The real 100 Acre Woods has the original Poohsticks bridge and a themed cafe for ‘diehard’ Winnie The Pooh fans
THERE’S a forest in the UK that inspired a famous British author, and it’s home to some iconic scenes from a well-loved film.
Set in East Sussex, Ashdown Forest is one of the largest areas of free public access in southeast England.
The forest is said to have inspired the well-known children’s author AA Milne.
Milne, who lived on the edge of Ashdown Forest, spent his free time exploring the area with his son Christopher Robin,
Over the years, Ashdown Forest has become synonymous with the beloved children’s character, Winnie-the-Pooh.
Every year, holidaymakers from the UK and around the globe flock to the British forest in search of the woodlands that inspired the famous author.
One of those beloved spots is the well-known Pooh Sticks Bridge, which was formerly known as Posingford Bridge.
The original bridge was built in 1907, but it was refurbished in the 1970s following a campaign by the BBC.
Christopher Robbin, AA Milne’s son, reopened the popular bridge, which was officially named Poohsticks Bridge.
Because of its large volume of visitors, the English Bridge has also received funding from the Walt Disney Company in recent years.
Another popular activity in the Ashdown Forest is the Pooh Walks in the 100 Aker Wood.
While the walks can be undertaken throughout the year, the best time is in the summer when the terrain is less muddy.
Other Winnie-the-Pooh-related attractions in Ashdown Forest include the Galleon’s Lap, Roo’s Sandy Pit, the Heffalump Trap, and the Enchanted Place where Christopher Robin says farewell to his friend.
There’s also a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed restaurant called Pooh Corner, which serves a range of a range of of homemade sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
They describe themselves as: “The perfect stop for either the casual visitor or the die hard fan of A.A. Milne’s most famous creation, Winnie the Pooh and his friends.”
The tearoom is also home to a range of original Winnie the Pooh sketches by illustrator EH Shepard, and another room filled with movie posters and other artwork.
Afternoon tea costs £27.50 per person at Pooh Corner, while sandwiches start from £7.
In addition to all of the literary attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in Ashdown Forest, including a journey on the Bluebell Railway.
There’s also the British Wildlife Centre and the High Beeches Gardens.
The English forest has also been positively reviewed by holidaymakers online.
One person wrote: “We parked at Gills Lap car park and walked to Hatfield to have lunch at Poohs Corner.
“The walk took about an hour and 15 minutes at a steady pace, and the scenery was stunning – you can see for miles. The paths are easy to follow, and there are lots of signposts to Pooh Bridge.”
Another added: “I took a stroll around Ashdown Forest, with a visit to Pooh Bridge. It was a nice little walk.
“Don’t forget to grab a stick to drop at the bridge, and remember to look out for the tree house of Pooh Bear and his friends.”
Ashdown Forest is a two-hour drive from central London, and it’s a 50-minute drive from Brighton.
While car parking is available, visitors will need to pay for their spot online.
In addition to being inspired by Ashdown Forest, there are other places in the UK where Milne sought his inspiration.
According to travel blogger, Mums do Travel, AA Milne took the name Winne from a brown bear who ZSL.
Meanwhile, a wild English Island is said to have inspired children’s author Enid Blyton.
An island in Scotland, which is owned by Richard Branson‘s sister, inspired Peter Pan author J.M Barrie.