02/10/2026
Autumn is here, and so are some lovely events you won’t want to miss out on.
Here’s our list of the top five events worth checking out this October in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
🍎 Forest Showcase Food Festival (Sunday 4th).
Independent food and drink producers from across the Forest and surrounding areas gather at The Speech House Hotel a former hunting lodge in the centre of the Forest. Expect tastings, a cookery theatre, live music, kids' cookery and talks. Open 10am to 4pm.
🌙 Evening Wildlife Safari (Sunday 4th, Saturday 17th and Friday 30th).
Two hours through ancient woodland with Ed and Liz Drewitt as dusk falls. You'll listen for deer and wild boar coming out for the night and look for kingfishers and mandarin ducks on the ponds. Each date starts a little earlier as the evenings draw in. Wildlife Safaris Forest of Dean
🎬 Ross-on-Wye Film Festival (Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th)
Are you a lover of films and independent cinemas? Well The Phoenix Theatre has an amazing line-up for your cosy weekend stay in the Wye Valley. Tickets are only £5 each, so grab yours quickly! Visit Ross-on-Wye
🦅 Falconry at the Abbey (Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th).
Falconry was the most popular sport of the Tudor era, and birds of prey will be flying at Tintern Abbey all weekend, with the chance to have your photo taken alongside them. It's included with entry, and Brother Thomas the Cellarer is back on Saturday 17th too. Cadw
🏺 One Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (Friday 16th).
A whole day at the wheel at Hot Pot Pottery near English Bicknor, in a group of no more than six. It includes a home-made two-course lunch, and up to six of your pots are glazed and fired afterwards. Beginners are welcome, and it's a lovely way to switch off for a day. Hot Pot Pottery - pottery classes, workshops & experiences
