Ashdown Forest

1280px Ashdown Forest View - Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is in East Sussex.

About Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest covers acre 14000 of lowland heathland which has never been under the plough and so provides a unique habitat for many species of flora and fauna. The whole area is designated as an Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty|Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (OANB).

Flora and fauna

There are several hundred deer, mainly Roe and Fallow and including small numbers of Muntjac and Sika, living happily in the woodland areas. Nightjar and Stonechat, Skylark and Meadow Pipit, Dartford Warbler and Woodcock are among the birds which enjoy the gorse and heather habitat. Many rare species of butterfly, moth and dragonfly are also to be seen, as are adders and a small number of grass snakes.

Weather in Ashdown Forest

Summer is the warmest time and best for walking, cycling, etc.; winter months can be cold and a little damp. It is advisable to take a light coat if the weather looks a bit iffy, just to keep you dry if anything; when the wind blows it can get quite cold on the ridges, however most of the valleys and copses provide enough shelter

History

Man has lived and worked in Ashdown Forest for 5,000 years, with iron-working during the Roman Period and Saxon Farming, however the forest took on its role as an area of enjoyment in the 11th century, when it was set up as a hunting ground for the Crown (remnants of this can still be seen) and used for rabbit farming (many localities are known as 'Warren's' - indicating their past usage). Ashdown Forest has, throughout history had an important part in the nation's economy, in 1496 French ironmasters were employed to operate the first water powered blast furnace in Britain, at Newbridge near Coleman’s Hatch and in 1505 a water powered steel forge was established at Pippingford. However by the 18th century most iron-working had stopped.

Travel to Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest - Friends Clump - Friends Clump, Ashdown Forest, present in Winnie the Pooh

From London

Car the A22 to Eastbourne passes right through Ashdown Forest, linking East Grinstead, Uckfield and Nutley to London.
Train 1/2 hourly service from London Victoria to East Grinstead and hourly service from London Bridge to Crowborough and Uckfield (the line diverges at Oxted); £24 return to East Grinstead and £18.50. return to Uckfield (September 2022).
Bus National Express runs services to East Grinstead, Uckfield and onto Eastbourne

From Kent/Medway Area:

Car the A26 from Maidstone to Newhaven passes through Tunbrdige Wells, Crowborough and Uckfield and there are other routes
Train services to Tunbrdidge Wells
Bus numerous routes from Tunbridge Wells

Fly to Ashdown Forest

The closest airport is at London Gatwick GPS: 51.148056,-0.190278 (IATA Flight Code: LGW), which is a 25 minutes drive away.

Transportation in Ashdown Forest

GPS 51.072500|0.043056}} Roads allow full access to all attractions in Ashdown Forest, although it is worth getting a map (AA or RAC for driving) if you are planning to go walking, horse riding or cycling (cycling is very limited on Ashdown Forest land to the few public bridleways, although there are several groups petitioning for more open access for off road cycling) however is fully allowed on roads; it is worth getting an OS (Ordnance Survey) map; Royal Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath & Crowborough. Scale 1:25,000 (4 cm:1 km, 2½ in:1 mi) would be fine, costing under £8.00

As for public transport it is fairly limited, buses go from East Grinstead to Uckfield, East Grinstead to Tunbridge Wells and beyond. From Uckfield there are regular buses to Tunbridge Wells, via Crowborough. Uckfield, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead all have routes to London (as do smaller stations, ask at the desk) journeys vary from 1hr 20–50 min.

What to See

Uckfield - Bridge Cottage, Uckfield

The area in and around Ashdown Forest is rich in the diversity of places to visit, from East Grinstead in the north to Uckfield in the south, Crowborough in the east and Haywards Heath in the west and the whole of Ashdown Forest itself in between. The four towns themselves, although very different in character, each offers a wide range of shopping, cafes, restaurants and pubs and each has a leisure centre with swimming pool.

Just off the A22 are two of the foremost attractions of the area - the Ashdown Forest Centre, where you can learn everything about the Forest and the Ashdown Forest Llama Park. The A275, which forks off the A22 just south of Wych Cross, will take you to three more treats – Heaven Farm, with its farm museum, craft shop and tearoom, Sheffield Park Garden (National Trust) and the Bluebell Railway.

To the north, in East Grinstead, with fast links to London and just outside the town, Standen, an Arts and Crafts house by Philip Webb, owned by the National Trust.

On the east side of the area, just off the A26, is Barnsgate Manor Vineyard with its tearoom and restaurant, its giftshop selling Barnsgate soft drinks and its magnificent views. A little farther south, off the A272, is Wilderness Wood, a working woodland with fascinating walks, picnic and barbecue areas and a teashop. Along with wood ‘workshops’ in the looking after of the forest. It is open most days.

Just beyond the Forest boundary, in the north east of the forest, is Groombridge Place Gardens and the Enchanted Forest. A few miles away, on the outskirts of the village of Hartfield, is Bolebroke Castle.

