for Roo’s sandy pit by the quarry, and beware the Heffalump trap. Other landmarks include the Lone Pine tree with spectacular views over the forest, Piglet’s house, Kanga’s house, Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place, and Rabbit’s house.
Of course, you can’t very well miss out on a stop at Pooh’s house. You’ll find it just a short distance from Poohstick Bridge, with the iconic ‘Mr Sanderz’ sign above the door. Inside, you’ll find pots of ‘hunny’ lovingly left by friends and visitors for Pooh to enjoy. It really is one of the most delightful spots in the forest to find.
If you’re after a bit of a guided experience, there is a Pooh Walk across the Hundred Acre Wood, which takes guests to some of the sites of Pooh’s adventure. There’s also a smaller walk that leads to The Enchanted Place and the Sandy Pit, which is suitable for younger children with booklets on the walks available.
Pooh Corner
If that wasn’t enough Pooh for you, then Pooh Corner will surely sort you out. In nearby Hartfield is a tearoom, gift shop, and museum that is filled with all things Winnie the Pooh. From plates, clocks, keyrings, toys and memorabilia, it’s a heartwarming tribute to Pooh and friends. They even serve Pooh bear-shaped toast and tea from a Pooh teapot. How adorable!
Find out more here.
