Newnham-on-Severn: The Perfect Base for Exploring Gloucestershire
Newnham-on-Severn sits on the High Street above the River Severn, five minutes from the Forest of Dean and half an hour from the Wye Valley. If you are planning a few days exploring Gloucestershire — woodland walks one morning, a Cotswold village the next, Tintern Abbey after lunch — this small riverside town puts more on your itinerary than almost anywhere else in the county, without the coach-tour crowds.
We run Severnside Press, a Georgian dog-friendly B&B on Newnham's High Street, and guests tell us the same thing: they came for a weekend and kept finding reasons to stay an extra night.
Table of contents:
- Location: Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Beyond
- Why Visitors Enjoy Staying in Newnham-on-Severn
- Where to Stay in Newnham-on-Severn
- Eating and Drinking Locally
- Things To Do Within Easy Reach
- Wildlife and the Severn Estuary
- Lesser-Known Spots Worth Finding
- Getting There and Getting Around
- Planning Your Stay: FAQs
- Start Everyday from Newnham-on-Severn
Location: Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Beyond
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Forest of Dean (5 minutes by car): ancient woodland, cycling trails and walking routes through the trees
- Gloucester (25 minutes): cathedral, docks and city-centre shopping
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The Cotswolds (30–45 minutes): stone villages such as Painswick and Bibury. If you're deciding between the two areas, our guide to why Newnham-on-Severn offers a quieter alternative to the Cotswolds may help
- Wye Valley (25 minutes): scenic drives, canoe trips and riverside paths
The A48 runs through the village, and Gloucester and Lydney stations are a short drive away for rail connections to London Paddington and Cardiff.
Why visitors Enjoy Staying in Newnham-on-Severn
Newnham-on-Severn is not a resort town. It is a working Gloucestershire village with a proper high street — period cottages, a historic clock tower, cosy pubs pouring local ales, and riverside paths looking out across the Severn estuary.
Community events run through the year: open gardens in late spring, summer fêtes on the village green, and small art exhibitions hosted by local makers. After a day in the Forest of Dean, coming back to somewhere quiet with a pub within walking distance makes a real difference.
Where to Stay in Newnham-on-Severn
We run Severnside Press, a Georgian dog-friendly townhouse B&B on the High Street in Newnham-on-Severn featured in Country Living and Period Living, which is perfectly located to explore the Forest of Dean.
Previously a Victorian printing business, the building retains its historic charm:
Three ensuite rooms, one with River Severn views.
Thoughtful breakfast focused on local ingredients.
Newnham-on-Severn works particularly well for a two-night stay from London. It is close enough to reach comfortably on a Friday afternoon, yet offers enough variety for a rewarding weekend. Spend one day exploring the Forest of Dean and another discovering riverside walks, local food, and the wider Wye Valley without feeling rushed.
Check availability and book your stay at Severnside Press.
Eating and Drinking Locally
The village pubs serve hearty meals built around Gloucestershire produce. Independent cafés do a solid breakfast before a day on the trails.
For a wider choice, our guide to places to eat in the Forest of Dean covers pubs, restaurants and Sunday lunch spots within a short drive – many of them are dog-friendly.
One of the advantages of staying in Newnham is that many evenings can end without driving. Village pubs, restaurants and riverside walks are all within a few minutes' walk from Severnside Press.
Things To Do Within Easy Reach
One reason Newnham-on-Severn works so well as a base is how much you can reach without long drives.
Outdoor Pursuits
- Walks on May Hill or through Soudley Ponds Nature Reserve
- Cycling and walking trails through the Forest of Dean
- Canoeing on the River Wye; paddleboarding on the Severn's tidal reaches
- Dog-friendly woodland walks – the Forest of Dean is one of England’s best regions for walking with a dog.
Culture and History
- Puzzlewood: ancient woodland used as a film location (Star Wars, Doctor Who)
- Dean Heritage Centre: local mining and forest history
- Tintern Abbey: Cistercian ruins on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley
Family Days Out
- Go Ape treetop adventure (older children and teens)
- Clearwell Caves underground tour
- Butterfly Zoo and Hedge Puzzle at Symonds Yat West
Wildlife and the Severn Estuary
Wild boar roam beneath the Forest of Dean canopy — best spotted quietly, early in the morning. Migratory birds gather along the riverbanks, and the Severn Bore draws surfers and birdwatchers from around the world. Spring bluebells and autumn colour in the woodland are worth planning a visit around.
Lesser-Known Spots Worth Finding
- Riverside paths at dawn, when mist sits on the water
- The Severn Bore — a tidal wave that surfers ride twice daily on spring tides
- Small craft shops selling ceramics inspired by local landscapes
Picnic spots and local walks recommended by village residents.
Getting There and Getting Around
By car: Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham airports are all within 90 minutes via the motorway network. Parking is straightforward in and around the village.
Without a car:
- Buses connect Newnham with Gloucester and Chepstow
- Trains from Gloucester and Lydney towards London Paddington and Cardiff Central
- Walking and cycling routes start from the High Street itself
Local taxi firms cover late-evening returns if you dine out in the Forest of Dean.
Planning Your Stay: FAQs
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through early autumn suits hiking and outdoor days. Winter brings frosty riverscapes and festive markets in Gloucester and Chepstow.
Are there shops if I am self-catering?
Yes — village shops cover essentials, with supermarkets in Lydney and Gloucester about ten-twenty minutes away. Farmers' stalls sell bread, cheese and vegetables most weekends.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely. Newnham-on-Severn is a walker's village, and most accommodation - including Severnside Press - welcomes dogs. Many pubs and cafés in the area are dog-friendly too.
Are there local events worth timing a visit around?
Open Gardens weekends in May and June, summer fêtes on the village green, and art exhibitions by local makers run throughout the year.
Start Every Day from Newnham-on-Severn
Few places in Gloucestershire offer this combination: Forest of Dean woodland on the doorstep, the Wye Valley within half an hour, Cotswold villages a manageable drive away, and a high street where you can walk to dinner without touching the car.
If you are planning a weekend exploring Gloucestershire, check availability at Severnside Press and book direct – we are on the High Street, dogs are welcome, and we are happy to share where we would walk, eat and drink on your particular weekend.
Author: Tony + Alex
BOOK DIRECT
We would love to hear from you, and if you do have any questions about our bed and breakfast accommodation before booking, please do feel free to give us a call on 07919 858693 or 01594 510057.