Ashdown Forest is part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this area extending from Horsham (in the Gulf countries) to Rye (East Sussex) | Rye in the East caries with it outstanding countryside, beautiful buildings and an interesting past. There are 31 United Kingdom National Parks#Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty|United Kingdom Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Pooh Bear One of the Forest's more famous inhabitants, Christopher Milne wrote that "Pooh's Forest and Ashdown Forest are identical". many of the sites described in the stories can be recognised on the Forest although their names have been altered. For example and the Five Hundred Acre Wood became the 100 Aker Wood and Gills Lap became Galleons Leap. The North Pole and the Gloomy Place are in Wrens Warren Valley while the name, Enchanted Place, is applied to a memorial to Milne and Shepard. Hartfield is 'Pooh Central' with walks and other ativities centred around Pooh Bear.

Unusual places

Airman’s Grave - west of Duddleswell A memorial to six of the crew who died when their bomber crashed here on its return from a raid on Cologne in 1941.

Greenwich Meridian - Traverses the Ashdown Forest area from the east side of East Grinstead through the Weir Wood reservoir and the Western side of the Forest and then almost down the center of the village of Danehill.

Hanging Tree , at the foot of Wall Hill in Forest Row Brothers John and William Beatson were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged here at the spot where their crime was committed. Their hangings were the last hangings of highwaymen and one of the last public hangings in England.

Nutley Windmill - just north of the Nutley to Duddleswell road - Opening Hours: Open April–October on the last Sunday of each month and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays One of the best preserved of the surviving windmills in Sussex, it is over 300 years old. Nutley mill has been restored to full working order and is managed by the Uckfield and District Preservation Society. Organic flour is on sale there, ground by the mill.

Old Radio Station - near Duddleswell crossroads A communications station built by the Canadians during World War II. Later it was refit to become a nuclear fallout shelter.

Two lengths of Roman Road can be seen crossing Ashdown Forest. One can be seen at Roman Road vehicle park; the other is between Coleman’s Hatch and Wych Cross.

Muslim Travel Tips

Pooh sticks bridge - Playing 'pooh sticks' at Pooh Sticks Bridge near Hartfield

The forest way - A kilometers 10 cycle route through beautiful countryside.

Walking - Get a map and go for walk! Some beautiful landscapes accessible from all the primary streets; at larger vehicle parks there's an ice cream van there for the kids (even in mid winter). A Forest Map and Guide can be obtained from the Visitor Centre for £2.50 whilst several walking routes can be downloaded from the walking. Ashdown Forest Tourism Board website for the Forest. Walking trails are rarely signposted on the forest, however on the forest way (above) there are some signed paths.

Play 'pooh sticks' at Poohsticks Bridge, just like Christopher Robin in A. A. Milne's famous Winnie the Pooh stories. Park at Pooh vehicle park and its a good downhill stroll along a signposted path.

Ashdown Forest Llama Park - , on the A22 between Forest Row and Nutley. - Llots of llamas to llook at.

Local Churches - Often very interesting with varied histories; can be incorporated into a walk or a drive.

What to buy in Ashdown Forest

Anything required can be purchased in one of the larger towns and petrol stations are sprinkled around.

Hartfield - Is 'Pooh' Central, from where Pooh bear was set, you can play pooh sticks on the bridge or visit 100 acre wood. There are also numerous shops.

All the towns have at least a supermarket and many of the villages have a small shop/Post office. If one requires something specific the towns of Tunbrdige Wells and East Grinstead will suffice.

Rock climbing and walking - outdoor activities - Bowles, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells - ☎ +44 7793355948 Opening Hours: half day for full day £70 Experience rock climbing in the Ashdown forest and other local venues such as Harrisons rocks and Bowles. Courses are tailored to suit your needs and are suitable for all levels of experience.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Ashdown Forest

You need not travel far within the Ashdown Forest area to find excellent provision for the hungry and the thirsty and the merely peckish. Everything from the humble pint in a friendly local pub to fine cuisine in a world class restaurant can be found in Ashdown forest. Restaurants are often attached to pubs, with separate areas; food varies in quality and price, but is commonly of poor quality.

Aldeia Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823521

Chequers Inn Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823333

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Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 824988
The Dorset Arms Hartfield - ☎ +44 1892 770278
Anchor Inn Hartfield - ☎ +44 1892 770424
Barnsgate Manor Vineyard , near Uckfield ☎ +44 1825 713366
Buxted Park Hotel , near Buxted ☎ +44 1825 733333
Ganges Restaurant Nutley - ☎ +44 1825 713287 Indian cuisine.

Gravetye Manor Hotel , near East Grinstead ☎ +44 1342 810567
The Griffin Inn Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722890
The White Horse Cowden - ☎ +44 1342 850640

Tea rooms

Tea rooms are an English tradition; expect high quality food and friendly staff:

Ashdown Forest Llama Park , near Forest Row ☎ +44 1825 712040
Barnsgate Manor Vineyard , near Uckfield ☎ +44 1825 713366
Duddleswell Tea Rooms , near Uckfield ☎ +44 1825 712126
Street Ives Tea Gardens Hartfield - ☎ +44 1892 770589
Wilderness Wood , near Uckfield ☎ +44 1825 830509

Markets

If eating out isn't what you want but you still want to get a flavour of the area, visit local farm shops and farmers markets:

Deerview Products Newick - ☎ +44 1825 721365 Farm shop.

