Lydney

Steam trains still whistle through the Forest of Dean here, carrying visitors back to the days when coal and iron shaped this corner of Gloucestershire. The Dean Forest Railway runs between Lydney and Parkend, with Norchard and Whitecroft stations offering glimpses into the area's industrial heritage. It's proper old-school railwaying - the sort where volunteers in period dress wave you off from Victorian platforms.

Take a short drive from the town centre and you'll find yourself deep in ancient woodland at Go Ape Mallards Pike, where treetop adventures await above the forest canopy. The nearby lake makes for a lovely spot after all that swinging about. More sedate exploring can be found at Woorgreens Lake Nature Reserve, where the wildlife watching is excellent and the peace absolute.

History buffs will want to seek out the Exposed Roman Road - a tangible link to the legions who once marched through these parts. New Fancy offers another slice of the area's past, while the Roll of Honour Sculpture provides a moving reminder of more recent history.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Lydney sits on the A48 between Chepstow and Gloucester, making it easily accessible by car. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring both the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, with Wenchford Picnic Area offering family-friendly forest walks just minutes away.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks puts you right in the thick of it. You're close enough to walk into the forest proper, yet the amenities of Lydney - including its shops and pubs - remain within easy reach. It's the perfect setup for a proper Forest of Dean adventure.