Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths.

 

 

 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943.

 

 

 

 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

 

 

 

 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

 

 

 

 

 

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

 

 

 

 

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking: There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written: November 2020

 

Swanage Railway

This full-size heritage railway operates a range of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as historic carriages

 

 

 

 

that huff and puff you through old stations

 

 

 

 

 

 

and railway memorabilia

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Swanage and the seafront and Corfe Castle. 

 

 

 

 

 

Devon Belle Observation Car

One of the historic carriages is the Devon Belle or Pullman Observation Car No. 14.

 

 

 

This has been used as an ambulance to transport wounded WW1 soldiers,

 

 

 

 

as a holiday observation car and also to tour the USA with the Flying Scotsman!  

 

 

 

 

The views from the Devon Belle are much better than the normal carriage. 

It currently costs an extra £3.50 per person.

 

 

 

The Railway Route

The steam trains puff along the 5.5 mile line between the stations at Norden 

 

 

 

Corfe Castle

 

 

 

 

Harmans Cross and Herston Halt

 

 

 

 

and Swanage. 

 

 

 

 

 

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle sits next to the railway line. You can choose to steam on past or break your journey at Corfe Castle station, taking the short walk to the village and castle. 

 

 

 

Norden Station Play Area

The Sidings Play Area at Norden Station is themed on Swanage Railway and Corfe Castle and has equipment to climb on and explore. 

Nearest Town: Norden, Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross or Swanage, all near Wareham
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH20 5DW

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Various times throughout the year. Please see their website for details.

Where to Eat: Norden station, Corfe Castle station and Swanage station have cafes or you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Various, depending on which station you are at. Please see their website for details.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour exploring Norden station and the play area.  Norden to Swanage is about a 25 minute train ride, one way.
Buggies: You can’t take buggies on the train but they can go into the Guard’s Van. 

Parking: Large car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 per day. 

Information Written: June 2022

 

Preface: Story Trails

A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin discovered Ashdown Forest together. 

 

 

 

 

We decided to follow in their footsteps and create our own Winnie-the-Pooh story trail.

We used a walk we found online (see below) and our copies of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. 

 

 

Introduction: “We’re All Going On An Expotition…”

Like Winnie-the-Pooh, we called our expedition an Expotition.

 

 

 

 

We chose three areas of Ashdown Forest to visit:

• Pooh Corner, Hartfield village (to set the scene at the Poohseum and to pick up maps so my children could ‘plan’ the Expotition over lunch)
• Pooh Bridge car park (as the first chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh starts at Pooh’s house, which is next to Pooh Bridge)
• Gills Lap car park.

 

 

Chapter 1: Pooh Corner 

Our Expotition began with lunch at Pooh Corner, a tea room and museum dedicated to all things Winnie-the-Pooh, which helped to set the scene for our story trail.

We also had a good look at the map in the front of the books. 

 

 

The Pooh Corner staff are lovely and happy to give advice on places to visit in Ashdown Forest with maps.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Pooh Bridge 

Pooh’s House 

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which we are introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh and some Bees, and the stories begin’ from Winnie-the-Pooh)

Winnie-the-Pooh’s house is in a tree stump very near to Pooh Bridge.  

To find it, walk to the bridge from Pooh Bridge car park, cross the river and it is a very short walk away.  

 

 

When you get there, don’t forget to knock and “Rnig Also” to see if anyone is home!

 

 

 

 

Pooh Bridge 

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Pooh invents a new game and Eeyore joins in’ from The House at Pooh Corner)

This picturesque spot is where Pooh invents the game of Poohsticks.  

The bridge jumps straight out of the pages of the books, having been rebuilt in 1979 to match Shepard’s illustrations. 

 

 

Piglet’s House

(You can read ‘In which Pooh and Piglet go hunting and nearly catch a Woozle’ from Winnie-the-Pooh)

You can find Piglet’s tiny house in the woods to the left of the main path (when walking back to Pooh Bridge car park).

