Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tom Radford
Post date:
1st June 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Tom Radford. See why he loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
- Locations
- Lydney
Lydney
Gateway to the Forest of Dean
Discover Lydney
Welcome to Lydney - the gateway to the Forest of Dean.
Located on the edge of the River Severn, surrounded by rolling countryside and woodland, Lydney is a historic market town packed with charm, character, and plenty of things to do.
This lively little town is the ideal base for exploring the wider Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, while also offering its own attractions, shops, eateries, and stunning riverside walks to enjoy.
A Historic Riverside Town
Situated on the banks of the River Severn, Lydney has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town grew during the industrial revolution, with its harbour playing a key role in transporting coal and iron from the Forest of Dean across the country. Today, Lydney’s heritage is still visible through its historic docks, town centre landmarks, and nearby archaeological sites.
At the heart of the town, you'll find a range of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs, offering a warm welcome to visitors.
Things to See and Do in Lydney
- Lydney Harbour: Take a stroll along the historic Lydney Harbour and enjoy sweeping views across the Severn Estuary. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for birdwatching, walking, or just sitting and watching the ever-changing tides - the Severn has the second highest tidal range in the world! Don't forget a pit stop at Hips Harbourside for a drink and bite to eat.
- Dean Forest Railway: Step back in time on the Dean Forest Railway. This heritage railway runs through beautiful woodland between Lydney and Parkend, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past and a fantastic day out for all ages.
- Lydney Park Estate and Roman Temple: Visit one of the Forest's hidden gems. The estate is home to stunning gardens and the remains of a Roman temple complex, showcasing Lydney's ancient roots.
- Rachel Shilston - Inspiring Creativity: Get crafty with a hands on experience. From Crafternoon tea to mosaic workshops - theres fun for the whole family.
- Bathurst Park: Right in the centre of town, Bathurst Park is a beautifully maintained green space, ideal for a relaxing afternoon. There are open lawns, flowerbeds, a playground for the kids, and plenty of space for a picnic.
- Shopping and Eating: Lydney’s town centre has a mix of independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for local produce, a delicious lunch, or a friendly coffee stop, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Don't miss Taurus Crafts for great independent shops and activities.
- Severn Estuary Views: Take a stroll or cycle along the Severn Way and enjoy panoramic views of one of the UK's most dynamic tidal landscapes.
Events and Local Life
Lydney regularly hosts farmers’ markets, music events, and local festivals that celebrate the town’s strong community spirit. Its location makes it a great base for exploring the wider Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, offering easy access to nature reserves, cycle trails, and historic sites.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're looking for scenic walks, historic landmarks, or a relaxing day by the water, Lydney is a perfect stop on your Forest of Dean and Wye Valley adventure. Discover the best of countryside and coast, all from one welcoming town.
Businesses related to Lydney
Families | Groups | Accessible
Lydney Library
At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly,… At Lydney Library, visitors of all ages can discover books, ideas and new skills in a friendly, inclusive space that supports learning, creativity and community connection.
Prices from:
£100.00
Accessible | Families
Danby Cottage
Perfect hideaway set deep in the heart of the forest. Ideal for walks, cycling and relaxing… Perfect hideaway set deep in the heart of the forest. Ideal for walks, cycling and relaxing surrounded by nature
Families | Dogs | Groups | History | Nature
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
Families | Groups | Adventure
Whitemead Forest Park Activities
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes,… Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora…
Families | Groups
Stay at Lydney Park Estate
Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in… Lydney Park Estate has five wonderful holiday homes available to rent in a beautiful location in the Forest of Dean close to numerous activities that the local area has to…
Relaxation
Float in the Forest
Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water… Floatation is a relaxation therapy where you float effortlessly on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Your muscles relax and your mind can drift off.
Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes…
Business Directory
Taurus Crafts Cafe
The Taurus Crafts café serves delicious breakfasts, light bites and chef’s special which are made… The Taurus Crafts café serves delicious breakfasts, light bites and chef’s special which are made on site.
Prices from:
£195.00
Families | Accessible
Nuthatch Retreat
A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - valley views, generous gardens, Cinema, EV… A stylish eco-retreat offering laid-back luxury - valley views, generous gardens, Cinema, EV Charger and outdoor tub - for romantic getaways and family escapes.
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses,… Taurus Crafts is a welcoming visitor center in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food within a supportive community…
Dogs | Families | Groups
Whitemead Forest Park
Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges… Stay at Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy glamping, cabins, camping, and lodges with on-site leisure, dining, and woodland adventures.
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing,… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley…
Arts | Families | Groups
Rachel Shilston - Inspiring Creativity
Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure… Relax, learn a new skill and create a memory of your stay in the Forest of Dean to treasure forever. Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for some quality…
Foodies | Families | Accessible | Groups
The Chocolate Bar
We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients… We are a small artisan Chocolate Business based in the Forest of Dean. We use local ingredients wherever possible, and we use only organic chocolate.
Families | Adventure | Groups | History
Dean Forest Railway
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage… Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at…
Events awarded Lydney
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Dates:
3rd Jun 2026 - 3rd Jun 2026
Mosaic workshop Mosaic workshop
Families | Arts | Relaxation | Accessible
Taurus Crafts Throwback Festival
Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026
Antiques, vintage clothes, music and dancing! Antiques, vintage clothes, music and dancing!
Dates:
25th Jun 2026 - 25th Jun 2026
Meet crime author L.J. Shepherd as she discusses her latest legal thriller, One of Your Number. Meet crime author L.J. Shepherd as she discusses her latest legal thriller, One of Your Number.
Foodies | Groups | History | Relaxation
Spanish Tapas Evening
Dates:
25th Jun 2026 - 25th Jun 2026
A relaxed Spanish tapas night at The Speech House with Patatas Bravas, chorizo croquettes, Serrano… A relaxed Spanish tapas night at The Speech House with Patatas Bravas, chorizo croquettes, Serrano ham and churros. Perfect for sharing.
Families | Groups | Arts
Make your pet in mosaic
Event Dates:
27th Jun 2026 - 27th Jun 2026
Mosaic workshop for pet lovers
View Event
Groups | Arts
Fun together Mosaic Taster for Two People
Event Dates:
28th Jun 2026 - 28th Jun 2026
Mosaic workshop for beginners
View Event
Relaxation
Transcendent light day at Float in the Forest
Event Dates:
11th Jul 2026 - 11th Jul 2026
Immersive journeys into beautiful imagery and blissful moods with the…
View Event
Foodies | Groups | History
Greek Tasting Menu Evening
Event Dates:
22nd Jul 2026 - 22nd Jul 2026
Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours come to The Speech House with…
View EventExperiences Awarded Lydney
Prices from:
£132.00
Relaxation
Bring a Friend to float
Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend Two simultaneous one hour floats for you and your friend
Prices from:
£35.00
Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | History
Adventure Caving
It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
Itineraries Awarded Lydney
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…
Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative… Enjoy an arty weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with sculpture trails, galleries, creative workshops, and inspiring places to visit.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History
An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative… A 5-day arty mid-week break exploring sculpture trails, galleries, Tintern Abbey, and creative spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Trails In Lydney
Dogs | Families | History | Accessible
Market Towns Trail
Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market… Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market towns with our self-guided Market Towns Trail. Each town on the trail offers…
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