The Bear Inn in Hartfield feels like a place where a comfortable welcome meets centuries of character. Set in a 15th‑century manor house at the edge of Ashdown Forest, it pairs a timeless setting with thoughtful touches. Guests arrive to find homemade dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients – and the honey isn’t just local, it’s its own product, harvested from hives around Sussex, giving meals a peculiar sense of place and purpose.
Whether walkers and cyclists are dropping in after a day in the forest, or families are looking for a country stay, The Bear Inn offers both a cosy bar and a beer garden. On bright days, visitors can dine outdoors over a chilled glass of wine or a local ale – Harvey’s, Long Man, even wines from Rathfinny – making every sip feel rooted in the region.
Inside, the accommodation is just as appealing. Four country‑styled rooms (a mix of doubles and a twin) are all en‑suite, with characterful names like Pooh, Tigger, Kanga and Piglet. They offer a friendly night’s rest after exploring Pooh country. Meanwhile, when the inn steps into event mode – Quiz Nights every third Thursday, plus live music and special occasions – the Honey Pot Room, with its own bar and open fire, becomes an ideal spot for celebrations or corporate gatherings.
All of this comes with genuine comfort and local spirit. It’s somewhere families, couples and Pooh fans can settle in, relax after forest adventures, and wake to a warm breakfast (sometimes arriving in a breakfast basket) before another walk beside the Heffalump Trap or across Poohsticks Bridge.
Things To Do
Nearby attractions are practically on the doorstep. Guests can follow in Christopher Robin’s footsteps through Ashdown Forest, including Poohsticks Bridge, and pick up walking maps from the Ashdown Forest Centre. A short stroll brings you to Pooh Corner tearoom and shop. For broader touring, Hever Castle and Glyndebourne Opera House are within easy reach, and the old railway trackbed through the village now forms part of a popular walking and cycling route.
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