 

 

 

Owl’s House

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Eeyore loses a tail and Pooh finds one’ from Winnie-the-Pooh)

Owl’s high up house is there too.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Gills Lap 

Note: We followed the walking route linked to below but in reverse because I wanted our trail to end at the Enchanted Place, the location for the last line of the books.  

These places and the route are shown on the map linked to below. 

 

Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place (map marker 6)

We didn’t walk all the way to Eeyore’s Gloomy Place – the name didn’t exactly sell it as a destination!  

Instead, we walked a little way past the stream and gazed across at the Gloomy Place before heading back to the stream and Quarry car park. 

 

 

The North Pole (map marker 5)

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Christopher Robin leads an expotition to the North Pole’ from Winnie-the-Pooh )

A little stream runs through this part of the forest and is believed to be the spot where Roo falls into a pool of water and Pooh finds the North Pole.   

 

 

 

 

Roo’s Sandy Pit (map marker next to the Quarry car park)

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Kanga and Baby Roo come to the Forest, and Piglet has a bath’ from Winnie-the-Pooh)

This former quarry is now overgrown and is where Pooh and his friends trick Kanga into leaving with Piglet instead of Roo.

 

 

 

 

The Milne and Shepard Memorial (map marker 3)

The memorial plaque commemorating A.A. Milne and E.H. Shephard has a stunning location

 

 

 

with places to sit and have a picnic or rest tired legs whilst marvelling at the view.

 

 

 

 

The Heffalump Trap (map marker top left)

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Eeyore loses a tail and Pooh finds one’ from Winnie-the-Pooh)

If you are brave enough, you can build your own Heffalump trap in this Very Deep Pit dug by Piglet.

But be careful, Christopher Robin spotted Heffalumps just lumping along in this part of the forest…

 

 

The Enchanted Place (map marker 2)

(Best chapter to read: ‘In which Christopher Robin and Pooh come to an enchanted place and we leave them there’ from The House at Pooh Corner)

Our final stop, the Enchanted Place, is mentioned in the last line of The House at Pooh Corner, which makes me cry every time:

“…in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”

 

 

Notes: Planning Your Expotition

Maps and Leaflets

The Pooh Corner staff give advice on which places to visit in Ashdown Forest and also have a little expotition map for children.

I also printed this map and guide I found on another website called Pooh Walks from Gills Lap.

 

 

The Paths

The conditions along the paths varies – some parts are uneven and steep and others are flatter and easier.  

I have easily taken an all terrain buggy to Pooh Bridge from the Pooh Bridge car park but would opt for a sling when exploring the area around Gills Lap car park. 

Nearest Town: Hartfield, Ashdown Forest
County: East Sussex
Nearest Postcode: TN7 4AE, TN7 4EX and TN7 4EN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Eat at Pooh Corner Tea Rooms or bring a picnic and eat in Ashdown Forest.
Facilities: None but there is a cafe offering snacks and ice cream at the Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX). 

How Long We Spent There: Full day
Buggies: You can take an all terrain buggy to Pooh Bridge.  The ground is uneven around Gills Lap. 

Parking: You can park at Pooh Corner (TN7 4AE), Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX) and Gills Lap car park (TN7 4EN). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, deer, ponies, birds, butterflies, other insects, snakes and mammals.

Information Written: September 2022

 

Ashdown Forest

The atmospheric Ashdown Forest inspired A.A. Milne to write about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and friends.

 

 

 

Pooh Bridge

No visit to Ashdown Forest is complete without a visit to picture perfect Pooh Bridge, where Pooh invented the game of Poohsticks. 

 

 

 

Be sure to pick up some Poohsticks on your walk to the bridge – they can be hard to find, probably because they are all in the stream! 

 

 

 

The Walk

We walk to the bridge from Pooh Bridge car park, which has a little cafe.

The paths are generally flat and buggy friendly, with a gentle hill leading away from the car park. 

