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About
The Big One Hundred draws to a close with a special weekend of Explorer Days at the spectacular Herstmonceux Castle. Steeped in more than 500 years of history, this grand finale brings together a lively mix of performances and outdoor activities and one last chance to encounter the forest’s mythical creature, Poppet.
Enjoy an extraordinary puppetry performance from the new Ashdown inhabitant, and let young adventurers collect their final Explorer Stamps to become official Ashdown Explorers. All the while, families can explore the stunning castle grounds and gardens.
Join us for The Big One Hundred: a brand-new programme inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of Ashdown Forest – the original Hundred Acre Wood – to celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Created in partnership with Ashdown Forest and award-winning creatives Trigger, this imaginative programme features a series of exciting events introducing a new curious creature, Poppet. Inspired by the colours and textures of the forest, Poppet will be brought to life by an incredible team of ten puppeteers during special Explorer Days throughout the summer.
Alongside encounters with Poppet, you can enjoy a range of activities and workshops centred around the forest’s unique environment and wildlife. Blending nature with storytelling and performance, The Big One Hundred promises a truly spectacular experience as it tours across Wealden this year.
Guide Prices
Tickets for this event are included with standard admission to Herstmonceux Castle Estate and are priced according to Herstmonceux Castle entry rates. Tickets can be booked online via the Herstmonceux Castle website or purchased on arrival (booking ahead strongly recommended).
Book Tickets Online
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Car (with satellite navigation): enter our postcode BN27 1RN. Please note that some older satnavs may direct you to the wrong entrance, so, instead of the postcode, we suggest you enter Wartling Road as your destination. Our coordinates are 50.8685865, 0.348961
Car (without satellite navigation): If coming from the North (A22/A267), at the Boship Roundabout, head east on the A271 for approximately 9.6 km (6 miles). Wartling Road is a right-hand turning just beyond Windmill Hill. From the West (A27), at Polegate, continue along the A27 (Polegate Bypass) to the roundabout at Pevensey. Take the first exit onto Wartling Road. Follow the road for approximately 6.4 km (4 miles) until you see our signage on your left. And from the East (A259), continue along the A259 to Pevensey roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Wartling Road and follow the directions above.
Public Transport Directions
The nearest train stations are Battle (20 minute drive from the castle) and Polegate (35 minutes away), both with routes to and from Gatwick Airport and London.
Cyclists should be aware that Wartling Road can be hazardous due to fast-moving cars, narrow lanes, and blind corners. A safer, less-trafficked route is via Chapel Row, leading to Church Road. You can then enter the west side of the estate by following the 1066 Country Walk signs.
Proceed along the 1066 path until you reach the comet sculpture and information board. Please note that the path can be muddy at times and is best suited to off-road bikes, although others can be wheeled. At the sculpture exit, leave with The Observatory Science Centre in front of you and proceed to the junction. Turn left, and our ticket kiosk is straight ahead.
The cycle route from Polegate train station to the castle takes approximately 45 minutes across the tranquil Pevensey Levels via Rickney. It will also bring you to the west entrance mentioned above.
