'Three cheers for Pooh! (For who?) For Pooh! (Why, what did he do?) I thought you knew...' Of the many things that the great Winnie the Pooh did, the most significant, as far as we're concerned, is choosing to spend his entire fictional life in this little corner of East Sussex. What's not known is if he ever came across St Ives Farm, a countryside campsite just outside Hartfield, the village where AA Milne penned his famous stories. Using the rural idyll of St Ives Farm as a base, you can follow in the footsteps of Christopher Robin and all the gang. Just pick up a special map to discover all their beloved haunts - 100 Acre Wood, Galleon's Lap, and Poohsticks Bridge. St Ives Farm sits beside a pretty fishing lake surrounded by arable farmland, and the Weald Way runs alongside.The farm has a peaceful ambience, enhanced by the softly crackling fires scenting the air with sizzling sausages and melting marshmallows.The site often gets booked out at weekends, so, as Pooh would say,'you can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you.You have to go to them sometimes.' What are you waiting for? Book your spot, too.

COOL FACTOR Secluded lakeside setting with added Pooh-phernalia.

WHO'S IN? Every man and his dog.



ON SITE Campfires allowed. Twenty pitches; updated facilities include a new shower block with 6 showers, toilets, and 4 separate portaloos. Fishing in the lake (carp and perch) £8/£4 per day for adult/child.

OFF SITE Go walking with llamas (no, really) at the Ashdown Forest Llama Park (www.llamapark.co.uk) in Forest Row. A llama each costs £30; a llama between 2 costs £50.

FOOD AND DRINK For top-notch food with an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal produce, head for the Hatch Inn (01342 822363) at Colemans Hatch. It's a quaint little country pub on the edge of Ashdown Forest, a 10-minute drive from St Ives Farm and handy for Poohsticks Bridge. The St Ives Tea Room at the farm next door does cream teas.

GETTING THERE Take the B2026 north from Hartfield. Take the first turning left on to Butcherfield Lane and continue for 1½ miles. Take the next left and follow signs.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Bus no. 291 calls at various local train stations and stops at Hartfield, 2 miles from the site.

OPEN April-October.

THE DAMAGE Adult £7 per night; child £4.