- Itineraries
- An Arty Mid Week Break In The Forest Of Dean Wye Valley
Arts Trails
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
About The Itinerary
Discover the creative soul of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley on this five-day mid-week break. Blending striking landscapes with vibrant art, this itinerary takes you through sculpture trails, underground exhibitions, inspiring studios, and ancient ruins that have stirred artists for generations. Whether you're an art lover, a maker, or simply looking for a visually rich and relaxing break, you'll find the perfect mix of culture, nature, and local flavour.
Itinerary Info
Duration:
5 Days 4 Nights
Itinerary Schedule
Monday morning: Lydney Harbour
Enjoy a morning coffee and one of the well renowned toasties from Hips Harbourside before exploring the historic and inspirational Lydney Docks.
The Forest of Dean has a rich history from Roman times through far into the 20th century, with Lydney Harbour being a key part of the River Severn's heritage, its well worth a visit and has lots of dog friendly walks too.
Monday afternoon: Taurus Crafts
At Taurus Crafts you can experience a wide range of arts, with many shops on site, with products made there as well as stocking items from like minded groups and artists.
If you're feeling peckish, they have an on site café, as well as places to buy some sweet treats to enjoy later such as the Chocolate Bar.
Monday afternoon: Check in and relax
No matter what your vibe is and preference of accommodation type, theres plenty of places to stay and choose from, such as Lydney Park Estate, who also have incredible gardens that you can visit (only open between end of April and the start of June so please double check as this changes each year).
Sit back and relax, you've got some exciting days ahead.
Tuesday morning: Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Begin your weekend at the iconic Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. One of the UK’s leading outdoor art trails, it features bold and thought-provoking installations located throughout a woodland walk.
New commissions are now on display, be sure not to miss them.
Tuesday afternoon: 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). Be sure to check out the Verderers' Courtroom, dating back to the 16th century which is also a dining room where you can enjoy a fantastic meal.
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.
Wednesday morning: Tintern Abbey & Village
Tintern Abbey stands proudly in Tintern and is a beautiful sight to see, its no wonder so many poets and artists have been inspired by it.
You can walk along the riverbank, discover local craft shops like Stella & Rose's Books, as well as galleries. A quaint village that reminds us of days of old, fitting of the Wye Valley.
Wednesday afternoon: Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden has one of the largest outdoor Sculpture Exhibitions in Wales - their Summer Sculpture Exhibition is fantastic and a great way to spend the afternoon.
Beautifully kept gardens with a range of blooming flowers and ponds are complimented by stunning sculptured created by incredibly talented artists. If you like any of the sculptures, they are also available for sale and would make a lasting memory of this special place.
Thursday morning: Clearwell Caves
Journey 100ft beneath the Forest of Dean into Clearwell Caves for their immersive art exhibition 'Back to the Caves'. The show, The Full Spectrum, brings together pieces from 60 internationally celebrated artists, including Antony Gormley, Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst, Lynn Chadwick.
It's a bold and colourful collection exploring identity and expression, set in a series of natural caverns, perfectly blending art and environment in a truly unique way like you will have never seen before.
Thursday afternoon: Explore Puzzlewood
Just minutes from Clearwell, explore the mysterious mossy paths and ancient trees of Puzzlewood, which is a forest that has inspired many artists, filmmakers and visitors for centuries.
Though not an art gallery, this stunning woodland offers a dramatic backdrop and visual drama that every creative person will appreciate and remember.
Friday morning: Nature in Art
Located in a stunning Georgian mansion, this art gallery displays work in all mediums and styles from across the globe, being the world's only museum dedicasted to art inspired by nature.
With art on display from over 600 artists, sourced from over 50 countries the diverse creativity on display is amazing to see. Pieces include contemporary glass, sculptures, watercolour landscapes and more to inspire your creativity.
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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