Nature
Through The Local Lens: Kimberley Davies
Post date:
1st November 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Kimberley Davies. From her favourite places to top photography tips.
- 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
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.
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…
Adventure
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.
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.
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…
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.
Groups | Relaxation
The SELF Centre
The SELF Centre in Lydney offers welcoming, community-focused sauna, ice-baths and wellbeing… The SELF Centre in Lydney offers welcoming, community-focused sauna, ice-baths and wellbeing experiences in the heart of the Forest of Dean.
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.
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…
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…
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
Adventure | Families | Groups
Dean Forest Cycles
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in Parkend. A Cafe, serving coffee, cake &… Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in Parkend. A Cafe, serving coffee, cake & ice cream. A bike shop and workshop.
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…
Groups | Arts | Accessible | Families
Taurus Crafts
Taurus Crafts is a visitor centre in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative… Taurus Crafts is a visitor centre in Gloucestershire that features artisan businesses, creative workshops, and locally sourced food.
Families | Groups | Dogs
Deanwood Holidays
Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site,… Deanwood Holidays is home to thirteen self-catering cottages and a quiet caravan and camping site, tucked away in a quiet rural area, on the edge of The Forest of Dean.
Events awarded Lydney
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
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Groups | Arts
Wreath Making Workshop 10am
Dates:
21st Nov 2026 - 21st Nov 2026
Create a beautiful festive wreath in this adult workshop, learning floristry techniques and… Create a beautiful festive wreath in this adult workshop, learning floristry techniques and seasonal styling to craft a unique decoration for your home.
Families | Groups | Arts
Wreath Making Workshop 1pm
Dates:
21st Nov 2026 - 21st Nov 2026
Create a beautiful festive wreath in this adult workshop, learning floristry techniques and… Create a beautiful festive wreath in this adult workshop, learning floristry techniques and seasonal styling to craft a unique decoration for your home.
Foodies | Groups
Ceilidh at Taurus Crafts
Dates:
27th Nov 2026 - 27th Nov 2026
Kick off the festive season at Taurus Crafts with an evening of live music, dancing, great food,… Kick off the festive season at Taurus Crafts with an evening of live music, dancing, great food, and Christmas cheer at our Festive Ceilidh
Dates:
27th Nov 2026 - 27th Nov 2026
Robbie & Buble Festive Tribute Night Robbie & Buble Festive Tribute Night
Families | Groups | Arts
Trio of Anti-Cutesy Christmas Decorations
Event Dates:
28th Nov 2026 - 28th Nov 2026
Trio of Anti-Cutesy Christmas Decorations
View Event
Families | Foodies | Groups
Santa Specials Steam Trains at the Dean Forest Railway
Event Dates:
28th Nov 2026 - 24th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
28th Nov 2026
Enjoy a magical steam train ride through the Forest of Dean, meet Santa…
View Event
Families | Arts | Groups
Willow Wreath Making Workshop 10am
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Create a festive willow wreath together in this parent-and-child workshop,…
View Event
Families | Arts | Groups
Willow Wreath Making Workshop 1pm
Event Dates:
29th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
Create a festive willow wreath together in this parent-and-child workshop,…
View Event
Families | Groups | Arts
A Trio of Christmas Gonks
Event Dates:
3rd Dec 2026 - 3rd Dec 2026
A Trio of Christmas Gonks
View Event
Foodies | Groups
Christmas Party Nights
Event Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 18th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Christmas Party Nights at The Speech House Hotel - Disco, dancing and 2…
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Groups | Arts
Mosaic Christmas Tree Workshop
Event Dates:
5th Dec 2026 - 5th Dec 2026
Mosaic Christmas Tree Workshop
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Groups | Arts
Half Day - Christmas Mosaic Workshop
Event Dates:
9th Dec 2026 - 9th Dec 2026
Christmas Mosaic Tree Decorations
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Families | Arts | Groups
Learn to paint a Rudolph Christmas Workshop
Event Dates:
11th Dec 2026 - 11th Dec 2026
Christmas painting workshop
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Relaxation | Groups
The SELF Centre New Year Wellness Weekender
Event Dates:
9th Jan 2027 - 10th Jan 2027
Start 2027 feeling good with a weekend of wellbeing at The SELF Centre in…
View Event
Families | Groups | Arts
Make your pet in mosaic
Event Dates:
11th Apr 2027 - 11th Apr 2027
Mosaic workshop for pet lovers
View EventExperiences Awarded Lydney
Prices from:
£150.00
Relaxation | Groups
Private Sauna & Spa Garden Hire - The SELF Centre
Enjoy the exclusive use of The SELF Centre’s saunas, ice baths and spa garden in Lydney. Private… Enjoy the exclusive use of The SELF Centre’s saunas, ice baths and spa garden in Lydney. Private hire for up to 10 guests, from £150.
Prices from:
£89.00
Relaxation | Groups
Wellness Retreat Day at The SELF Centre
Take a day for yourself at The SELF Centre in Lydney. Relax, recharge and enjoy a welcoming… Take a day for yourself at The SELF Centre in Lydney. Relax, recharge and enjoy a welcoming wellness retreat in the Forest of Dean.
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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