Through The Local Lens: James Kelly-Smith
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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.
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,…
Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of… Remarkable pottery experiences for individuals, groups and organisations. We work with thousands of workshop participants, all ages and abilities, sharing the many benefits…
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern… When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
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.
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.
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…
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,…
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events
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.
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.…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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Dates:
21st Nov 2025 - 21st Nov 2025
Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye Wreath-Making Workshop at Severn & Wye
Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 23rd Nov 2025
A beautiful candlelit service marking the beginning of the new Christian year. A beautiful candlelit service marking the beginning of the new Christian year.
Dates:
21st Dec 2025 - 21st Dec 2025
Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols and magnificent music from… Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols and magnificent music from our Cathedral Choirs.
Dates:
22nd Dec 2025 - 22nd Dec 2025
Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols and magnificent music from… Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols and magnificent music from our Cathedral Choirs.
Event Dates:
28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…
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Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
Combine Pottery Making with Food
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Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 30th Nov 2025
Spend two creative and awe-inspiring days exploring a myriad of potter's…
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Event Dates:
29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…
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Event Dates:
1st Dec 2025 - 1st Dec 2025
Christmas Wreath workshop December 01 2025, 6-8pm, £30 per person
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Event Dates:
4th Dec 2025 - 4th Dec 2025
Christmas Mosaic Workshop
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Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 31st Dec 2025
Wander through our underground Festive Forest, where the woodland animals…
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Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…
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Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
A hands-on Potter’s Wheel introduction. Making a pot on the potter’s wheel…
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Event Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
Christmas-themed Paint Workshop
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Christmas pottery painting!
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Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Pottery Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
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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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