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
- Newnham
The village of Newnham is on the west bank of the River Severn, around 10 miles to the south-west of Gloucester. Newnham's strategic location on the Severn meant that the Romans built three roads through the location, where they forded the river. The Anglo-Saxons established a permament settlement, the Normans fortified it against the Welsh, and in medieval times it became a major port with links around Great Britain and Ireland. In 1171, Henry II of England staged an invasion of Ireland from Newnham. One account claimed that he set sail with 400 ships and 5,000 men, which indicates the importance of the port. For a while it was the most successful Gloucestershire town west of the Severn. However, its role as a port and trading hub declined rapidly with the 1827 opening of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
Newnham lies on a great bend in the river. It is one of the best places for viewing the famous Severn Bore, the wave that is created when the incoming tide from the Bristol Channel is funnelled into the narrow Severn Estuary. Small scale bores occur throughout the year, but at certain times, usually in early spring or late autumn, tidal conditions can generate a wave of up to nine feet in height - a great challenge to surfers and canoeists.
The parish church was established in the 14th century, although there had been a chapel of ease since 1018. The new church building was dedicated in 1366 as the old one faced erosion from the river. The new building has itself been damaged by a gunpowder explosion in 1644 during the English Civil War and a fire in 1881, but is still very much in use. The peace garden adjoining it is a lovely spot for viewing the river and there are beautiful riverside and countryside walks. You can walk along the river in either direction - to the north to Westbury-on-Severn or to the south to Awre and Blakeney.
From the top of the hill behind Newnham is Blaize Bailey viewpoint offering stunning views over the village, the Severn and the Cotswolds hills on the opposite side.
Businesses related to Newnham
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 | Dogs | Adventure | Accessible
Elton Giant Mazes and Activities Maze
Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great… Whether you’re searching for an exciting family day out, a new summer tradition or your next great adventure, this is an experience not to be missed.
Dogs | Families | Foodies
Severnside Press B&B
Three-room B&B in Newnham-on-Severn, on the edge of Forest of Dean, with breakfast included,… Three-room B&B in Newnham-on-Severn, on the edge of Forest of Dean, with breakfast included, dog-friendly rooms and direct bookings
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…
Groups | Arts | History
The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery
We are a contemporary art gallery in a medieval building situated in the heart of Historic Newnham… We are a contemporary art gallery in a medieval building situated in the heart of Historic Newnham on Severn in the Forest of Dean
Foodies | Arts
The George Community Hub
We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Direst of Dean in the attractive Severnside… We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Direst of Dean in the attractive Severnside village of Newnham on Severn.
Adventure | Families | Groups
BattleSports Glos - Outdoor Laser Tag
Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball… Experience the thrill of outdoor laser tag at BattleSports Glos, where the excitement of paintball meets the safety and comfort of laser technology.
Foodies | Families | Groups | Dogs
Sabo Yes - The Kings Head, Blakeney
Sabo Yes is a family run coffee shop and licenced restaurant in Blakeney. We take pride in offering… Sabo Yes is a family run coffee shop and licenced restaurant in Blakeney. We take pride in offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious meals…
Prices from:
£756.00
Families
Broughtons Cottage
Self-catering cottage in the Forest of Dean Sleeps 2-4 in 2 bedrooms. Cosy and comfortable sitting… Self-catering cottage in the Forest of Dean Sleeps 2-4 in 2 bedrooms. Cosy and comfortable sitting room with wood burner, wi-fi, modern and well-equipped.
Foodies | Groups
Severn Cider Ltd
Small family business producing award-winning traditionally made cider and perry on the banks of… Small family business producing award-winning traditionally made cider and perry on the banks of the River Severn. Still and sparkling; bottled and draught. Open for cider…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
The Red Hart Inn
A warm welcome awaits at the Red Hart Inn, a 16th-century village pub in Blaisdon. Enjoy the charm… A warm welcome awaits at the Red Hart Inn, a 16th-century village pub in Blaisdon. Enjoy the charm of a traditional inn paired with a fresh, modern menu, real ales, and a…
Arts | Families | Groups
farOpen - Forest & Rivers Open Studios
2027 farOpen art trail dates for your diary, 3-11 July. farOpen also holds events throughout the… 2027 farOpen art trail dates for your diary, 3-11 July. farOpen also holds events throughout the year in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Adventure | Families | Groups | Accessible | Dogs
Dean Laser Clay
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting brings the thrill of traditional clay pigeon shooting into the 21st… Laser Clay Pigeon shooting brings the thrill of traditional clay pigeon shooting into the 21st century — no recoil, no mess, just pure fun using high-tech, deactivated…
Families | Groups
Severn Valley Touring Caravan, Camping and…
A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and… A new, family owned site in the lovely village of Awre, set in open countryside with big skies and starry nights. The perfect place to put your feet up and relax, soaking up…
Foodies | Groups
Infamous Catering
We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private… We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private events for 20 to around 200 people.
Adventure | Nature
The Severn Bore
The Severn Bore is a large surge wave that can be seen in the estuary of the River Severn, where… The Severn Bore is a large surge wave that can be seen in the estuary of the River Severn, where the tidal range is the 2nd highest in the world.
Events awarded Newnham
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Families | Groups
Bonfire & Fireworks
Dates:
5th Nov 2026 - 5th Nov 2026
Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event Westbury On Severn Young Farmers Club present their bonfire & fireworks event
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Fun & Friendly Pub Quiz in the Forest of Dean
Dates:
16th Sept 2026 - 11th Nov 2026
Next Event Date:
11th Nov 2026
After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in… After a day exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, unwind with our fun, friendly pub quiz in a characterful country pub.
Dates:
14th Nov 2026 - 24th Dec 2026
The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery celebrate the festive season with an exhibition inspired by… The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery celebrate the festive season with an exhibition inspired by Christmas in the natural landscape of rural Gloucestershire.
Foodies | Groups
Supper Club at Severnside Press
Dates:
21st Nov 2026 - 21st Nov 2026
Join us for November Supper Club at Severnside Press in Newham-on-Severn: a relaxed evening around… Join us for November Supper Club at Severnside Press in Newham-on-Severn: a relaxed evening around the table with a seasonal menu
Dogs | Foodies | Nature
Severnside Christmas - Wreath Making Weekend
Event Dates:
27th Nov 2026 - 29th Nov 2026
A two-night Christmas retreat in Newnham-on-Severn with foraging,…
View EventExperiences Awarded Newnham
Prices from:
£480.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Christmas Traitors Experience
Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of… Looking for a Christmas party with a difference? Gather your team and step into an evening of deception, deduction and festive fun at The Red Hart Inn.
Prices from:
£25.00
Families | Groups
Archery Clash 90 minute experience
Archery Clash combines the intensity and excitement of dodge-ball or paint-ball while using the… Archery Clash combines the intensity and excitement of dodge-ball or paint-ball while using the skill-set for archery.
Prices from:
£25.00
Dogs | Families | Groups | Accessible | Adventure
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting 90 minute experience
Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams instead of live ammunition Laser Clay Pigeon shooting is 100% Safe, firing harmless infra-red beams instead of live ammunition
Trails In Newnham
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…
Offers From Newnham
Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu,… Celebrate Christmas in our cosy 16th-century country pub with a delicious home-cooked festive menu, children's options and a warm Forest of Dean welcome.
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