 

 

The Houses

Following the path to Pooh Bridge leads you past a little balancing course and down a hill.  

 

 

 

 

If you leave the path and head into the woods on the right you can find Eeyore’s gloomy house

 

 

 

 

Piglet’s tiny house

 

 

 

 

 

and Owl’s high up house. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bridge

The bridge jumps straight out of the pages of Milne’s stories, having been rebuilt in 1979 to match Shepard’s illustrations. 

 

 

 

 

Pooh’s House 

Winnie-the-Pooh’s house is in a tree stump very near to Pooh Bridge.  

To find it, walk to the bridge from Pooh Bridge car park, cross the stream and walk a little way up the lane.  

 

 

 

When you get there, don’t forget to knock and “Rnig Also” to see if anyone is home!

 

 

 

 

Other Story Locations

Ashdown Forest is home to other locations from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, including Roo’s Sandy Pit, the Enchanted Place, Eeyore’s Gloomy Place and the Heffalump Trap.  

 

 

 

It also has a memorial plaque to A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.

For full details, please see my post about how to create your own Winnie-the-pooh Expotition. 

 

 

Pooh Corner Tea Rooms and Pooh’seum

A short drive away from Pooh Bridge is the village of Hartfield and Pooh Corner, a tea room and museum dedicated to all things Winnie-the-Pooh.

 

 

 

The Pooh Corner staff are lovely and happy to give advice on places to visit in Ashdown Forest with maps.

 

Nearest Town: Hartfield, Ashdown Forest
County: East Sussex
Nearest Postcode: TN7 4EX 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Eat at Pooh Corner Tea Rooms or bring a picnic and eat in Ashdown Forest.
Facilities: None but there is a cafe offering snacks and ice cream at the Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX). 

How Long We Spent There: Full day
Buggies: You can take an all terrain buggy to Pooh Bridge.  The ground is uneven around Gills Lap. 

Parking: You can park at Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, deer, ponies, birds, butterflies, other insects, snakes and mammals.

Information Written: September 2022

 

Watership Down – The Novel

Hazel’s band of rabbits hop seven miles from their warren at Sandleford to the top of Watership Down.

 

 

 

 

Along the way they push their way through Newtown Common, cross footbridges, float along the River Test and discover Nuthanger Farm.  

 

 

 

 

Watership Down – The Hill

“O Frith on the hills!” says Dandelion as the rabbits marvel at the new home Fiver has found them on Watership Down.

Standing at the top of Watership Down it is easy to see why. The views are some of the best I’ve seen. 

 

Standing at the bottom of Watership Down is like looking up at a wall of mud.

 

 

 

 

This was an ideal spot for a hillfort. 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallops

The top of Watership Down is separated from the hillside by Gallops, which are tracks and fences used to train racehorses. 

 

 

 

The fences are enormous!

 

 

 

 

 

There is a footpath across the Gallops but be careful to check for charging horses before you cross.

 

 

 

 

The gate onto the footpath is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the parking area near Ashley Warren Down (see below). 

 

 

 

 

The Warren under the Beech Tree

In the book, the warren the rabbits find on top of Watership Down is hidden amongst the roots of an old beech tree.

This tree stood at the top of Watership Down but sadly was destroyed by a storm in 2004.  

 

 

This spot is now marked by a young beech tree and a plaque in recognition of Richard Adams.

 

 

 

 

When I visited, the rabbits Fiver, Bigwig and Hazel had also been unofficially remembered…

 

 

 

 

Wayfarer’s Way

A long-distance route called the Wayfarer’s Way runs along the top of Watership Down, connecting Ladle Hill (to the west) with Whitehill (to the east).

This can be used by walkers and cyclists. 

 

 

A Fossil Find

On my walk up the hill I randomly discovered a mussel shell fossil just sitting on the path. 

 

 

 

 

Finding Watership Down

To walk to Watership Down from the lay-by near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) take the path across the road from the lay-by.

