Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
227 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
49
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Sean F
1 contribution
Apr 2020
When visiting Pooh Bridge bring your own sticks; there are none there! A good place to gather sticks is Gills Lap in the woods. It can be muddy on the path to the bridge; a wet time is the best to go as the stream has a flow. I’m trying to make the minimum characters up here so I’ll tell you about May Day morning, first of May: the Ashdown Forest Morris Men dance at the Enchanted Place at sunrise, 5.30.
Written March 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
57 contributions
Mar 2023
Had a brilliant but wet walk this week across amazing countryside in thick mud and the rain. Very quiet with not much road noise. However the imposition of car park charges has discouraged many walkers from taking exercise in this amenity which was a shame.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diptych
Hampton, UK1,218 contributions
May 2020
Cannot be bettered for a summer walk when the ground is firm and secure and the multiple greens of the heathland and woods are almost iridescent. There are footpaths aplenty but I would certainly suggest that you have a GPS or OS map to hand to help you out with route-planning. The Pooh Bridge itself is a bit of a people magnet so I would tend to visit early or late. Elsewhere fellow plodders are few and far between. Dogs love the woodlands.
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felicity
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
If you’re going for Winnie the Pooh, go on YouTube and follow a youtuber. They helped us a bit as we were wandering around looking for everything which was extremely frustrating bc there are no signs.
When we did find Poohs Bridge, we felt it was lacking. There isn’t anything heartwarming except the novelty of being there. When looking for the houses and other places of significance, no signs, so a lot more wandering and the feeling of hopelessness and more frustration.
We felt less embarrassed when we ran into others who also were lost, and after reading the many reviews with the same complaint for Years!…..you get the impression that their lack of maps/signs/information is purposely done!
Pooh Corner is really nice and I suggest going there first as it might help in finding all the Winnie the Pooh landmarks.
When we did find Poohs Bridge, we felt it was lacking. There isn’t anything heartwarming except the novelty of being there. When looking for the houses and other places of significance, no signs, so a lot more wandering and the feeling of hopelessness and more frustration.
We felt less embarrassed when we ran into others who also were lost, and after reading the many reviews with the same complaint for Years!…..you get the impression that their lack of maps/signs/information is purposely done!
Pooh Corner is really nice and I suggest going there first as it might help in finding all the Winnie the Pooh landmarks.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beckiee
58 contributions
Apr 2021
So we went to Ashdown Forest on our way home from kent. Please note this review is based ONLY on the Winnie the pooh walk. So firslty we went to pooh's bridge which was easy to find, and along the way we did see owl's house. & watched people play pooh sticks. For pooh bridge Park at Pooh's car park if you dont wana walk loads.
Then we went and parked and Gills Lap where you can do the proper winnie the pooh walk. We found mr Saunders house, & maybe eeyore's house which was NOT in eeyore' area or pooh corner. That is all we saw. Couldnt even find the memorial & i know it exsist's as when we got home i looked on insta. The map at the start of the route is what we followed (we took a picture) it was awful, We didnt find half of it. But if you like to just walk and get steps in, its quite fun. But its VERY hilly and uneven, so if you get out of puff alot, take an inhaler or take your time. The rest of the forest might be lovely, but this area was not that great, and that's from someone who grew up with winnie the pooh. Again we would like to go back and do another area of this forest, but i wont go back to this section. ALSO, No toilets, I dont know if the ashdown centre of the cafe has them, as obv April 2021 inside eating wasnt allowed. But there is a sainsburys with toilets aobut 20mins away.
Then we went and parked and Gills Lap where you can do the proper winnie the pooh walk. We found mr Saunders house, & maybe eeyore's house which was NOT in eeyore' area or pooh corner. That is all we saw. Couldnt even find the memorial & i know it exsist's as when we got home i looked on insta. The map at the start of the route is what we followed (we took a picture) it was awful, We didnt find half of it. But if you like to just walk and get steps in, its quite fun. But its VERY hilly and uneven, so if you get out of puff alot, take an inhaler or take your time. The rest of the forest might be lovely, but this area was not that great, and that's from someone who grew up with winnie the pooh. Again we would like to go back and do another area of this forest, but i wont go back to this section. ALSO, No toilets, I dont know if the ashdown centre of the cafe has them, as obv April 2021 inside eating wasnt allowed. But there is a sainsburys with toilets aobut 20mins away.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,970 contributions
Jun 2020
Ashdown Forest is a fantastic natural resource to explore and in which to walk. Not many people know of its history - it was created as a medieval hunting forest after the Norman Conquest (Battle, the site of the great victory of 1066 is not that far away), but it also has a history before that going back to prehistoric times and, in recent times, it was a location used by A A Milne for his Winnie the Poo Stories.