Nightingale Farm Hartfield - ☎ +44 1342 825827 Loy grazed Meat.

Towns such as Crowborough, Uckfield, East Grinstead and Forest Row have supermarkets and more specialist establishments.

Anchor Inn - Church Street, Hartfield, TN7 4AG - In Hartfield village centre ☎ +44 1892 770424 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 11PM; Sunday noon-10:30PM
The Cat Inn West Hoathly - ☎ +44 1342 810369
Chequers Inn Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823333
The Coach and Horses Danehill - ☎ +44 1825 740369
Dorset Arms Hartfield - ☎ +44 1892 770278
The Foresters Arms Fairwarp - ☎ +44 1825 712818
The Green Man Horsted Keynes - ☎ +44 1825 790656
The Griffin Inn Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722890
The Hatch Inn Hartfield - ☎ +44 1342 822363
Hay Waggon Hartfield - ☎ +44 1892 770252
The Kings Head North Chailey - ☎ +44 1825 723821
The Oak Inn Ardingly - ☎ +44 1444 892244
Roebuck Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823811
Rose and Crown Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722039
The Sloop Inn Scaynes Hill - ☎ +44 1444 831219
The Swan Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 822318
The White Horse Cowden - ☎ +44 1342 850640

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ashdown Forest, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ashdown Forest. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ashdown Forest and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ashdown Forest. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ashdown Forest. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ashdown Forest: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ashdown Forest.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ashdown Forest: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ashdown Forest, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ashdown Forest.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ashdown Forest, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ashdown Forest, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ashdown Forest and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ashdown Forest, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ashdown Forest, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ashdown Forest without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ashdown Forest is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ashdown Forest.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ashdown Forest is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ashdown Forest, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ashdown Forest Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Ashdown Forest

Ramadan 2025 in Ashdown Forest

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Waspbourne Manor Farm Camping Sheffield Park - ☎ +44 1825 723414 Camping is not allowed inside Ashdown Forest. Thit is the only camping site in the local area.

Acorn House Bed & Breakfast Buxted - ☎ +44 1825 733087
Bathurst Bed & Breakfast ☎ +44 1892 665476
Becketts Bed & Breakfast Edenbridge - ☎ +44 1342 850514
Copyhold Hollow Bed & Breakfast Haywards Heath - ☎ +44 1444 413265
Courtlands Nurseries Bed & Breakfast Sharpthorne - ☎ +44 1342 810780
Holly House Chelwood Gate - ☎ +44 1825 740484
Laurel Cottage Bed & Breakfast Chelwood Gate - ☎ +44 1825 740547
Marsden Mount Bed & Breakfast Maresfield - ☎ +44 1825 768255
New Glenmore Bed & Breakfast Uckfield - ☎ +44 1825 790783
Old Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast High Hurstwood - ☎ +44 1825 732279
Rose and Crown Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722039

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South Paddock , near Uckfield ☎ +44 1825 762335
Tees Barn Edenbridge - ☎ +44 1732 862893
The Griffin Inn Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722890

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The Orchard Bed & Breakfast High Hurstwood - ☎ +44 1825 732946
West Meadows Bed & Breakfast Nutley - ☎ +44 1825 712434
Chequers Inn Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823333

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Griffin Inn Fletching - ☎ +44 1825 722890
The White Horse Cowden - ☎ +44 1342 850640

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Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 824988
Buxted Park Hotel Buxted - ☎ +44 1825 733333
Chequers Inn Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823333

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Gravetye Manor Hotel East Grinstead - ☎ +44 1342 810567
Roebuck Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823811

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The Brambletye Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 824144
The Chequers Inn Hotel Forest Row - ☎ +44 1342 823333
The Ravenswood Sharpthorne - ☎ +44 1342 810216

Stay Safe

Some paths may be muddy in the winter; in the summer there are some snakes (adders are the only poisonous ones, however rarely attack humans, dogs can be killed by Adder Venom)

Often there are deep pools, which can be nice to swim in (from this area's idilic industrial past), but children should always be accompanied, monsters from the deep are rare.

Car parks are generally free of crime, however it is always important as with any vehicle park to ensure that valuables are hidden out of site or taken with you. If you do not want to take your dog with you (paths can be muddy), give an area of shade for your animal, leave drinking water for the dog and keep the windows well open. Dogs die in hot cars.

Some paths may lead abruptly onto (often fast) roads; for your children's and pets' safety keep listening out for cars and if in any doubt keep more adventurous animals on a lead.

In the summer months the whole forest is at risk from wildfires, please do not smoke (for your own health and the forest's) and Do not light fires.

Where to travel next from Ashdown Forest

Tunbridge Wells (on the A26) - Victorian spa town with bars, pubs and drinking fountains for the local water.
Eastbourne
Petersfield
South Downs Way, a popular walking path.
London, a train ride away.
Kent
Medway (England) | Medway
Crowborough