 

 

 

This will lead you up a small hill, through a gate and on towards the Gallops and the Richard Adams memorial plaque. 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths are not surfaced.

They can be grassy, stony, narrow and steep.

 

 

 

The path along the top of the hill is pretty flat.

It is only the footpath up and down the hill that is steep. 

 

 

 

Note that this is not a circular route. The path down the hill is also the path you come back on. 

 

Nearest Town: Kingsclere
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: RG28 7QH (or RG25 3EJ)

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are steep hills and narrow paths. 

Parking: There are a couple of options – there is a lay-by to the west of Watership Down near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) and there is a car park to the east at Whitehill (RG25 3EJ). 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Rabbits and hares, butterflies and other insects, red kites and other birds.

Information Written: June 2022

 

The Emma Sallis Adventure Playground 

This adventure play area has equipment for children under 12 years old that includes:

• a wooden castle with a climbing wall, nets, a slide and easy to climb stairs
• a multiplay with rope bridges, wobbly bridges, nets, a tunnel, easy to climb stairs and a slide
• balance course
• logs to climb on
• toddler swings
• swings
• a snail springer
• a jeep springer a small multiplay for smaller children with a slide
• a seesaw
• a wooden train
• a slide
• a basket swing
• picnic tables.

 

Alice’s Treehouse is next to Go Ape and is a small play area for much older children.

 

Black Park Country Park

In the country park you can climb through the woods, try a trail, paddle around the lake’s worn and twisted tree stumps, rent bikes and Segways or go orienteering. 

 

 

Go Ape

Go Ape at Black Park offers tree top rope courses, bike hire, Forest Segway and a Nets Adventure. 

 

 

 

The Cafes

There is a lakeside cafe called the Black Park Cafe and a kiosk that sell snacks, drinks and ice creams. It also has picnic tables. 

Nearest Town: Wexham
County: Buckinghamshire
Nearest Postcode: SL3 6DS

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes. 
Facilities: Cafes, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly. 

Parking: There is a car with lots of spaces.
Cost of Parking: From £2.80 for two hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens, grass snakes.

Information Written: May 2022

 

The Emma Sallis Adventure Playground 

The shady Emma Sallis Adventure Playground has equipment for children under 12 years old that includes a wooden castle with a climbing wall, nets, a slide and easy to climb stairs, 

 

 

 

a multiplay with rope bridges, wobbly bridges, nets, a tunnel, easy to climb stairs and a slide, swings, a wooden train, springers and a balance course.

 

 

Film Locations 

Black Park is located near to Pinewood Studios so it’s no surprise that the park has been used as the location for many films, including Harry Potter, James Bond, Stardust and Captain America.

 

 

 

When we visited they were filming a secret jungle film, which meant some parts of the park were closed.

 

 

 

Go Ape

Go Ape at Black Park offers tree top rope courses, bike hire, Forest Segway and a Nets Adventure. 

 

 

 

The Paths

There are several marked paths and trails to explore, including a habitat trail and an orienteering course.

The Black Park website has full details of the trails and walks.

 

 

Orienteering

There are twenty posts hidden around Black Park – how many can you find?  

You can download a copy of the orienteering course before you go or pick one up from the visitors’ centre. 

 

 

The Cafes

There is a lakeside cafe called the Black Park Cafe and a kiosk that sell snacks, drinks and ice creams. It also has picnic tables. 

 

Nearest Town: Wexham
County: Buckinghamshire
Nearest Postcode: SL3 6DS

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes. 
Facilities: Cafes, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly. 

Parking: There is a car with lots of spaces.
Cost of Parking: From £2.80 for two hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and grass snakes.

Information Written: May 2022

 

Waverley Abbey

Founded by the Bishop of Winchester in 1128, Waverley Abbey was a Cistercian abbey until it was dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII.  

 

 

 

Some of the buildings are remarkably well preserved.

