First Day at School

You'll find this gallery tucked away near Coleford in the Forest of Dean, and it's one of those places that catches you off guard. First Day at School is a working artist's space where you can actually watch creativity happen rather than just view the finished product behind glass. The gallery focuses on contemporary work, often with a playful edge, and the whole setup feels refreshingly unpretentious - more living studio than sterile exhibition space.

It works best for people who like wandering through artist-led galleries and actually talking to the makers. If you're after blockbuster exhibitions or formal art history tours, you'll be disappointed. But if you enjoy stumbling upon genuine creative work in progress, this delivers. The whole experience takes an hour or so, depending on how chatty the artist is feeling.

Admission details are thin on the ground online - best to ring ahead or check what's showing before you visit, as opening hours and entry fees aren't publicly listed everywhere. The location makes it a natural fit with the camping sites scattered across the Forest of Dean. Bracelands and Greenacres are your closest bases, both within easy striking distance, and you could easily pair this with a woodland walk or a visit to the wider forest attractions. It's the kind of stop that works well on a lazy afternoon when you're already exploring the area, rather than a specific destination to drive hours for.