There are many different areas to explore, with different car parks. It is worth doing some research in advance to decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If you can, I would recommend going during the week. Weekends can be very busy with walkers but weekdays are much quieter, especially in the mornings.
The other caveat is to do with driving through the forest. Tractors are not uncommon, which can slow you down, but you need to watch out for sheep along the side of the road - there were quite a few this Sunday - and also deer can spring across the road; from experience this tends to be more at quite times such as early mornings, so take care.
The changing areas of woodland and vegetation are a delight to explore, often with distant views, so enjoy your visit.
There are many different areas to explore, with different car parks. It is worth doing some research in advance to decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If you can, I would recommend going during the week. Weekends can be very busy with walkers but weekdays are much quieter, especially in the mornings.
The other caveat is to do with driving through the forest. Tractors are not uncommon, which can slow you down, but you need to watch out for sheep along the side of the road - there were quite a few this Sunday - and also deer can spring across the road; from experience this tends to be more at quite times such as early mornings, so take care.
The changing areas of woodland and vegetation are a delight to explore, often with distant views, so enjoy your visit.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plantsman8
Hassocks82 contributions
Jun 2020
Go while you can and enjoy the quietness and birdsong before the whine of overflying package holiday jets start zooming into Gatwick again. From the high points on Ashdown Forest there are far reaching views in all directions so don't forget your camera and binoculars and if you plan to stray a bit further than the car park wear something to cope with rough walking.
Over centuries Hunting, forestry, mining, and grazing have shaped this pine seeded bird inhabited heath land now managed for recreation by the Ashdown Forest Conservators. It's always changing, the furze being grubbed up, the bracken mown and old trees being felled, so these days the manicured wildness is changing some of the natural diversity of former years.
It can be busy at popular times of day and when the weather is good. If you prefer to avoid horses, dogs, and tripod naturalists go when it's quieter - you will see more. The roads over the forest are busy but in the summer months when most of the free rough car parking areas are open. When parking lock your car and do not leave anything of value in it.
If you wear shorts and tee shirt you may be at risk of picking up a deer tick or two and please leave the barbeque at home. Enjoy your visit.
Over centuries Hunting, forestry, mining, and grazing have shaped this pine seeded bird inhabited heath land now managed for recreation by the Ashdown Forest Conservators. It's always changing, the furze being grubbed up, the bracken mown and old trees being felled, so these days the manicured wildness is changing some of the natural diversity of former years.
It can be busy at popular times of day and when the weather is good. If you prefer to avoid horses, dogs, and tripod naturalists go when it's quieter - you will see more. The roads over the forest are busy but in the summer months when most of the free rough car parking areas are open. When parking lock your car and do not leave anything of value in it.
If you wear shorts and tee shirt you may be at risk of picking up a deer tick or two and please leave the barbeque at home. Enjoy your visit.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam6177
Hastings, UK45 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Lovely layout of a golf course, really challenging holes and definitely one you need to have played a few times to get the best chance to score well.
This was the 3rd time I've played the course and the same thing ruins it every time..... Dog walkers.
The course is on shared land, but to dog walkers the golf course you are on shares the land they let their dogs defacate on and you are an inconvenience to them. Extremely arrogant as a whole and I wonder if it ever crosses their mind how much danger they are in with golf balls flying about.
Go, enjoy, but be prepared for their arrogance.
This was the 3rd time I've played the course and the same thing ruins it every time..... Dog walkers.
The course is on shared land, but to dog walkers the golf course you are on shares the land they let their dogs defacate on and you are an inconvenience to them. Extremely arrogant as a whole and I wonder if it ever crosses their mind how much danger they are in with golf balls flying about.
Go, enjoy, but be prepared for their arrogance.
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy S
Sunbury, UK205 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Really enjoyed our visit to the forest. We decided to take the long hike which took us around all of the “clumps” of fir trees. Beautiful scenery, well kept car parks (all free!) and well planned routes.
Due to covid, toilets and the visitors centre was closed for most of the day, however the information available in the car parks was more than sufficient to allow us to navigate the area.
Due to covid, toilets and the visitors centre was closed for most of the day, however the information available in the car parks was more than sufficient to allow us to navigate the area.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erictW8695LJ
United Kingdom124 contributions
May 2021
Ashdown Forest is a great place for a country walk. It embodies the "Hundred Acre Wood" made famous by A.A. Milne in his stories about his son, Christopher Robin Milne, and his son's toys including Pooh Bear.
