Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday in Sussex
A magical summer in the real Hundred Acre Wood
There is nowhere quite like Sussex in summer. This year, the season feels even more special as Winnie-the-Pooh turns 100, and the landscape that inspired A. A. Milne’s much-loved stories becomes the setting for a series of joyful celebrations.
Centred around Ashdown Forest, the real-life Hundred Acre Wood, The Big One Hundred invites families, day-trippers and literary fans to step into a world of imagination, creativity and nature. At its heart, The Big One Hundred is about more than nostalgia. It is a chance to rediscover the simple joys that Winnie-the-Pooh represents: curiosity, friendship and time spent outdoors. By blending storytelling with nature and creativity, the event invites families to create their own memories in a place that has inspired imaginations for a century.
Step into the story at Ashdown Forest
Kicking off on 18 and 19 July 2026, Ashdown Forest becomes a stage for an unforgettable outdoor experience. This vast stretch of heathland, one of the rarest habitats in the UK, is where Christopher Robin once played and where the spirit of Pooh still lingers among the trees. Visitors are invited to explore a programme filled with hands-on activities, gentle adventures and artistic moments inspired by the natural world. Expect:
- Storytelling and poetry corners inspired by Pooh’s thoughtful charm
- Forest bathing sessions to slow down and reconnect with nature
- Creative workshops including watercolour, screen-printing and nature crafts
- Family-friendly fun such as bug hunts, den building and giant bubbles
Everything is designed to bring stories to life beyond the page and help visitors connect with the landscape in a meaningful way.
Meet ‘Poppet’ – a creature of the forest
At the heart of the celebrations is something truly extraordinary: ‘Poppet’, a giant inflatable puppet roaming the forest. Operated by a team of ten, this playful, shape-shifting creature has been inspired by the wildlife, plant life and textures of Ashdown Forest. Think flashes of colour drawn from butterflies, heather and beetles, brought together in a living work of art that moves through the landscape. It is imaginative, slightly mysterious and full of personality.
Catching a glimpse of Poppet is likely to be a highlight for visitors of all ages, adding a sense of wonder that feels perfectly in keeping with Pooh’s world.
Follow the celebrations across Sussex
The fun does not stop in the forest. Throughout the summer holidays, The Big One Hundred tours across East Sussex, bringing a touch of magic to towns and heritage sites.
You can join in at:
- Hailsham Town Centre – 26 July
- Sheffield Park and Garden – 1 August
- Uckfield’s Weald on the Field – 8 August
- Herstmonceux Castle – 22 and 23 August
Along the way, high streets are transformed into playful trails, with local shops creating their own ‘forest creatures’ to discover. It is an inventive way for both locals and visitors to explore Sussex’s towns while celebrating creativity and community.
Discover new walks through the Hundred Acre Wood
For those who prefer a slower pace, six new themed walking routes offer a chance to explore Ashdown Forest in a different way.
Each walk takes inspiration from one of the forest’s special species, including:
- The Nightjar
- The Dormouse
- The Adder
- The Silver-Studded Blue Butterfly
These routes encourage visitors to take in the scenery that inspired generations of writers, all while learning about the importance of protecting this remarkable habitat.
Plan your visit
Tickets for the main event at Ashdown Forest must be booked in advance, and it is worth planning ahead for summer dates.
Whether you are travelling from elsewhere in the UK or exploring Sussex for the first time, this is a wonderful reason to visit. Pair your trip with a pub lunch, a stay in the countryside or a wander through nearby villages, and you have the makings of a truly memorable summer day out.
