One of these places is Ashdown Forest in East Sussex – home of Pooh Corner and the real life setting and inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood from the Winnie the Pooh stories by AA Milne.
After a beautiful drive through some lovely looking villages and countryside, I arrived at Pooh car park. There was plenty of space upon arrival, but I can see on busier days how it may fill up fairly quick. Jumping out the car I past through the gate and began following the signs down the path. The slight downward slope is wide and spacious, with the wonderful nature all around there is lots of room so even though there are others around you won't end up stuck behind someone.
Eagle eyes keep them peeled, on the way to the bridge there are a few 'houses' set up in the trees to represent the characters from the classic Winnie the Pooh stories. As well as some Eeyore log houses built up.
The walk probably took about 15/20 minutes to reach the bridge. When I got there, there were a few other people about but I went and had a look at some of the information signs about the area while I waited. Then took my 'turn' to walk over the bridge and drop my pooh stick in.
The rules of Pooh sticks is very simple,
All competitors must drop, and not throw, their sticks into the water at the same time, on the starter's call. The players must then cross to the downstream side of the bridge and wait for the sticks to emerge. The owner of the first stick to float from under the bridge is the winner.
I am so glad I can finally say I have been to visit Winnie the Pooh, and upon reflection. I look forward to returning to exploring more of the Ashdown Forest in general, with the parking charge covering all the car parks in the area (and you can pay a yearly charge) you can hop from location to location with ease.