Whilst in Ashdown Forest, if time permits, take a peek at Pooh Corner, especially if you are a Christopher Robin fan.
Whilst in Ashdown Forest, if time permits, take a peek at Pooh Corner, especially if you are a Christopher Robin fan.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SM2OC
United Kingdom5 contributions
So stumbled across the location, but also on a google search I read about a forest fire which took place earlier this year?
Is the winnie the pooh features still available to see or replaced or completely ruined to see? I seen photos of owls door and piglets sign and honey at poohs house etc
Wasnt aware of there being a real place to go and see and would love to take my son if possible at some point
Papa T
Sidcup, UK149 contributions
We went in May and everything was ok regarding Winnie Pooh parts.
Leah R
Bognor Regis, UK
Would like to visit Ashdown Forest but mum is in a wheelchair. To get access to the Pooh bridge is it wheelchair friendly & is the a good Car park to drive too? Could to advise postcode is anyone knows a good spot
Trevor W
Rochester, UK99 contributions
I’m not sure access to the bridge would be easy with a wheelchair. We parked in the suggested car park and it is a fair trek on woodland paths down to the bridge and steep on the way back. Not sure if there is other access sorry!
Miss_Friend
Gravesend, UK
I am visiting Ashford Forest on Sunday and really want to walk through the famous tree tunnel, however I am unable to find the exact location anywhere online.
Can anybody help with this?
Many thanks.
Jackie S
Argyll, Scotland227 contributions
I'm sorry I don't know the exact location of the tree tunnel - I didn't go there when I visited Ashdown Forest. However, I am sure if you go to the Ashdown Forest website there should be contact details there, and maps, so you can discover it. Good luck.
Louise S
Minster, UK96 contributions
We are taking 3 young children here next week. Can anyone that has done the Broadstone Amble walk tell me if the stream it mentions is suitable for children to play in. Or is there a better place? Thank you
Jackie S
Argyll, Scotland227 contributions
I'm sorry. I don't know the Broadstone Amble walk in Ashdown Forest. But you may like to know, if you didn't already, that Pooh Corner and the Poohsticks Bridge is in Ashdown Forest - east side - if you are into the Winnie-the-Pooh books. However, not much to see for children, just association with the 100 Acre Wood.
Ashdown Forest is lovely for picnics though, and I'm sure there are lots of walks suitable for children. NOT pushchairs though, as the ground is rough.
Jayashree A
81 contributions
Hi
Can this be done as a day trip from London? Also does it close during winter. And if so, when?
Thanks
Richard Harbroe W
Seaford, UK37 contributions
the forest itself can't close in winter - it's open land. Not sure about the Forest Centre but their current hours are bound to be online. If you Google Ashdown Forest Centre it'll come up. Is it practical in a day from London? Yes, by car; maybe by train to East Grinstead and a bus from there but research online would give details.
Katwilders
Crawley, UK569 contributions
We want to visit Ashdown Forest with our 1 and 4 year olds mainly to take in the Winnie the Pooh sites and to fly our kite but were wondering if it's buggy friendly at all please?
Also, what are the chances of seeing horses, deer? Etc
tazzat7
Tonbridge, UK671 contributions
There are tracks that are suitable for robust buggies, although after wet weather you may find some of them less easy. Around Wych Cross in the direction to Tunbridge Wells there are lots of free car parks and although they look wooded, a short walk through the trees brings you out into the open - perfect for kite flying and picnics. Deer are quite shy so can be quite elusive but it is a lovely place for riding so you are likely to see horses. There is a cafe and toilets at the Wych Cross Garden Centre. Have a great time.
Ashdown Forest (Wych Cross) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashdown Forest
- We recommend booking Ashdown Forest tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Ashdown Forest tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Ashdown Forest:
- (1.38 mi) The Piggery
- (1.12 mi) Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
- (4.67 mi) Gravetye Manor Hotel and Restaurant
- (8.30 mi) Oak Tree Lodge Gatwick Bed & Breakfast
- (8.49 mi) Windfalls Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Ashdown Forest:
- (1.08 mi) Thai Time @ Forest Row
- (1.00 mi) The Hatch Inn
- (1.05 mi) Roochi Real Indian Cuisine
- (3.90 mi) Hux Bar & Kitchen
- (2.20 mi) The Gallipot Inn
- Attractions near Ashdown Forest:
- (4.84 mi) Darkmaster Escape Rooms
- (4.02 mi) Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
- (7.11 mi) Tulleys Escape Rooms & Games
- (6.42 mi) UK Owl And Raptor Centre
- (5.63 mi) Bluebell Vineyard Estates