Active England | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

To mark the 100^th anniversary of the publication of “Winnie the Pooh,” Active England has introduced *A Rather Important Journey: Winnie-the-Pooh’s Centenary* — a six-day guided “readaway” retreat. (photo: Active England)

What if the most meaningful trip you take this year asks you to slow down, read and walk through the woods that inspired one of the most beloved stories ever written?

Travel in 2026 has a new defining word: “readaway.” With 91% of travelers expressing a desire for slower, more intentional trips this year, a new category of literary travel has become one of the year’s most compelling emerging trends — journeys built around books, reflection and the landscapes that gave great stories their soul. This year, the trend has its perfect emblem: the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh, first published in 1926.

Ashdown Forest, the East Sussex heathland just 30 miles from London that became the real-life Hundred Acre Wood, is marking the centenary this summer with a full program of free cultural events, including interactive performances, new themed walking trails and community celebrations across the county, all under the banner of The Big One Hundred (thebigonehundred.co.uk).

To mark the anniversary, Active England, a U.K.-based soft adventure luxury tour operator, has launched A Rather Important Journey: Winnie-the-Pooh’s Centenary — a six-day guided read retreatthat blends quiet, literary exploration with a walking-led tour through the real-life setting of the story’s Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest.

Beginning in London and continuing into the Sussex countryside, the experience is designed as a true “readaway,” complete with a gifted collection of the original stories to accompany you throughout the journey. From playing Poohsticks at Poohsticks Bridge, to visiting Pooh Corner and Nymans, to themed picnics and independent readings along the route — taking in Piglet’s door, the Gloomy Place, the Heffalump Trap and the Milne and Shepard Memorial — the journey brings the magic of Winnie-the-Pooh into the real world.

Highlights of the six-day journey include:

Walking through Ashdown Forest, the setting behind Milne’s stories
Playing Poohsticks at the original Poohsticks Bridge
Guided outdoor readings with a gifted collection of the original Winnie-the-Pooh books
Visits to Pooh Corner and special centenary exhibitions across Sussex
Exploring the lives of A.A. Milne and Christopher Robin through literary and historical landmarks

Active England Tours, UK +44 (0) 333 090 3116, hello@activeenglandtours.com, activeenglandtours.com

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Nestled in the rugged northeast of England, Northumberland is a land of untamed beauty, rich history, and some of the darkest skies in Europe. Just 3 hours by train from London, Active England is offering a noctourism adventure into the unspoiled wilderness of Kielder Forest and the crown jewel of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the largest in the UK (photo: Active England)

International Dark Sky Week (April 21–28, 2025) is an ideal time to spotlight the growing global trend of noctourism—travel experiences that embrace the beauty, serenity, and ecological importance of the night. With artificial light increasingly encroaching on our skies, travelers are seeking out destinations where darkness still reigns, offering unforgettable moments under the stars.

One standout is Active England’s Five-Day Celestial Journey Through Northern England, a luxurious, guided adventure through Northumberland, home to some of the darkest skies in Europe. Timed perfectly with the celestial calendar, the experience blends history and stargazing, from walking Hadrian’s Wall at golden hour to private access at the Kielder Observatory. Travelers can dine by firelight in a treetop restaurant, participate in a forest sound bath, and witness the Milky Way in all its glory—no filters, no crowds, just pure night magic.

Led by a local expert guide, this bespoke adventure blends celestial wonders with rich history—from exploring Hadrian’s Wall at sunset to visiting the mystical Holy Island, only accessible during low tide. As night falls, immerse yourself in the starlit serenity of Kielder Forest, home to the UK’s largest Dark Sky Park. Enjoy exclusive access to Kielder Observatory, where expert astronomers guide you through a dazzling display of the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and meteor showers. Dine among the treetops at Alnwick Treehouse Restaurant, where twinkling lights and a roaring fire create an enchanting atmosphere, and unwind with a sound bath in the forest, letting ancient vibrations soothe your soul under the night sky. Designed for stargazers and night wanderers, this Active England experience is a truly magical escape into the wonders of the dark.

Beyond the stars, Northumberland enchants visitors with dramatic coastlines, medieval castles, and Roman ruins, including the legendary Hadrian’s Wall.

This five-day journey, just 3 hours by train from London, soaks in the charm of Northern England, connecting you with nature and offering a unique celestial experience.

On Day 1, walk or cycle alongside Hadrian’s Wall, uncovering the secrets of Roman Britain at Vindolanda Fort, a fascinating archaeological site filled with ancient artifacts. For movie buffs and nature lovers, the iconic Sycamore Gap, featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, offers an awe-inspiring hike through vast open moorland.

On Day 2, a scenic drive north to Alnwick, home to the spectacular Alnwick Castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films, to explore this grand fortress, which has stood for over 950 years and is a fine example of a Norman castle. The afternoon takes a literary turn with a visit to Barter Books, a quirky and beloved bookshop inside Alnwick railway station.

Highlights of Day 3 include a trip to Bamburgh, where a mighty castle stands proudly on the shores of the Northumberland coast. Just offshore lies Lindisfarne (Holy Island) an ancient place of pilgrimage and the first known Christian settlement in England. Accessible only during low tide via a causeway, this mystical island is home to rare wildlife, medieval ruins, and a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life.

Day 4 is all about Dark Sky, venturing deep into Kielder Forest. As night falls, head to Kielder Observatory, where a private stargazing experience awaits. Gaze through powerful telescopes at distant galaxies, witness shooting stars, and lose yourself in the vastness of the universe. Objects such as  Messier 33, a galaxy deemed by many to be invisible to the naked eye, can be clearly seen from the Observatory site on moonless nights.

Day 5 offers an optional visit to the Kielder Planetarium for another talk with astronomers.

Feeling adventurous? Scotland is just a stone’s throw away! With Edinburgh a short two-hour drive from Kielder, why not continue your journey into the wild, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands?

There are plenty of options to continue a starry skied adventure with Lochside luxury wilderness lodging or a visit to The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh for one of the many astronomy events that occur throughout the year.

For more information, +1 844 201 8622 (US Toll-Free),support@activeenglandtours.com, activeenglandtours.com.

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