I live in the Beautiful Forest of Dean in the UK. Here's a guide that I'll be updating regularly with What's On in the Forest of Dean to assist tourists and travelers. Here are all the local events I'm aware of.

What To Do in the Forest of Dean isn't an easy choice as there is so much to choose from, yet it's not necessarily easy to find out What's On! Forest of Dean activities and events listed here should help anyone visiting make better selections from the range of events available.

The Forest of Dean is one of England's most beautiful sceneries, yet one of our best-kept tourist spots. Even many Brits confuse it with the New Forest (they have ponies, we have wild boar and big cats!) or worse, don't know where we are! In a way that's good, because it remains unspoiled and a real place of traditional country living! We're very close to the Wye Valley - so much so that people usually lump it together and think the forest of Dean is IN the Wye Velley (we're not). Until last year or so we were The Royal Forest of Dean and one of the last remaining Royal Forests. Sadly we were passed to the Forestry commission though, so I no longer live in a Royal Forest!

We have deer, sheep that roam free (so drive carefully), the wild boar, a range of birds including peregrine falcons, and plenty of wildlife to see!

I have not included local clubs and regular activities as this page is aimed at visitors and those holidaying in or exploring the Forest.

If you'd like to add a Forest of Dean event, just leave me a comment at the bottom of this page and I'll add it in! Or email me with the link on my profile page and I'll come straight back to you with how to list your event here. There is no charge for this service!

Know more details about an event? I'd love to have more details on many of the events listed here. Simply leave a comment at the bottom of the page and I'll add it in!

Have a photo of the Forest of Dean you're proud of? Contact me and I'll place it here for you with a copyright credit.

NB all events have info contacts listed - or the main website will be found in the links section at the bottom of the page.

Every Saturday - Live Bands

At the Miners Arms, The Bay, Whitecroft, Lydney, Glos GL15 4PE come along and join us and enjoy a night of live entertainment with drink offers

10 October - 10 January - Art at Abergavenny Museum

50th anniversary at Abergavenny Museum is showing an exhibition from 1959 to 2009 of work by nine local artists and craftspeople. A selection of ceramics from Monmouthshire based potters Ned Heywood and Steve Hoselitz. Abergavenny based Stone carver Jane Turner and sculptor Russ Turner, also have several pieces in the exhibition. Some items

5,6,12,13,18,19,20,23,24 December - Hunt for Father Christmas

Perrygrove Railway, Coleford - Start with seasonal refreshments, then ride on a steam train to collect magic badges from Jack Frost. Return to a cosy room where children rub their magic badges - Now watch their faces as Father Christmas actually comes down the chimney to meet them and give them presents!

At Perrygrove Father Christmas comes to see you - NOT the other way around - so no queuing! £12.50 Adults and Children each.

5,6,12,13,19,20 and 24 December - Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway

Santa Specials run a trip out on the Dean Forest Railway and join the many families who return every year to join in the fun of this magical experience travelling through the forest to Parkend.

All Santa trains depart from Norchard Station, just north of Lydney on the B4234, where there is a large free car park. The round trip on the train takes approximately one hour. Toilets are available at stations and there are limited toilet facilities on the trains. Santa trains are not always suitable for wheelchair passengers, so why not discuss with the railways booking staff if anyone in your party is disabled and they will make every effort to help.

05 December to 25 December - Winter Wonderland

At the Forest of Dean Model Village, Lydney, come see our Christmas Winter Wounderland and see Santa who will also be visiting us

06 - 20 December - Zoom Christmas Exhibition

At Mariana Art - Paintings, Photographs & Prints by Julian Wimpenny & D. Mariana Robinson and Antique & Classic Binoculars by Chris Robinson. Open 10.30am – 5.00pm

18+19 December - International Centre for Birds of Prey Owl Evening

This festive season enjoy a hog roast and mulled wine as well as see owls flown indoors and outdoors with a guided tour of the aviaries starts 6.30pm at Newent GL18 1JJ telephone 01531 820286

27 and 28 December and January 1 - Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway

Why not take advantage of a chance to blow the Christmas cobwebs away at the railway and enjoy a ride through the forest on a steam-hauled train you can ride on board the railways heritage diesel multiple unit.

28 - 29 December - Christmas Trail at Goodrich Castle

At Goodrich Castle - Get the whole family together to follow the trail of clues around the castle to claim your festive treat. Also we have 10% discount on everything in the castle shop which is full of inspiring gifts for friends and family. 10am – 4pm Prices: Adult: £5.20, Concession: £4.40, Child (5 – 15yrs): £2.60, Family: £13.00.

It may be cold outside but the Forest of Dean events list has plenty of indoor activities!

2 January - Guided Walk

At Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides - Start the new-year with a walk to clear the head after Christmas! Explore some of the industrial heritage in the heart of the Forest of Dean on an easy guided walk.

The Cannop guided walk is quite easy and suitable for all ages it a 7 km circular walk in the heart of the Forest of Dean starts at 10.00am taking approximately 2.5 hours (book on line www.wyedeantourguides.org.uk)

10 October - 10 January - Art at Abergavenny Museum

50th anniversary at Abergavenny Museum is showing an exhibition from 1959 to 2009 of  work by nine local artists and craftspeople. A selection of ceramics from Monmouthshire based potters Ned Heywood and Steve Hoselitz. Abergavenny based Stone carver Jane Turner and sculptor Russ Turner, also have several pieces in the exhibition. Some items

February's traditionally wet so if you find yourself in the Forest of Dean in Feb, check out our indoor activities to keep both you and the kids amused.The Forest will be MUDDY until the ground dries, so be warned! What's On in the Forest this February involves something for everyone

If you'd like to add a Forest of Dean event, just leave me a comment at the bottom of this page and I'll add it in! Or email me with the link on my profile page and I'll come straight back to you with how to list your event here. There is no charge for this service!

Know more details about an event?  Simply leave a comment at the bottom of the page and I'll add it in! 

Have a photo of the Forest of Dean you're proud of? Contact me and I'll place it here for you with a copyright credit