Surrounded by the ancient woodland of Ashdown Forest, the setting said to have inspired A. A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club offers an especially enchanting escape in East Sussex. With its elegant country-house character, beautifully landscaped grounds and award-winning dining, it’s a place where the pace slows and autumn feels wonderfully at home – from woodland walks beneath russet canopies to fireside drinks and long, leisurely meals.
On Thursday 24 September, settle into the Forest Brasserie for an indulgent evening celebrating the flavours of Sussex at a Local Cheese & Wine Night. Sample six artisan cheeses alongside two glasses of wine, while a local cheese supplier shares the stories, craftsmanship and character behind the region’s finest produce. A relaxed and convivial evening for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. Tickets cost £45 pp.
On Wednesday 30 September, join Executive Head Chef Andrew Wilson for an Autumn Honey Supper Club, an evening celebrating seasonal Sussex produce and the craft of local beekeeping. The four-course menu puts honey centre stage, from honey-cured seabass with fennel and hot honey to honey caramel pork belly with wild mushrooms, finishing with honey crème brûlée, shortbread, clotted cream and whisky ice cream. Guest speakers from Park Farm Cottage will share the story behind their beekeeping and honey-making, with a wine pairing or mocktail included. Tickets cost £80 pp.
On Saturday 17 October, join Gyles Brandreth for an enchanting evening celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, in the atmospheric setting of the hotel’s chapel. The evening begins with a Champagne reception before a four-course fine-dining dinner, with half a bottle of wine per guest, followed by an entertaining talk from Brandreth featuring stories, audience interaction and a lively Q&A. There will also be the chance to see an original 1920s J.K. Farnell ‘Alpha’ Teddy Bear – the same model gifted to Christopher Robin Milne – and meet Brandreth for photographs and book signings. Tickets cost £195 pp.
From 19 September to 31 October, head to West Sussex for Tulleys Pumpkin Festival, billed as Europe’s largest pumpkin festival. Wander through fields filled with more than 1.5 million pumpkins, pick your own to take home and explore the new Pumpkin Valley, before stopping in Pumpkin Village for street food, freshly made doughnuts and seasonal treats. There’s also an Observation Wheel, roaming musicians, colourful photo spots and the Americana-inspired Pumpkin Bar. Open on selected dates, 9.30am–5.30pm.
For a slower take on the season, book Ashdown Park’s Perfect Autumn Pause, with up to 20% off its dinner-inclusive package. The stay includes an overnight room, cooked and continental breakfast, plus £50 per adult towards dinner, along with access to the Country Club and surrounding grounds. Settle into crisp country walks and cosy evenings as the colours of Ashdown Forest begin to turn. Available from 1 September to 30 November 2026, for two adults sharing a Superior Classic bedroom and above, subject to availability.
