By Alaric 
Did you know that there is a Winnie the Pooh café in England? It’s called Pooh Corner near the real Hundred Acre Wood.
You can find this enchanted place in the village of Hartfield within the Ashdown Forest of East Sussex.
It’s the perfect trip for fans of the silly old bear where you can enjoy a cream tea and even some Pooh Toast with lashings of honey!
In addition to an adorable tearoom, you can shop for Winnie the Pooh gifts and visit their famous ‘Poohseum’.
As a lifelong fan, I had such a wholesome time here and I would highly recommend it.
Here is a complete guide for Pooh Corner and whether it’s worth visiting.
The History of Pooh Corner
The area surrounding the Ashdown Forest is also known as Pooh Country as it’s the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood.
The author A. A. Milne lived on the edge of this forest and this magical landscape inspired one of the most loved children’s stories of all time.
Sackville Cottage in Hartfield dates back to 1703. But, it was transformed into ‘Pooh Corner’ in the 1970s.
It was founded by Mike Ridley, a potter who was licensed to create Winnie the Pooh ceramics.
A year later, Mike and his wife decided to open a Winnie the Pooh-inspired tea room and gift shop.
Mike Ridley met Christopher Milne several times who was the only child of A. A. Milne and the inspiration for Christopher Robin in the books.
Christopher even mentions fond memories of this cottage in his book The Enchanted Place.
It’s now owned by Neil and Samantha Reed who have continued the legacy and have extended the property by adding a Poohseum.
It’s a magical place that has hundreds of Winnie the Pooh items, gifts and memorabilia. You must visit if you’re a fan!
Why is it called Pooh Corner?
The reason why this adorable café is called Pooh Corner is because of A. A. Milne’s book.
The second Winnie the Pooh book is called The House at Pooh Corner and the phrase is mentioned in the first chapter.
Pooh tells Piglet that Eeyore doesn’t have a home. So, they both decide to build one for him in the field where he lives.
They look for a spot ‘in a corner out of the wind’ which Pooh adorably names ‘Pooh Corner’.
Winnie the Pooh Café
As soon as I drove into Hartfield Village, I noticed the charming and historic Sackville Cottage with its Winnie the Pooh sign.
In the window, I saw a delightful scene of Pooh and his friend’s apple picking for autumn and there was a helpful map of the area outside.
The cottage has a tea garden which would be perfect for summer but I visited on a chilly October day so I was eager to warm up side.
As it was a Sunday, there was a large queue outside the café at opening time and I was worried I wouldn’t get seated.
Thankfully, I was lucky to get the last table so I didn’t have to queue any longer!
An Enchanted Place
As soon I stepped inside this magical café, it felt so cosy and fuzzy.
Every corner of this tearoom has been decorated with artwork, photos or memorabilia relating to A. A. Milne and Winnie the Pooh.
There are two rooms to choose from inside;
- The E. H. Shepard Room: a ‘grown-up’ room with Shepard’s original sketches of Winnie the Pooh and photos of A. A. Milne and his family.
- Piglet’s Room: aimed for those with little ones with lots of cartoon movie posters, toys and even a vintage Winnie the Pooh TV playing cartoons.
Wherever you are seated on your visit the setting will be charming. It made me very wistful as it brought back so many childhood memories.
I was obsessed with Pooh Bear as a child, I read the stories and religiously watched the 90s Disney cartoons.
I always dreamt of visiting the Hundred Acre Wood so this trip was a dream come true for me. I know that 6-year-old Sophie would be very proud.
Enjoy a magical cream tea
Pooh Corner has a fabulous menu including cream teas, lunches and light bites.
I ordered a pot of English Breakfast tea which came in a fabulous Winnie the Pooh teapot.
I also ordered a freshly baked fruit scone which was served on Pooh crockery and had generous pots of clotted cream and strawberry jam.
It was utterly delicious and the perfect tonic after my stroll through the Hundred Acre Wood.
I also enjoyed my cream tea in fine company. I’ve had my Pooh Bear toy on my bed since I was small so I had to bring him along for some ‘Hunny’.
It felt just like when we used to have tea parties together all those years ago! Admittedly, this occasion was a little more refined.
Pooh Toast
It may be sad, but the thing I was most excited about at Pooh Corner was ordering their famous Pooh Toast.
It’s slices of toast that are shaped like Pooh Bear’s face and you can order them served with butter and honey.