 

 

 

 

One has columns and vaulted ceilings that are still intact.

 

 

 

 

The grass is mown to give an idea of the floor plan.

 

 

 

 

The Paths

Waverley Abbey is about a five to ten minute walk from the car park.

 

 

 

 

The ruins are in a grassy field, which can be uneven in places. 

 

 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU9 8EP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Choose a buggy that can handle grass.

Parking: There is a small car park that can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Herons, ducks, swans and butterflies.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: November 2021

 

The Engines

Didcot is home to a large collection of locomotives from the Great Western Railway. Many of these have evocative names like Trojan, Teddy Bear, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Fire Fly and Lady Of Legend.

 

 

 

Steam Days

The engines can be seen on any visit but are operational only on certain days of the year, when they can be seen shunting or pulling carriages.

To see when the engines are running, please see the Locomotive Roster on the Didcot Railway Centre website.

 

 

The Buildings

The Centre still has many of the original buildings from the Great Western Railway Engine Shed that was built in 1932, including the engine shed, turntable and Coal Stage. 

 

 

 

The Engine Shed

My children loved being inside the Engine Shed and enjoyed being able to climb inside the cabs. We couldn’t believe the size of the engines.

Some have wheels taller than I am – I had no idea! 

 

 

Coal Stage

This was built to give the engines water and coal and you can often see engines being coaled during an operational day.

 

 

 

 

The Branch Line

This is a short, operational railway line that runs from Didcot Halt station, past a signal box, to a transfer shed. 

 

 

 

 

The Main Line

At half a mile, this is the longer of the two operational railway lines and runs from the main platform to Oxford Road station.

You can either alight here and walk back through the Centre or stay on for the ride back. 

 

 

Day Out with Thomas

We visited during December for a Day Out with Thomas, which is a day when Didcot is taken over by Thomas the Tank Engine, the Fat Controller and friends. 

 

 

It was a magical day. We met the Fat Controller before riding on Thomas the Tank Engine to meet Father Christmas. 

 

 

 

 

Pendon Museum

If you are interested in railways then consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Pendon Museum, which is home to some exquisitely modelled railway landscapes.

 

 

 

Mistakes?

I would be the first to admit that I don’t know much about trains and railways.

If I have made any mistakes in this post then please let me know so I can make the corrections! 

 

Wilgrove Halt Play Area

Conveniently located next to the picnic area, Wilgrove Halt is small play area for children from 2 to 12 years old that has trains and train station offices to role play in.

 

Nearest Town: Didcot
County: Oxfordshire
Nearest Postcode: OX11 7NJ

Adult Cost Range: Various
Child Cost Range: Various
Free if: Under 3 years

Opens: Various times throughout the year. Please see the Didcot Railway Centre website for details.

Where to Eat: Try the cafe, a local pub or bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Large car park
Cost of Parking: From £1.40 for the first hour.

Information Written: December 2019

 

Landscape Gardens

You find your eyes skipping between the sweeping lawns, contrasting trees, beautiful blue-green lake and unusual stone features. It’s a spectacular combination. 

 

 

 

The gardens are punctuated by stone features, including bridges, temples, a rock arch, a dam and a grotto.

 

 

 

You may recognise The Temple of Apollo as the location for Mr Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice.

 

 

 

The Grotto

My children loved exploring the Grotto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We discovered two statues, one of which is said to be the source of the River Stour. 

Nearest Town: Wincanton, near Warminster
County: Wiltshire
Nearest Postcode: BA12 6QD

Adult Cost Range: £15 to £19.99
Child Cost Range: £5 to £9.99
Free if: Under 5 years or for National Trust members.

Opens: Daily but check before you go to make sure everything you want to visit is open.

Where to Eat: The restaurant, the Spread Eagle pub or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, shop, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly but some of the paths are steep.

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 per day but free for National Trust members. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, birds and insects.

Information Written: May 2018