Unwind and explore 6,500 acres of wilderness! Ashdown Forest offers something for walkers, horse riders, and families alike.

The Ashdown Forest is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as being a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation!

Ashdown Forest is only half an hour’s drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells but looks very different from its immediate surroundings with its enchanting woodland and scenic views.

Adventure awaits in the Ashdown Forest.

Ashdown Forest

Things to do in the Ashdown Forest.

The Ashdown Forest plays host to a variety of activities for all ages with guided walks and fun days for all the family. Visit the Ashdown Forest website to keep up to date with everything that is going on.

There are many outdoor pursuits to undertake in the area aside from walking – horse riding, llama walks, learning bush skills and fishing.

The Forest contains the Old Lodge Nature Reserve where one might chance upon a stonechat or a nightjar! Dogs are welcome if kept under control and cleaned up after. The views of the heath, sandstone and scrub from here are expansive.

Ashdown Forest view

Walking.

Embark on a delightful stroll through Ashdown Forest, a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. This renowned destination boasts expansive landscapes and breathtaking views, captivating visitors with its ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons. Tranquil wooded areas offer solace and a deep connection with nature. All you need are sturdy shoes to begin this enchanting journey.

Ashdown Forest features a network of paths, fire breaks, and trails, inviting exploration and enjoyment. Whether you crave the peacefulness of a shaded woodland walk or the vast expanse of heathland, Ashdown Forest unveils its natural marvels to all who wander its trails.

Horse riding.

Explore Ashdown Forest on horseback! Traverse ancient woods, heathlands, and meadows, the rhythmic hoofbeats echoing through diverse terrain. Well-maintained trails offer tranquility – sunlight dappling through leaves and gentle rustles create a calming ambience. Experienced or beginner, Ashdown Forest caters to all riders.

Please note a permit is required. If you’d like to join a riding school, Ashdown Riding have daily hacks. 

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

@ARW Photography

Fishing at sunset

Fishing.

On the edge of Ashdown Forest, you can take a walk around the Weir Wood Reservoir and its waving grasslands. You might be lucky enough to see a kingfisher!

Day fishing is allowed at the eastern side of the lake, the western area is a nature reserve.

There are toilets, parking and a café at the Fishery. 

Wildlife spotting.

Explore Ashdown Forest’s rich wildlife, including fallow and roe deer, muntjac, and possibly sika. Encounter small mammals like voles, butterflies, moths, and diverse dragonfly species.

Bird enthusiasts can spot curlew, hen harrier, ring ouzel, osprey, treecreeper, sparrowhawk, skylark, meadow pipit, Dartford warbler, willow tit, woodcock, water rail, and marsh tit.

For more information, visit the Ashdown Forest website, where you can find plenty more details, especially parking in the right spot to optimise your enjoyment of this unusual wilderness.

Butterfly

The home of Winnie the Pooh.

Many visitors come to the forest in search of a very famous bear and his friends – Winnie the Pooh!

Explore the 100-Acre Wood and have a game on Poohsticks Bridge.

Pooh Corner is a delightful shop stop on the way back to Tunbridge Wells, in the village of Hartfield. Select souvenirs and gifts then sit down and have a cup of tea in this cute country cottage.

Pooh Bridge

How to get to the Ashdown Forest.

Follow the A264 west out of the town, then take the B2110 past Groombridge Place carrying on through Hartfield to the Forest Centre. This is a good place to start as it has all the information you would need to find out the best place to park and see your favourites. 

Ashdown Forest website homepage

The Ashdown Forest

Browse the Ashdown Forest website.

Google map of Ashdown Forest car parks

Parking on the Ashdown Forest.

There are over 40 car parks across the Forest.

Coach parking is available at Broadstone Car Park – RH18 5JP – only.  Minibuses can park at the Forest Centre.

Ford Cottage Front

Where to stay

Accommodation in Tunbridge Wells.

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