Forest of Dean
Properties and events in Forest of Dean
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
The Land between Two Rivers
An overall look at the area in which the Forest of Dean's part in the festival will take place. Today's talk will begin with the mystery and magic from Geoffrey of Monmouth concerning the two rivers that form the boundary on east and west.
Great Western Railway Museum, Coleford
Visit a privately owned museum lovingly created from the GWR Goods Shed that marked the site of Coleford's two railways: the Great Western and Severn and Wye Railways that once served the area.
Newent Market House Museum Special Opening Days
Built in 1668, Newent’s black and white Market House has been the centre of the town for over 300 years. It houses a display of local history and a large collection of local artefacts plus music history featuring locals Joe Meek and Rutland Boughton.
The Land between two Rivers
Land of Myths and Legends? An introduction to the ten days of Heritage Open Days 2024 in the Forest of Dean
Visit the Deputy Gaveller in his office
The Office of Deputy Gaveller is unique to the Forest of Dean, currently held by Daniel Howell He is the Monarch's representative who deals with many issues in connection with the gales and mines within the Forest.
Mitcheldean Town Hall, its history and its interesting contents
Visit this historic building in a village which became know around the world for at least one of its industries. Originally, the hall would have provided shelter for market stalls when orchards abounded in the area.
Two Westbury Churches and their history in the Dean
The Church of St Peter, Paul and Mary occupies the same site as the Bell Tower, previously a church in its own right. The site has a history going back to the Crusades and then the English Civil War. Enjoy the present use of this amazing combination.
Forest of Dean Writers Collection
Exhibition showing new collection being established by University of Gloucestershire's Reading the Forest project and Dean Heritage Centre
Dean Forest Railway - Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour
Dean Forest Railway at Norchard have been preserving the heritage of the local railways of the Forest of Dean.They offer many activities throughout the year, and for Heritage Open Days Denis Martin will be giving a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
Talk given by two people about free-mining
Paul Baverstock and Ian Jamieson will talk of their experiences in working a Forest of Dean gale owned by a local freeminer on a part time basis. There will be a power point presentation and some examples of equipment used on show.
All Saints' Church, Viney Hill, Present and Future
All Saints' Church described by F.W. Harvey as a "lantern on the hill" and built of Forest sandstone sits on the edge of Forest woodland over looking the Severn Valley. Enjoy exhibitions on church history, Gypsy Petulengro and future plans.
Visit St Anne's Church at Oxenhall, near Newent
Visit a church built in the 14th century, rebuilt in the 17th century following a design by Provincial Architect, John MIddleton.
Historic bee keeping and candle making in the Forest of Dean
Hear why bee keeping became popular in monasteries and try your hand at hand making a candle.
Come along to Naas Court Farm and Barns
Visit a site sympathetically brought back into use as a property which now also houses a modern wedding and performance venue.
Tramroads of the Forest of Dean
Power-point presentation and talk on the development of the tramroads of the Forest of Dean
Tales from the river bank
The threat to the future life of the River Severn and the loss of historic privileges to the whole of the longest river in Britain.
Forest Writers: Networks and connections
An evening with the Forest of Dean Writers Collection team in Coleford Library. Findings are emerging from the new collelction.
Dean Heritage Centre Special Heritage Open Day Event
Dean Heritage Centre, set in a tranquil valley, holds many records of the social and industrial history of the Forest of Dean. There is normally a charge for admission to meet running costs but for Heritage Open Days 2024 this is waived for one day.
Following the Iron Queen
Following the Iron Queen- sailing to Argentina (or nearly so) A talk sharing Eric's voyage from Cardiff, South Wales to Rosario, Argentina 130 years after his Great Grandfather sailed the Iron Queen there, delivering Railway lines and sleepers.
Bream Heritage Walk
Explore the area around Bream, taking in its industrial past
Dean Forest Railway: Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Dean Forest Railway at Norchard Railway Station in Lydney.
Lydney Skiff Project
Explore the work of a community based group building a skiff to row on the Severn. Learn about traditional boat building in the Forest of Dean.
The hidden routes of the Forest
The Hidden Routes of the Forest uncovers the hidden symphony in nature shared with you by Wilde Earth Journeys,
Cinderford Memorabilia Day
An excellent display showcasing the history and heritage of Cinderford and its surrounding area.
Forest Brass Band, Yorkley
Forest Brass is local band operating in an original tin hut at Yorkley, the only one of its kind still in existence. There will be an exhibition and followed by a concert.
Oh yes it is... Seventy years of panto fun
Celebration of the connections and networks between the Wesley Players Pantomime and the local community over the past seventy years, featuring displays and performances.
Lydney Masonic Centre Open Day
The Masonic Centre is housed in a former GPO telephone exchange which was converted for masonic use on the 1990s
Littledean Hall Grounds: Celts and Romans were here
More excavations at the site have uncovered yet more evidence of the area being occupied before the Romans arrived in Britain.
Gunns Mill Open Day, Nr. Mitcheldean, Glos
Beneath the weather-saving covering lies a building from times long passed. The building has one of the most complete surviving seventeenth century blast furnaces.