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Cotchford Farm Open Gardens

Saturday 16th May 2026 at 10:00–17:00

Join The Ashdown Forest Foundation for a very special event at the former home of Winnie-the-Pooh author A.A. Milne and his family. One hundred years on from the publication of the first Winnie-the-Pooh book, the owners of this spectacular home are very generously opening the gardens to the public in support of Ashdown Forest. This is a unique opportunity to explore these private gardens and woodland and learn more about its special role in our literary heritage.

Tickets are available for morning (10am to 1pm) or afternoon (2pm to 5pm) sessions on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026. Tickets cost £15 per person, per session.

Please note that the ticket includes access to the gardens only. There is no access to the house.

Beverages and light refreshments will be available to purchase. We are also pleased to share that The East Grinstead Bookshop will be bringing a pop-up bookshop to the event, offering a range of Pooh-related books for readers of all ages. There will also be a raffle and an opportunity to bid in a silent auction for a unique painting that is being created by artist Sue Holpin to commemorate the weekend. Proceeds from sales go directly to supporting Ashdown Forest.

Please note that due to the nature of the landscaping of the gardens, wheelchair and pushchair access is not available.

No dogs please.

All funds from this event will support The Ashdown Forest Foundation, the charitable arm of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest tasked with raising funds to ensure the best possible future for the Forest.