The Hundred Acre Wood: Celebrating A.A. Milne’s Legacy

Celebrating A.A. Milne’s Legacy – Guided Tour from London Bridge

Step into the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh and A.A. Milne’s timeless stories as we explore the beautiful Ashdown Forest and the places that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood. Departing from London Bridge, this guided tour will immerse you in the natural beauty of the forest, charming local spots, and delightful moments inspired by Milne’s beloved tales.

Itinerary:

1. Departure from London Bridge:
   Meeting Point: Our guide will greet you at London Bridge Station at 08:55 AM. You’ll receive your train tickets, and the group will be briefed on the itinerary for the day.

Train Ride:

Enjoy the comfortable 10:10 AM train journey from London Bridge to Brighton. Relax and take in the scenic views of the English countryside.

1. Minibus Transfer to Ashdown Forest:
   Arrival at Brighton: Arrive at Brighton Station around 10:30 AM. Your guide will assist with the transfer to a private minibus for the journey to Ashdown Forest.

Transfer:

Enjoy a relaxing 40-minute minibus ride to Ashdown Forest, arriving around 11:10 AM. During the journey, your guide will share insights about A.A. Milne’s connection to the area.

1. Explore Galleons Lap (Gil Lap):
   First Stop: Arrive at Galleons Lap around 11:15 AM, a key location within Ashdown Forest that is often said to have inspired parts of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Highlights at Galleons Lap:

Roo’s Sandy Pit: Discover the spot where Roo’s adventures in the sand came to life.
The Heffalump Trap: Explore the area where Pooh and Piglet tried to catch a Heffalump.
The Mile: Walk along the serene path known as “The Mile,” taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Milne and Shepherd Memorial: Visit the Milne and Shepherd Memorial, a tribute to A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepherd, the illustrator behind the iconic Winnie the Pooh images.
Guided Walk: Enjoy a guided walk through these locations, with your guide sharing how Milne’s imagination brought these scenes to life in the stories.

1. Butler’s Pantry for Lunch:
   Lunch Stop: At 12:45 PM, head to Butler’s Pantry, a charming restaurant located on a local farm that has been in the same family for over 300 years. The farm sources all of its food from its own land and around Sussex, ensuring a farm-to-table experience that celebrates the region’s finest produce.

Farm-to-Table Dining:

Enjoy a 1-hour lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the price of the tour; guests will pay for their own meals directly at the restaurant.

1. Visit Pooh Bridge:
   Next Stop: At 1:45 PM, visit Pooh Bridge, the iconic location where Pooh and friends play the game of Pooh Sticks.

Explore and Play:

Take your time at Pooh Sticks Bridge for a full 1-hour. You’ll have time to explore, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, take photos, and even participate in a game of Pooh Sticks, just like the characters did in the books. Your guide will also share the significance of this location in the stories.

1. Visit Pooh Corner in Hartfield:
   Final Stop: Arrive at Pooh Corner in Hartfield at 2:30 PM. This charming gift shop is dedicated to Winnie the Pooh and A.A. Milne’s world.

Explore Pooh Corner:

Take some free time to browse the shop, which is filled with memorabilia, local treats, and Winnie the Pooh merchandise. You can also explore the surrounding village of Hartfield, where Milne lived.

1. Return to Brighton:
   Minibus Transfer: After visiting Pooh Corner, board the minibus for your return journey to Brighton at 3:45 PM.

Arrival Back in Brighton:

Arrive back at Brighton Station around 4:40 PM, where you can choose to explore Brighton at your leisure or begin your journey home.

1. Return to London:
   Flexible Return: Trains from Brighton to London run frequently, so you can return at your convenience. Whether you want to continue exploring Brighton or head back to London right away, the choice is yours.

Why Choose This Tour?

Convenient Departure: Start and end your journey at London Bridge Station, with train tickets and guide provided for a seamless experience.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of a local guide, who will enhance your experience with fascinating stories about A.A. Milne and the locations tied to his work.

Immersive Experience: Explore Ashdown Forest, Pooh Bridge, and Pooh Corner, with stops carefully chosen to evoke the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Farm-to-Table Dining: Enjoy a delicious 1-hour lunch at Butler’s Pantry, located on a 300-year-old farm that sources fresh ingredients from its land and Sussex.

Comfortable Travel: Enjoy a comfortable journey in a small group, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxing experience throughout the day.
what_is_included: 1. All transport including train tickets to and from London

1. Services of local Sussex guide
2. Bottles of water free of charge

disclaimers: The tour will include forest walks so please wear appropriate footwear, especially during wet periods.

We will make a lunch stop but lunch is not included in the price.

The meeting point is inside London Bridge Train Station, outside the ticket office which is situated in the centre of the train station.