Lydney Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Lydney Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Lydney sits at the gateway to the Forest of Dean, making it brilliant for exploring both woodland and riverside attractions. The Dean Forest Railway (GL15 4ET) runs steam trains through 4.5 miles of forest scenery. It's open weekends year-round plus Wednesdays in summer, scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Taurus Crafts (GL15 6BU) combines shopping with creativity. This artisan village houses workshops, cafés and regular events. Open daily 10am-5pm, it's rated 4/5 on TripAdvisor and makes a great rainy-day option when the hot tub isn't enough entertainment!

Lydney Harbour (GL15 4EJ) reveals the town's maritime past. The harbour walk takes about an hour and offers river views. It's free to visit and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. I recommend going at low tide when you can see more of the historic structures.

Nearby, Clearwell Caves (GL16 8JR) offers underground exploration of natural caverns and iron mining history. Open 10am-4pm daily from February to December, it's rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The temperature underground stays around 10°C year-round, so bring a jumper even in summer.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Lydney! The Forest of Dean provides endless walking opportunities and many cottages welcome four-legged guests. We've found most properties with hot tubs have secure gardens - essential for letting dogs roam safely while you enjoy a soak.

The Speech House Woodland (GL16 7EL) offers marked trails perfect for dog walking. The Sculpture Trail includes art installations among the trees and has plenty of spots for picnics. Dogs must be kept on leads in some areas during nesting season (March-July).

For dog-friendly dining, try The Cock Inn (GL15 6BT) in Blakeney, just outside Lydney. Their garden welcomes dogs and they provide water bowls. The Sunday roast is particularly good after a morning walk!

Mallards Pike Lake (GL15 4HD) has dog-friendly paths and water access points where dogs can swim. The café sells doggy ice cream in summer - a hit with our spaniel! Remember to pack towels for drying off muddy paws before heading back to your hot tub cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Lydney

Lydney Park Gardens (GL15 6BU) tops my list. These stunning gardens open during spring for the bluebell season and selected summer Sundays. The Roman temple remains add historical interest and the deer park makes for great photography. One visitor wrote: "Worth timing your visit for the bluebells - absolutely spectacular display and much quieter than other bluebell woods in the area."

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail (GL16 7EL) combines art with nature. This 4.5-mile trail features changing installations by various artists, all responding to the forest environment. It's free to visit (£5 parking) and open daily. Kids love finding the sculptures, especially the giant stained glass window that catches the sunlight. Recent TripAdvisor review: "A great way to get children interested in walking - they were excited to discover each new artwork."

Puzzlewood (GL16 8QB) is simply magical. This ancient woodland with moss-covered rocks, twisted trees and mysterious pathways has featured in Doctor Who and Star Wars. Open 10am-5pm April-October, it costs around £7 per adult. The paths can be slippery after rain, so wear good shoes. One visitor commented: "Like walking through a fairy tale - my children were completely enchanted and didn't want to leave."

Is Lydney good for walking holidays?

Absolutely! The Forest of Dean offers hundreds of walking routes for all abilities. The Wysis Way passes through Lydney and the Gloucestershire Way is nearby. Pick up route maps from the tourist information centre. Having a hot tub cottage makes the perfect base for resting tired legs after a day's hiking.

When is the best time to visit Lydney?

Spring brings bluebells to the forest, while autumn offers spectacular colours. Summer allows for outdoor dining and longer days exploring. Winter can be magical with frosty forest walks followed by hot tub sessions under starry skies. The Dean Forest Railway runs Santa Specials in December which sell out quickly.

Can I go fishing near Lydney?

Yes! The River Severn estuary offers good fishing and there are several commercial fisheries nearby. Broadstone Farm Fishery (GL15 6HT) has three well-stocked lakes. Day tickets cost around £8. Remember to bring your Environment Agency rod licence.

Are there good cycling routes around Lydney?

The Forest of Dean has fantastic cycling options, including the family-friendly Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail and more challenging mountain bike routes at Cannop Cycle Centre (GL16 7EH). Many cottages provide secure bike storage - worth checking when booking if you're bringing bikes.

Where can I eat out in Lydney?

Lydney has several good pubs serving food. The Greyhound Inn (GL15 5NR) offers excellent traditional meals. For something different, try Taurus Crafts café for homemade cakes and light lunches. Supermarkets include Tesco and Lidl for self-catering supplies.

Is Lydney suitable for children?

Kids love the Forest of Dean! Besides the attractions mentioned, try Go Ape (GL15 4HE) for treetop adventures or Dean Forest Railway for Thomas the Tank Engine days. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for evening entertainment when they're not splashing in the hot tub.

1. Visit Dean Wye - Official Tourism Site
2. Forestry England - Forest of Dean
3. Dean Forest Railway
4. Lydney Town Information