Ashdown Forest - Image 1

Ashdown Forest

Wych Cross, United Kingdom•4.6(1k)•Country Park, Nature Reserve

Explore over 6,400 acres of woodland and heathland with scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.

Ashdown Forest is a vast natural landscape spanning over 6,400 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, offering families an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. The forest features extensive walking and cycling trails suitable for all abilities, from gentle strolls to more challenging routes, making it accessible for families with children of varying ages and fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy picnicking in designated areas, observing local wildlife including deer and birds, and discovering the forest's rich natural heritage. With free entry and dog-friendly facilities, Ashdown Forest welcomes families and their pets to experience the great outdoors. The venue offers food facilities on-site and is pushchair-friendly, ensuring comfort for families with young children. The forest's open spaces and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for families seeking to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor recreation, and create lasting memories away from urban environments.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 08:30 – 17:00
Tuesday: 08:30 – 17:00
Wednesday: 08:30 – 17:00
Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00
Friday: 08:30 – 16:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

Google Reviews

4.6(1k reviews)
J
Jemma Carew

Jemma Carew

2 months ago

Nice place to visit for walks but unfortunately not very well sign-posted at all and we couldn’t find any maps at all throughout our walk so would recommend using an app like komoot or strava to download a map first, there’s not much signal so would download. I think you can buy them from the website to download too. But it’s a really nice place to go for a walk and I enjoyed seeing Pooh’s house!

C
cats eyes

cats eyes

5 months ago

Lovely place to visit, wide open ever going views, benches placed in easy to reach spots just off the main walk- ways, bring wellies throughout winter, as although my dog enjoyed being covered in mud , I didn't so much without my wellies 😂

K
Kate

Kate

6 months ago

The forest is always interesting to explore, although on our most recent visit we had to pay for parking, which is a first as before it has always been free to walk there!

V
Viktória Ész

Viktória Ész

9 months ago

Very beautiful and peaceful place. Lovely views, great walking routes through the forest and open areas. Have to pay for parking almost everywhere, but it’s not expensive, one can get an all-day pass for £5. Definitely worth visiting. Also seems like a popular place with many other walkers.

J
Jess Horton

Jess Horton

11 months ago

Ample parking in multiple spots, and that was the best part. Trails not well marked, trail eroded from weather over time. Confusing to navigate and hardly any landmarks to indicate Winnie the Pooh atmosphere. Not a moderate hike either and it goes into a steep quarry and back out. Don't go out of your way for it.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Ashdown Forest

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Ashdown Forest

Is Ashdown Forest free to visit?

Entry to Ashdown Forest is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is Ashdown Forest dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Ashdown Forest.

Is there parking at Ashdown Forest?

Yes — Ashdown Forest has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Ashdown Forest?

Yes, food is available on site at Ashdown Forest.

Is Ashdown Forest pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Ashdown Forest is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Ashdown Forest?

Ashdown Forest is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Ashdown Forest by public transport?

Ashdown Forest is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass