Best attractions and places to see around Danehill, a village in East Sussex, include natural features, historical sites, and outdoor activity locations. The area is characterized by its position on one of Sussex's inland hills, offering views of the surrounding countryside. Notable natural landscapes include parts of Ashdown Forest, a significant public access space known for its views and as a Ramsar wetland site. Danehill provides a diverse range of points of interest for visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.
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The tranquil Ardingly reservoir can be found 3 miles north of Haywards Heath. It is home to a number of bird species which can be identified with panels situated within bird hides around the reservoir. Walk the Kingfisher Nature Trail around the eastern shores and for the more adventurous, the Ardingly Activity Centre provides sailing, canoeing and windsurfing opportunities. Unfortunately most if not all access to the waterside is restricted to anglers.
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Sadly the cafe has closed permanently. Shame, it was a great pit stop
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Kidd's hill goes on forever, so if you fancy a challenge its a good one.
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The Danehill area is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Ardingly Reservoir, a Local Nature Reserve known for wildlife and watersports. A significant natural feature is Ashdown Forest, one of the largest public access spaces in the South East, offering spectacular views and famous as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh. The Forest Way Country Park also provides a traffic-free path through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Yes, Danehill and its surroundings offer several historical and cultural sites. A popular spot is Pooh Bridge, located within Ashdown Forest, famous for its connection to A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories. You can also explore Fletching Village and St. Andrew & St. Mary the Virgin Church, a pleasant old Sussex village with historical buildings and a Grade I listed church. Other notable sites include the Bluebell Railway, a heritage steam line, and Wakehurst, a National Trust property with extensive gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank.
Families will find plenty to enjoy. Ardingly Reservoir offers nature watching and watersports activities. Pooh Bridge is a fun stop for fans of Winnie-the-Pooh, where you can play Pooh Sticks. The Forest Way Country Park provides a safe, traffic-free path for cycling and walking. Heaven Farm, with its Bluebell nature trail, wallabies, and rural life museum, is another excellent option for families.
Danehill is an excellent base for hiking. Ashdown Forest offers numerous walking opportunities, including the Danehill Circular Walk which descends to the River Ouse. For more structured routes, you can explore various options in our guide to Easy hikes around Danehill, which includes trails like the Sussex Diamond Way and Sheffield Forest Loop.
Yes, the area is popular for cycling. The Forest Way Country Park is a traffic-free path ideal for cycling, stretching 10 miles through the High Weald. For more options, consult our guide to Cycling around Danehill, which features routes like the Fallen Tree Bench loop from Ashdown Forest.
For easy walks, the Danehill Circular Walk starting from All Saints Church offers a gentle descent to the River Ouse. The Kingfisher Nature Trail around Ardingly Reservoir is another accessible option. Our guide to Easy hikes around Danehill also lists several routes, including a 5 km hiking loop from Ashdown Forest.
Cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle Kidd's Hill (The Wall) Climb from Coleman's Hatch. Known as the hardest climb in Ashdown Forest, it's a straight, steep ascent that offers rewarding views to the northeast after emerging from the tree line.
The Danehill area is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the lush greenery and longer daylight hours for walking and cycling. Autumn brings stunning foliage to Ashdown Forest. However, paths around places like Ardingly Reservoir can be muddy after rain, so Wellington boots might be necessary, especially in wetter seasons.
Many of the natural areas around Danehill are dog-friendly. Ashdown Forest is a popular spot for dog walkers, and the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is also frequently enjoyed by those with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock.
Several locations offer refreshment stops. The Danehill Circular Walk provides options for refreshment stops like Heaven Farm. Fletching Village also has a couple of good pubs and village stores. Heaven Farm itself includes a cafe. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The walk around Ardingly Reservoir is noted for its pleasant scenery and easy access. Fans of A.A. Milne particularly enjoy the nostalgic experience of visiting Pooh Bridge and playing Pooh Sticks. The historical charm of Fletching Village and its impressive views are also highly appreciated.
Accessibility varies by location. The Forest Way Country Park is a traffic-free path, generally suitable for various users. While some walks, like the perimeter path around Ardingly Reservoir, can be muddy, especially after rain, many areas offer relatively flat terrain. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions if accessibility is a primary concern.


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