I almost felt bad eating it as it looked so cute. But, I’m pleased to say it was scrumptious.
If you don’t want honey, they also serve the toast with fruity jams or Nutella.
Winnie the Pooh gifts & books
After your cream tea, I wouldn’t leave without exploring the rest of Pooh Corner.
Around the till area and fireplace, you can find some delightful souvenirs of the tea room and even leftover honey pots you can donate or take home.
At the back of the cottage, they have a larger gift shop with lots of Winnie the Pooh artwork, ceramics, toys, mugs, pens and badges.
There was a large selection of books written by A. A. Milne and Christopher Robin Milne to purchase.
I honestly had a hard time choosing what to buy as there was so much choice!
Don’t miss the Pooh-Seum
Another thing you shouldn’t miss at Pooh Corner is their amazing Poohseum.
It is free to visit and has hundreds of items relating to all things A. A. Milne and Winnie the Pooh on display.
It takes you on a journey of the franchise from A. A. Milne’s early life and inspirations, the books, Shepard’s sketches, Walt Disney and the contemporary movies.
As a 90s kid, I particularly enjoyed seeing all the memorabilia from the cartoons, there was even a gorgeous chess set.
I recognised many toys from my childhood, including some Winnie the Pooh PEZ dispensers!
I could have spent hours in here admiring their impressive collection.
Is Pooh Corner worth visiting?
Yes, you must visit Pooh Corner if you’re a fan of all things Winnie the Pooh.
It is located near the real Hundred Acre Wood and was even visited by Christopher Robin Milne.
It’s an enchanted place where you can enjoy tea with Pooh and his friends and it makes a wholesome day out for all ages.
Don’t skip the Winnie the Pooh café in Sussex, it’s definitely worth visiting!
Where is the Winnie the Pooh café?
Pooh Corner is located on the High Street of Hartfield Village in East Sussex on the fringes of the Ashdown Forest.
It’s easiest to drive to Hartfield and the forest as public transport options are limited.
There is a bus service that runs from Royal Tunbridge Wells but make sure to plan your return journey.
It’s open from Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am – 4 pm. The last sitting is 45 minutes before closing time.
There is free but very limited parking on the High Street. On weekends and school holidays, you can also park at the local primary school.
Should you reserve a table?
At the time of writing, you can only reserve a table at Pooh Corner if you’re going to book one of their afternoon teas.
If you just want to pop along for a cream tea or lunch, then you will need to wait for a table and it’s first come first served.
It’s a very cosy place and there are a limited number of tables. So, you may be waiting a while on weekends.
You’re welcome to browse the museum or shop while you wait for a table.
I would visit during the week and preferably early morning to avoid a long queue.
My top tips for visiting
- There is very limited free parking in Hartfield Village. Remember to park with consideration.
- Adults can order Pooh Toast and you definitely should for cuteness overload.
- You don’t have to queue to visit the gift shop or Poohseum, you only need to queue for the café. There are two separate entrances.
- There’s a small play area for children with soft toys and books.
- It’s also dog-friendly, just make sure to keep your furry friend on a lead.
Visit the Hundred Acre Wood next
If you’re visiting Pooh Corner, you must visit the Ashdown Forest nearby which is a real-life Hundred Acre Wood.
Less than a mile away from the tearoom you’ll find Pooh Car Park. You can then take an enchanting stroll through the trees.
On your walk, you can visit Piglet’s House, Owl’s House and Eeyore’s Gloomy Place.
The best part is visiting the Pooh Sticks Bridge where you can play a game of Pooh Sticks.
Just beyond the bridge, you must stop at Winnie the Pooh’s House. The silly old bear can be found inside with oodles of honey pots!
It’s a very wholesome walk in Sussex and you must bring your toy if you have one. I loved bringing Pooh back home.
At the time of writing, Pooh Car Park is completely free. Other parking areas in the Ashdown Forest (i.e. Piglet’s Car Park) are chargeable.
Always double-check parking fees and regulations before you leave your car to avoid a fine.
Read more of my South East England guides
The best things to do in Rye
Visiting the magical Mermaid Street in Rye
Ouse Valley Viaduct
Butchery Lane in Canterbury
Secrets of the Margate Shell Grotto
How to spend one day in Brighton
Save Pooh Corner Winnie the Pooh Café for later!
