- Itineraries
- An Arty Long Weekend In The Forest Of Dean Wye Valley
Arts Trails
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
About The Itinerary
Discover sculpture, creativity and artistic wonder in a landscape that’s inspired for centuries
Are you looking for a weekend filled with creativity, nature and culture? Whether you're an art lover, maker, or just want to try something different, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has an inspiring mix of galleries, trails, exhibitions and hands-on workshops, all set in one of the most beautiful regions in the UK.
This itinerary brings together the region’s most exciting and innovative art destinations. From underground sculpture to open studios and large-scale outdoor works, it’s your perfect guide to an arty escape.
Itinerary Info
Duration:
4 Days 3 Nights
Itinerary Schedule
Friday: Nature in Art Museum
Begin your trip en route with a stop at Nature in Art, the world’s only museum and gallery dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature.
Browse exhibitions ranging from wildlife photography to glass, ceramics, and painting, all set within a Georgian mansion.
Friday Afternoon: Check in & settle in
Whether that’s a stylish B&B, peaceful forest cabin, a boutique hotel, a village cottage with character, or something else, theres plenty of places to stay. Take the evening to relax, try some forest bathing or check out some of the local 'must visits' in the area..
Friday Afternoon/Evening: The Speech House Hotel
Refuel in style with afternoon tea at The Speech House Hotel, a historic former hunting lodge just minutes from Beechenhurst.
Enjoy local produce, homemade cakes and a selection of teas in the relaxed dining room or outside in the garden (weather permitting).
You could even walk off your meal at Cyril Hart Arboretum or Speech House Lake, both a short walk from the Speech House and a beautiful way to finish the afternoon.
Saturday Morning: Clearwell Caves
Step underground into Clearwell Caves for the immersive 'Back to the Caves' exhibition. The current show, The Full Spectrum, is a bold and colourful collection exploring identity and expression.
Set in a series of natural caverns, this exhibition blends art and environment in a truly unique way.
Saturday Afternoon: Explore Puzzlewood
Just minutes from Clearwell, explore the twisted trees and mossy paths of Puzzlewood, which is a location that has inspired artists, filmmakers and visitors for centuries.
Though not an art gallery, this enchanting woodland offers visual drama that every creative soul will appreciate.
Sunday Morning: Tintern Abbey & Village
Just down the road from the Wye Valley Sculpture Garden is Tintern Abbey – a source of inspiration for generations of artists and poets.
Walk the riverbank, browse local craft shops and galleries, and enjoy the creative spirit of this iconic Wye Valley village.
Sunday Afternoon: Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is one of the largest outdoor Sculpture Exhibitions in Wales and a must visit.
Sunday is the perfect time to visit as homemade cakes are on offer as well as music from Simon Cottle, their resident guitarist - making the trip even more special.
Monday Morning: Hips Social
Hips Social is a great place to pick up a coffee (from their signature blend) and some well needed breakfast to help see you through your journey home.
They are located in Lydney and are open from 7.30am, if you're in a rush - no worries as they also offer a takeaway service.
Bonus: farOpen Art Trail
If you're visiting in early summer, check if your trip coincides with the FarOpen Art Trail. This is a brilliant opportunity to meet local artists, tour open studios, and see a wide range of work across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. From ceramics and sculpture to painting and printmaking, it's a unique way to explore the creative heart of the region.
Dates vary each year, so make sure you check the farOpen website to view the latest interactive trail map and plan your route.
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