Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired outings in Sussex
In 2026, Winnie-the-Pooh, the warm-hearted and wise beloved bear from the children’s books, celebrates his 100th birthday.
As well as visiting Pooh Corner and Ashdown Forest – the real Hundred Acre Wood, in Sussex, where author A. A. Milne lived and was inspired to create the setting for his Winnie-the-Pooh stories – try these other outings in Sussex for a wonderfully whimsical day out inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh.
A Pooh-like stomp beside the streams of Storrington
With the River Stor running through its centre, the South Downs Sussex Village of Storrington is perfect poohsticks playing territory.
Explore the storybook streams, fairy bridges and woodland of Sandgate Country Park, a natural playground for families seeking an imaginative Pooh-like adventure. Or try the Riverside Walk from the town centre, following the River Stor as it winds north-west, with several bridges to cross and wooden walkways in some areas alongside the river and look out for storks overhead, the native village birds from which Storrington derives its name.
Plus, fans of Eeyore will love the donkey walking experiences at East Clayton Farm, just outside Storrington.
All that exploring calls for a little post-poohsticks treat. Try afternoon tea at the delightful Joanna’s Tearoom in the town or venture further afield to the fabulous café at nearby Kinsbrook Vineyard or an indulgent afternoon tea within the 900-year-old walls of Amberley Castle.
Also nearby: Arundel & Amberley
Spend an afternoon wandering beautiful Arundel, with its riverside walks, charming streets and magnificent castle towering above the town.
Just a stone’s throw away, Amberley Museum is full of heritage charm, crafts, vintage transport and hands-on exploring — brilliant for curious kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
Storybook bridges at Sheffield Park and Garden
With its magnificent landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland, Sheffield Park and Garden is one of Sussex’s most spectacular places to visit.
The 250-acre estate is also brimming with bridges, including the Cascade Bridge and Pullman Bridge crossing its lakes. Venture further afield on the three-mile estate walk to find the Winnie-the-Pooh-esque rope bridge and wooden bridge constructed as part of the River Ouse Restoration Project, providing access to the Ouse Valley Way.
Also nearby:
Just a 15-minute walk across the parkland from Sheffield Park, the Bluebell Railway operates nostalgic steam train services from Sheffield Park station.
A Winnie-the-Pooh wander at Woods Mill Nature Reserve
Looked after by Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill Nature Reserve is a mixture of wetland and woodland habitats abundant in wildlife across 47 acres of protected landscape. This beautiful wildlife haven is a serene mixture of ancient woodland trails, wild hedgerows, ponds, meadows, and streams.
There are small wooden footbridges and gentle water crossings, perfect for safe, imaginative play. It’s especially brilliant for younger children, offering adventure without anything too demanding.
Also nearby:
Head south to the coast and visit Shoreham Fort (open on fortnightly Saturdays) for a scenic coastal adventure steeped in history, followed by lunch or cake at The Hummingbird Restaurant located in the Art Deco main terminal building of Brighton City Airport, where you can watch planes taking off and landing. Based just down the road, South Downs Honey makes jars full of Winnie-the-Pooh’s favourite food as well as offering Meet the Bee and Bee a Beekeeper sessions at local locations.
You can also take a stroll along the River Adur, walking to or from Shoreham with beautiful riverbank views. And for the adventurous, The Kayak Coach offers guided paddling experiences on the River Adur and River Arun, a gentle activity for those wanting to see Sussex from the water.
A Pooh-inspired South Downs stroll at the Slindon Estate
Managed by the National Trust, the Slindon Estate in the South Downs has Hundred Acre Wood energy in abundance with its beautiful mix of ancient parkland, sweeping countryside, tunnels of trees and peaceful footpaths, some of which cross gentle streams. Keep an eye out for wooden hidey-holes and dens built from sticks, tucked away among the trees.
Venture out on one of the circular countryside walks from Slindon, before heading to the Slindon Forge Café for some well-earned cake, or The Pig in the South Downs for a piglet-inspired lunch or dinner.
Also nearby:
You’re also perfectly placed to visit Arundel with its castle and riverside magic, or Chichester for culture, cathedral views and lovely streets to explore.
A Pooh-style jaunt at Powdermill Wood
Tranquilly tucked away near Battle, Powdermill Wood, an ancient woodland that was once England’s leading site for gunpowder manufacture, is a beautifully serene place that feels wonderfully Pooh-like in spirit. This peaceful stretch of ancient wet woodland is home to rare plant life and wildlife, including kingfishers.
One of the loveliest features here is the raised boardwalk that crosses a gentle woodland stream – it’s a picture-perfect spot for poohsticks-style fun.
Also nearby:
Pair your Pooh adventure with a bit of pampering and a stay at the recently opened Crafted at Powdermills with outstanding accommodation, wellness facilities, and a restaurant serving its own-grown food, all set within 78 acres of its own private ancient woodlands.
An adventurous amble at The Mens Nature Reserve
An untouched sanctuary near Petworth, The Mens Nature Reserve is a truly wild woodland with an untamed feel to it.
It’s an enchanting place to explore with overgrown tracks and hidden glades, rich flora and a true sense of uncultivated woodland magic. This is woodland at its most natural and atmospheric, giving a real sense that nature has simply been left to be itself... including an abandoned church in the middle of the woods!
Also nearby
Petworth House and Park is a vast late-17th century mansion set in a beautiful deer park and landscaped by Capability Brown. Follow the Petworth ancient trees walk to explore the grounds and keep your eyes peeled for fallow deer.
