Here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, we’ve got lots to keep you and your family entertained all summer long! To help you get started with your summer plans, we’ve put together a list of just some of the fantastic events that you can enjoy this summer.
Norman Thelwell Exhibition
6 June 2023 to 16 July 2023
Marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of popular cartoonist Norman Thelwell, Nature in Art’s new exhibition, ‘Wrestling with a Pencil’, includes a broad selection from a remarkable body of work produced over Thelwell’s lifetime, selected to reveal not just his skill as an artist, but also his mastery of sharp social comment and his awareness of current and future threats.
Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
10 June 2023
Held at Gwatkin Cider Farm in the heart of Herefordshire's Golden Valley, the Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair offers vintage vehicles, country pursuits, farm animals, medieval re-enactment, crafts, live music, food, drink, dance, and more!
New Sculptures on the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
10 June 2023
Marking the introduction of two new sculptures, ‘Meander’ and ‘Gathering’, to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, join Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust for a free celebratory event, complete with a performance by Forest of Dean Brass!
Wildlife Safari
10 June, 22 July, and 19 August 2023
Spend two hours exploring the Forest of Dean on the hunt for bats, deer, badgers, foxes, voles, mice, hedgehogs, and wild boar on this unique safari experience!
Bands in the Park
11 June to 27 August 2023
Every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer, enjoy a free outdoor concert, with a different band performing each week!
Royal Forest Show
17 June 2023
For a fun-filled family day out in the heart of the Forest of Dean, the Royal Forest Show offers fantastic food, exciting entertainment, a range of activities, and more!
Monmouth Carnival
25 June 2023
Watch as Monmouth town centre is transformed into a sea of colour and sound by the carnival parade, before spending your afternoon enjoying a range of activities, performances, and displays!
Kutumba Summer Yoga Retreat
29 June to 3 July 2023
Offering the chance to escape from the stresses of daily life, Kutumba Summer Yoga Retreat takes place at Hidden Valley Yurts, providing an immersive weekend of yoga in nature. The retreat offers a well-rounded exploration of movement, including vibrant asana practice, yin, mantra, dance, wild swim, and acroyoga.
Live Music at Chepstow Racecourse
30 June to 2 July 2023
As part of a special weekend of live music, Lionel Richie, Lewis Capaldi, and George Ezra will be coming to Chepstow Racecourse!
2023 farOpen Art Trail
1 July to 9 July 2023
farOpen is a collective of diverse and talented artists, and the farOpen Art Trail offers the unique opportunity for you to meet these artists in their studios and see their work in progress, as well as to buy their completed artwork! In addition to this, 28 of farOpen’s members will be exhibiting their work at The Dean Heritage Centre as part of the trail.
Coleford Music Festival
8 July to 9 July 2023
Held annually, Coleford Music Festival is a free outdoor festival, and offers an eclectic mix of music, art, culture, and community. No matter what your taste in music, you’re sure to enjoy the festival’s offering, which includes jazz, indie, blues, rock, ska, rockabilly, folk, and more!
Let's Discover... Medieval Weapons
25 July 2023
Take the opportunity to get a close-up look at medieval weaponry, as well as to meet Chepstow Castle’s resident knight!
The Greatest Knight
26 August to 28 August 2023
On the 801st anniversary of Isabel Marshal’s death, honour the life of Earl Marshal and his influential spouse with living history, medieval re-enactment, music, and horse displays at Tintern Abbey!
Raglan Castle Odyssey - Living History Through The Ages
27 August to 28 August 2023
Enjoy a multi-historical period weekend of living history! See living history groups from many eras go about their daily lives, watch re-enactments and displays, wander their camps, and immerse yourself in times past!
From music festivals to historical re-enactments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley this summer! Don’t forget to let us know which events you’ve enjoyed by sharing your #DeanWye photos!
Related
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, spanning 1500 years, 60 countries and over 600 artists.
4.5 mile long woodland Sculpture Trail beginning at Beechenhurst. Walk underneath a stained glass window hung high in the tree canopy and discover hidden places in the Forest. Free of charge and perfect for all ages. New pieces installed in 2021.
Exploring the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can come no better than a trip out with local naturalist Ed Drewitt. Price: £125 total for a group of up to 4 people; £25 per person thereafter (up to 8 people) Length of experience: 2 hours
Hidden Valley Yurts & Lake House offers a luxurious and unique glamping experience that allows guests to reconnect with nature while enjoying all the comforts of modern living. Nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley, the site offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a memorable and peaceful retreat.
We are the Museum of the Forest: a stunning building and location with inside and outside attractions. Learn about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day, visit our museum and gallery, explore the Gruffalo woodland trail, see inside a reconstructed Forester's cottage, visit a charcoal burner's camp, see chainsaw carving, our working water wheel and pretty stream, kids will enjoy our woodland playground plus there is an excellent cafe and gift shop.
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
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.
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
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