Car Hire Lydney

Lydney sits perfectly positioned for exploration via the A48, which has bypassed this charming town since 1995, connecting you effortlessly to the M4 motorway and beyond. This historic settlement, with just over 10,000 residents, experiences a temperate oceanic climate. Summers are mild, rarely exceeding 25°C and conditions are pleasant from June through August. Winters remain cool and wet, with temperatures seldom dropping below freezing. The town’s strategic location on the west bank of the River Severn makes it an ideal base for exploring Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean region, offering direct access to woodland cycling trails, the Forest of Dean Railway heritage line and Puzzlewood’s ancient woodland.

Attractions In Lydney

Discover railway heritage and Forest of Dean attractions, featuring historic steam railways, Roman archaeological sites, traditional market town shopping and excellent access to ancient woodland walks and heritage trails.

Taurus Crafts

At The Old Park, Aylburton, this remarkable visitor centre opens Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with Sunday hours running an hour shorter until 4 PM. This evolving mini-village has garnered over 1500 reviews, making it a favourite starting point for many visitors. You’ll discover local craftspeople demonstrating silver work and stone carving, whilst the wonderful café serves locally sourced produce and the zero-waste shop supports sustainable living practices.

Dean Forest Railway (Norchard Station)

Located on Forest Road, this heritage preservation showcases significant local history and stands as Lydney’s highest-rated attraction, earning a 4.5 average score from over 1500 reviews. The dedicated volunteers create an extraordinary experience, offering standard tickets for round trips and affordable first-class upgrades for just £6 per head. We often find the enthusiastic volunteers eager to share their knowledge and you’ll notice many younger folk helping preserve this important railway heritage.

Dean Forest Railway (Lydney Town Station)

This station on Hill Street serves as another part of the formerly essential railroad network. Although facilities are limited to a waiting room and toilets, you can access the nearby mainline station to enjoy a lovely walk along an easy path down to the old harbour, where fantastic views across the Severn estuary await your discovery.

St Briavels Castle

Church Street hosts this medieval fortress, open daily in the afternoons from 1 PM to 4 PM. Originally a Norman stronghold, it later became a royal hunting lodge controlling access to the Forest of Dean. The castle reflects fascinating changes in medieval fortifications, evolving from military strongholds to administrative centres and remains one of England’s best-preserved medieval sites.

Lydney Standing Stones

On Harbour Road, these historical landmarks offer stunning views across the River Severn. You can explore the historic docks by walking across the lock gates and the standing stones provide added interest as navigational aids when lined up correctly. It’s a perfect spot for whiling away an hour in the midst of riverside tranquillity.

Naas House

This historical landmark on Lydney’s outskirts represents an important piece of local architectural heritage. The building showcases traditional Gloucestershire design elements and provides insight into the area’s residential development over the centuries, making it worthwhile for those interested in regional building styles and local history.

Nearby locations for your car hire adventures:

• Forest of Dean
• Newport
• Coleford
• Cinderford
• Cambridge
• Dursley
• Chepstow
• Wotton under Edge

Offa’s Dyke

Offa’s Dyke, near Lydney, is a massive Anglo-Saxon earthwork traditionally ordered by King Offa of Mercia around the 780s to define the Anglo-Welsh border. This impressive section of the 177-mile National Trail is a crucial historical landmark, offering insights into early border control and commanding views, such as those from the Devil’s Pulpit overlooking Tintern Abbey. It remains an excellent destination for history enthusiasts and walkers.

New Fancy Colliery

This industrial heritage site represents the Forest of Dean’s rich mining history. Now a public amenity, the site features a viewpoint built on the old spoil heap, the Roll of Honour sculpture and a large geological Geomap, providing insights into the area’s industrial past and the lives of its miners..

Temple Of Nodens

This Roman temple complex showcases lovely ruins positioned on a great hill, making it well worth your time. The site provides fascinating insights into Romano-British religious practices and offers commanding views across the surrounding countryside, perfect for photography enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Lydney Harbour

Lydney Harbour is a significant historic maritime site situated where the River Lyd meets the River Severn. Once a vital industrial artery for the Forest of Dean, the harbour was key to exporting local resources like coal and iron ore via the Severn & Wye Railway. Today, the site offers a picturesque setting where visitors can appreciate the area’s rich industrial past and maritime heritage. It provides opportunities for tranquil walks along the waterfront and is a particularly excellent spot for wildlife observation, making it an appealing retreat from busier attractions.

Mallards Pike – Forestry England

Near Parkend, this national forest opens daily from 8 in the morning until 9 at night (seasonal closing time), earning an impressive 4.7 score from over 1200 reviews. The wonderful location features excellent footpaths radiating in multiple directions around the lake, with toilet facilities and a café offering picnic tables. You’ll find it perfect for dog walking and cycling adventures.

Lydney Boating Lake

Located in the heart of Lydney, the Boating Lake at Lakeside Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with complimentary parking and accessible, level pathways encircling the water. The site features ample seating throughout, providing excellent vantage points for observing resident waterfowl including moorhens, mallards and coots, with herons occasionally visiting. This well-maintained green space is ideal for leisurely walks, birdwatching and quiet contemplation, making it a popular destination for families, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts seeking an accessible outdoor haven within the town centre.

Bathurst Park

At 11 Bathurst Park Road, this beloved park opens daily from 8:30 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, representing Lydney’s crown jewel. The beautifully maintained grounds feature the steam train running parallel to sports fields, whilst the church sits at the avenue’s end. You can access the boating lake via the majestic iron bridge through the churchyard and the modern pavilion provides refreshments.

Lydney Park

Victoria Road’s expansive parkland features a massive field perfect for recreational activities alongside a comprehensive fitness area with gym equipment scattered around the perimeter. The occasional steam train passing creates a delightful soundtrack, while the varied facilities, including swings, slides, climbing frames, tennis court and bowling green, ensure entertainment for all ages.

Krazy Golf Lydney

On the A48 at Aylburton, this entertainment venue opens daily from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, offering much more than miniature golf. The extensive facilities include pool, skittles, ping pong, football tables, air hockey and badminton, all set within wonderful woodland that seems to stretch endlessly. Great staff ensure enjoyable experiences for grandparents, parents and children alike.