The Ashdown Escape Guide: Days Out Around Ashdown Forest

If you’re looking for the best days out around Ashdown Forest, our guide will help you make the most of your stay at The Ashdown Escape. From iconic Winnie-the-Pooh walks to historic castles, gardens, steam trains, and cosy pubs, discover the attractions that make this corner of East Sussex so special.

Once Henry VIII’s hunting park, Ashdown Forest now covers 9,500 hectares of stunning countryside, heathland, and ancient woodland. It is celebrated worldwide as the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Winnie‑the‑Pooh stories, with many of the locations—like the Hundred Aker Wood and Pooh Bridge—drawn directly from its landscape.

Today, it’s a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for walkers, bird‑watchers, and nature lovers. The Forest is known for its sweeping views across the High Weald, diverse wildlife, and a network of waymarked trails that range from gentle family strolls to more challenging rambles.

We're lucky enough to call this our giant back garden – cross the road from the gates and miles of heathland, gorse and woodland with waymarked trails and glorious views will open up to you. The official Conservators’ maps include family‑friendly routes (like the Pooh Walks from Gills Lap) and longer rambles.

Trail maps: Download the Official Map of Ashdown Forest and curated walk leaflets directly from the Conservators’ site. We recommend printing a copy or saving to your phone before you set off.

• Official map & downloadable walks ➝ maps download

Make a day of it at Glyndebourne near Lewes – world‑class opera with a famously long picnic interval on the lawns. Dress up if you fancy (black tie is common in summer), or keep it relaxed for tours and out‑of‑season events.

We’re delighted to now be listed in their “Where to Stay” directory, so if you’re coming for a performance, you can make The Ashdown Escape your home-from-home. Book direct with us for a seamless Glyndebourne experience and we’ll share our insider tips for the perfect picnic spot.

• Your Visit (what to wear, dining, how to get there) ➝ (plan your visit)
• Festival & what’s on ➝ (What's on)
• Picnicking & on‑site restaurants ➝ (Dining at Glyndebourne)

An easy day trip from The Ashdown Escape, it’s just as magical for a romantic afternoon as it is for a family outing.

Hever Castle has been one of our go-to day trips for years—whether it’s wandering the rose gardens in full bloom, getting lost in the maze, or taking in the history of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. We love that it works just as well for couples as it does for families. If Hever is on your list, Stay with Us and we’ll point you towards our favourite hidden corners of the gardens—and recommend lunch at the historic King Henry VIII pub just opposite the castle entrance, famous for its hearty meals, rich coffee, and Tudor charm.

• Drive time: ~25 mins

• Plan your visit ➝ (plan your visit and opening times and directions)

Practical Planning

• Drive times: Most places above are within a short and scenic drive from the house. We’re happy to give you up‑to‑date timings and parking tips based on your route and the season.

• Maps & reception: Signal can be patchy on the Forest – download maps ahead of time. The Conservators’ PDFs work well offline.
• Dogs: Many trails and pubs are dog‑friendly; please note seasonal ground‑nesting bird restrictions and keep dogs on leads where requested.

We believe great stays happen when guests and local businesses thrive together. If you visit any of the places above, tell them you’re staying at The Ashdown Escape. And if you discover a gem we should add, please share – we’ll shout them out in our next guide.

Back to Forest Journals