Follow Winnie-the-Pooh’s trail in the real Hundred Acre Wood
A century after the honey-loving bear first wandered out of the imagination of author AA Milne and into the hearts of readers, Winnie-the-Pooh remains one of the world's most beloved literary characters. Here’s how to follow in his famous footsteps and see the real Hundred Acre Wood.
When author AA Milne purchased a teddy bear from Harrods in London for his son, Christopher Robin, in 1921, he might not have realised the chain of events he'd set into motion. The family lived near Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, where Milne and his son would often take walks together with Christopher Robin's beloved bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, frequently accompanying them. These walks inspired the magical stories Milne told his son, bringing one of the most cherished worlds in children's literature to life. Here's how to follow in their footsteps.
Discover the real Hundred Acre Wood
Ashdown Forest is one of the largest areas of rare lowland heathland in South East England and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), due to its unique habitats and biodiversity. Visitors can explore Ashdown Forest's official Pooh Walks, with downloadable route maps available from the forest's website. The family-friendly trails guide walkers through a series of locations that inspired some of the most memorable scenes in Milne's stories.
Among the highlights is Gill's Lap, known in the books as Galleons Lap, where a ring of towering pine trees became Christopher Robin's Enchanted Place. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas across the forest and is especially atmospheric when shrouded in morning mist. Nearby, a solitary pine tree marks the site of the Heffalump Trap, where Pooh and Piglet famously set out to capture the mysterious creature.
Another stop, Roo's Sandy Pit, occupies the site of a former quarry. The route also passes the spot identified as the North Pole, discovered by Christopher Robin and his companions during their celebrated 'Expotition', while Eeyore's Gloomy Place can be found tucked away in the valley beneath the returning path to Gill's Lap.
No Pooh pilgrimage would be complete without a visit to Poohsticks Bridge, the inspiration for the much-loved game invented by Christopher Robin. Drop your sticks from the bridge into the stream and watch to see whose emerges first on the other side. As you wander through the forest, look out for the homes of the characters hidden among the tree branches and trunks.
How to celebrate Pooh's birthday
Pooh's centenary is being marked with a year-long celebration, The Big One Hundred, with literary events and family festivals helping visitors rediscover the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood. The celebrations begin in Ashdown Forest on 18 and 19 July, where visitors can take part in free ticketed performances, workshops and family activities inspired by nature and exploration.
Interactive experiences will encourage audiences to discover the wildlife, habitats and hidden corners of the forest where Christopher Robin once played. The star attraction is Poppet, a giant inflatable puppet creature brought to life by a team of 10 puppeteers. Following the launch weekend, The Big One Hundred will travel across East Sussex throughout the summer.
Alongside Poppet's appearances, visitors can also explore six newly created themed walking routes through Ashdown Forest. Each trail highlights a different species that calls the forest home, including the tiger beetle, adder and silver-studded blue butterfly.
Where to go when you’re ‘rumbly in your tumbly’
Stop for a bite to eat in Hartfield, the village where you’ll find the Milne family home, and enjoy a ‘smackerel or two’ at Pooh Corner. Housed in the former village shop and post office frequently visited by the Milne family, the charming tearoom and 'Pooh-seum' houses a fascinating collection of Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia, including rare first book editions, vintage toys, original EH Shepard sketches and letters written by AA Milne and Christopher Robin. Alongside the museum and gift shop, the tearoom serves traditional cream teas, homemade cakes, toasted sandwiches and light lunches.
For a more indulgent experience, nearby Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club serves a Hunny Pot Afternoon Tea. The menu, inspired by Pooh's favourite treat, features honey-infused cakes and pastries, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, delicate finger sandwiches and speciality teas, all served in elegant surroundings overlooking the estate's grounds. The hotel has its own Winnie-the-Pooh trail that explores the grounds away from other visitors.
Just outside Hartfield, The Bear Inn offers a cosy setting with roaring fires in winter, a pub garden and a charming village atmosphere year-round. The historic inn has long been a favourite stop for walkers and cyclists. The area is also famed for its vineyards and award-winning English sparkling wines — tastings can be booked at the nearby Bluebell Vineyard Estates.
Where to stay in Ashdown Forest
Cotchford Farm: Nestled on the edge of Ashdown Forest, Cotchford Farm is a Grade II-listed farmhouse, which was the Milne family home. Today, the historic six-bedroom house is a holiday home with carefully restored interiors, landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court.
Gravetye Manor: This Elizabethan manor house, renowned for its spectacular gardens, was originally created by William Robinson, the influential horticulturist regarded as the founder of the English flower garden. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine crafted from ingredients grown on the estate, alongside attentive service and elegant surroundings. Inside, inviting wood-panelled rooms with open log fires create a welcoming atmosphere.
