Your Gateway to the Forest

Standing like a sentry on the west bank of the UK’s longest river (the River Severn), is Lydney. Known as the gateway to the Royal Forest of Dean, this thriving small town has deep historical roots and bustles with 21st-century life.

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THE SIGHT: Steam rising from a heritage locomotive as it sets off on an historic journey through the Forest

Cutting a dash through 4.5 miles of Forest, is the Dean Forest Railway – one of the UK’s finest heritage railways and last remaining steam train experiences in the UK. The steam trains are quite a sight up close, there is a museum and cafe and cream teas are available to book for your trip. So head to Norchard Station and climb aboard one of the heritage carriages for a steam train ride through the ancient Forest of Dean.

THE SPOT: Lydney Harbour and the majestic River Severn Estuary

Visit Lydney Harbour to see the power of the River Severn and the wildlife of its estuary (which has the second highest tidal range in the world). Take an easy walk around the historic docks and then follow the riverside path past several interesting sculptures and benches for taking it all in. From the banks you can see curlews, egrets, herons and oystercatchers amongst other wading birds. Afterwards, grab a hot drink at the new cafe and explore the historic buildings.

THE SOUND: Utter stillness as you float in your own relaxation pod

Float in the Forest, which you’ll find in Whitecroft north of Lydney, offers relaxation therapy where you float in special noiseless floatation pods filled with warm Epsom-salted water. This dreamy, weightless experience melts stresses and strains away leaving you calmer in mind, body and spirit no matter what is happening in the outside world.

THE TASTE: Warm milk and honey organic chocolate handmade by local chocolatiers

The Chocolate Shop at Taurus Crafts to the west of Lydney gives Wonka a run for his money. Here, husband and wife team, Mark and Maren, conjure up all manner of chocolate bars and filled chocolates by hand, using organic chocolate and locally-sourced ingredients. From much-loved favourites like vanilla and ginger to unusual sweet treats such as raspberry & chilli and hot mandarin. Book in to the Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop for two hours of sweet heaven, taking home your new skills and chocolate creations.

THE WALK: Through the town’s park and rose garden and around the boating lake

Just 200m south of Lydney town, Bathurst Park has a decorative fountain and rose garden, the Lyd river which feeds into the Severn and a Garden of Remembrance where silhouettes of soldiers symbolise those killed in the two world wars. Cross St Mary’s Halt iron bridge, built in 1892, and you may spot a heritage steam train passing underneath if you’re lucky. The boating lake has an island in the middle making it a comfortable home for many types of ducks, geese and swans and there is a café serving hot and cold food. The 1.8 mile Lydney Heritage Walk takes in some of the town’s highlights including the park and from here it is a mile walk to the harbour.

THE SLEEP: In a hidden-away holiday home on a private estate

On the privately owned Lydney Park Estate what once was a working pump house is now a large, airy self-catering space for six people, called The Old Pump House. Outside, there’s an impressive trout pond fed by a small stream and set into a private clearing. There is also a stunning barn conversion sleeping 18 should you need an even bigger space. In the spring, explore the expansive and beautiful private gardens and see if you can spot deer grazing in the surrounding meadows (open April-June).