Activities
At Downash Wood
Why not do some wildlife watching, including bird watching (buzzards, woodpeckers and barn owls to name but a few), butterflies, badgers, rabbits, and deer. Sheep also graze the land and lambs can be enjoyed at the right time of year.
Places to visit
For hosts favourite recommendations, check out the places to visit page on their website.
Ticehurst Village (1 mile) - a quintessentially English village with independent shops including bakers, fish mongers, art and craft shops, cafés, as well as the award-winning pub, the Bell Inn, and a lovely ancient church and village greens. It's well worth a walk into the village to look around, and you could follow the Ticehurst and Flimwell welly walk which passes very close to Downash Wood.
Scotney Castle (4.6 miles) - a 14th century moated castle in a beautiful wooded estate, great fun for all the family.
Hastings seaside town (19 miles) - a traditional fishing town with lots of seaside fun and games for all the family.
Kent and Sussex Railway (15 miles) - watch and ride on traditional steam trains including the Wealden Pullman, where you can enjoy a silver service meal while winding through the Rother valley.
Filmwell Park (1.8 miles) - here you will find a superb restaurant, bike hire and woodland to explore - it’s a sustainable woodland project.
Outdoor and Active
Hawkhurst Fish Farm (6 miles) - a selection of fishing lakes which can be enjoyed along with the wildlife from the lakeside café with lovely alfresco dining.
Bodiam Boating Station (9.7 miles) - spend a day messing around on or in the river by wild swimming or hiring a boat, Kayak, SUP, or canoe. Enjoy a well deserved lunch in the Lime Wharf café, which enjoys views over the river and beyond.
Bewl Water Reservoir (4.6 miles) - Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in the South East and is next door to Downash Wood. The 800 acre site is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the High Weald. It's open all year round to enjoy stunning views over the reservoir while walking or cycling the 12.5 mile round reservoir route. Water sports and bike hire available for the more adventurous at the visitor centre. Please check with Bewl Water for available activities as some are seasonal or need to be prebooked.
Bedgebury Pineatum (2.9 miles) - home to one of the world’s finest conifer collections, this is the perfect place for walking and enjoying life in a spectacular world of trees. The forest offers miles of fantastic bike trails, riding and playing as well as the Go Ape adventure playground.