Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club in East Sussex
Set within 186 acres in the heart of Ashdown Forest, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is a Gothic mansion surrounded by parkland and woodland. Families can explore the estate’s Discovery Trail, look out for wildlife and enjoy classic outdoor pursuits, from croquet to tennis. Back at the hotel, younger guests can enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh Afternoon Tea, while a picnic inspired by the nearby ‘100 Aker Wood’ adds a touch of adventure to the day.
Summer highlights:
For couples – Celebrate the best of Sussex’s food and drink scene with Sussex Cheese & Wine Night on 24 September. Set within the hotel’s charming Forest Brasserie, this indulgent evening showcases a carefully curated selection of artisan Sussex cheeses, expertly paired with exceptional local wines. Prices from £45 pp.
For families – Young adventurers can step back in time at the Bluebell Railway’s TRAIN-ing to be a Knight event on 12–13 August, where medieval history comes to life through thrilling jousting displays, fearless knights on horseback, storytelling, archery and interactive Knight School. Set against the backdrop of one of Britain’s most picturesque heritage railways, families can enjoy a nostalgic steam train journey before immersing themselves in a world of kings, queens and castles. Prices from £27 per adult and £1 for any child (aged between 3-15 years old) with any fare-paying adult.
Pooh Corner (open daily), located on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in Hartfield, is the perfect stop for fans of A.A. Milne’s beloved Winnie the Pooh. Just a short walk away lies the original inspiration for the 100 Acre Wood, where the classic stories came to life and guests can even explore the Pooh-seum.
Afternoon Tea Week with Storytelling – with a sprinkle of Winnie-the-Pooh magic – takes place from 10–16 August. Guests enjoying the hotel’s charming Hunny Pot Afternoon Tea are invited to settle into the elegant lounges each day at 4pm for a complimentary storytelling session, where beloved tales from A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood are brought to life. Afternoon tea is priced from £38 per adult and £16 per child (under 12), with the option to add a glass of Champagne or Lyserød Sparkling Tea for £17 per person.
For friends – Gather friends for a lively evening of great food and friendly competition at the Pizza and Quiz Night on 6 August. Priced from £20 pp , the event is the perfect excuse for a sociable summer evening, with exclusive prizes and plenty of laughs.
For all ages – Mark the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh with an unforgettable evening on 17 October, featuring acclaimed author, broadcaster and entertainer Gyles Brandreth. Set in the hotel’s beautiful chapel, on the edge of the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood, this exclusive black-tie event includes a welcome Champagne reception, a four-course fine dining dinner with wine, and an engaging after-dinner talk from Gyles, complete with never-before-heard Winnie-the-Pooh stories, audience Q&A and book signing. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to view an original 1920s J.K. Farnell ‘Alpha’ teddy bear – the very toy that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. Tickets are priced at £195 pp, with discounted overnight accommodation available from £225 per room.
For more information on summer events and to book your family getaway, please visit www.ashdownpark.com.
