Through The Local Lens: Paul Bennell
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Paul Bennell. Hidden gems and local stories.
In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has long been a source of inspiration for artists, makers, and performers. Being well known for its ever-changing light, dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted sense of place, it’s no surprise that the area is home to a thriving and diverse creative community.
In this section, you’ll find galleries, studios, workshops, theatres, exhibitions and events that bring local creativity to life. From contemporary art spaces and traditional crafts to open studios, community festivals, sculpture trails and live performances, there’s always something to explore - whether you’re a creator yourself or simply appreciate beautiful things.
Many artists in the area open their doors for workshops and hands-on experiences, giving you the chance to try something new - from pottery and printmaking to painting, mosaics, and floristry. You’ll also find independent galleries and pop-up exhibitions showcasing work inspired by the landscape, history and heritage of the Dean Wye.
Explore below to discover the artistic heart of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and perhaps leave with a piece of it, too.
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…
Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live… Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live music and performances.
A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and… A cosy country pottery offering a wide range of pottery activities, workshops, classes and experiences for all ages, levels of ability & budgets in the Forest of Dean.
Prices from:
£70.00
Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into… Superb contemporary open-plan apartments opening out onto stunning valley views. Walk straight into the Forest of Dean. Explore Symonds Yat Rock and the Wye Valley.
Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,… Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food within a supportive community…
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and… The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and is one of the top things to see when visiting Tintern and the Wye Valley. .
Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked… Hereford Cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library and a community which has worked and worshipped together continuously for over 1,300 years.
Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure… Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality…
We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,… We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum, explore the Gruffalo Trail and playground and shop local in our Gift Shop.
Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events
David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…
Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the Abergavenny Market Hall, a traditional indoor &… Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the Abergavenny Market Hall, a traditional indoor & outdoor market. With over 200 stands selling a huge range of goods its a must…
Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by… Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by the makers. Ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, kitchenwood, basketry,…
We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Direst of Dean in the attractive Severnside… We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Direst of Dean in the attractive Severnside village of Newnham on Severn.
Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the… Enjoy the latest films at Studio Cinema in Coleford - a cosy, independent two-screen cinema in the Forest of Dean. Great value, great location.
Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature.… Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Displays embrace two and three-dimensional work in all mediums and styles,…
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Dates:
17th Oct 2025 - 25th Oct 2025
This autumn, Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis will transform the beautiful setting of Gloucester… This autumn, Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis will transform the beautiful setting of Gloucester Cathedral into a captivating display of light and sound.
Dates:
25th Oct 2025 - 26th Oct 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll… Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's wheel techniques. You'll get to throw, trim, assemble and decorate your pottery to an extremely high…
Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 28th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting! Spooky pottery painting!
Dates:
28th Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025
Free half term activities return to Ross this October. Free half term activities return to Ross this October.
Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
29th Oct 2025 - 29th Oct 2025
Spooky pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
31st Oct 2025 - 31st Oct 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
1st Nov 2025 - 1st Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
7th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Join Anna from Made at the Hut for the mindful art of Indian Block…
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the…
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Event Dates:
8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
9th Nov 2025 - 9th Nov 2025
Recital by Astatine Piano Trio
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Event Dates:
12th Nov 2025 - 12th Nov 2025
Escape to the country and spend a whole day learning how to make pottery…
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Event Dates:
15th Nov 2025 - 15th Nov 2025
A whole day with your own pottery wheel in our lovely rural pottery studio
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Prices from:
£87.00
These fun session in our lovely rural pottery studio include making theme related pottery on the… These fun session in our lovely rural pottery studio include making theme related pottery on the wheel, painting of themed pottery blanks & themed food to round off your…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Distance 2 - 4.8 Miles
Step into one of the most imaginative walks in Britain at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail - a… Step into one of the most imaginative walks in Britain at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail - a unique outdoor gallery where the forest itself becomes part of the artwork.
Duration: 2 Hours
Distance 20 Mile (circular)
The Royal Forest Route is a 20-mile circular driving trail through the very best of the Forest of… The Royal Forest Route is a 20-mile circular driving trail through the very best of the Forest of Dean.
Step into the stories that shape the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with our Myths & Legends Trail -… Step into the stories that shape the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with our Myths & Legends Trail - a journey through strange sightings, ghostly whispers, ancient…
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