Lydney is situated in the Forest of Dean, which is located on the English / Welsh border, between the rivers Severn and Wye. A steam train line runs from the harbour up into the forest.
The forest is a mecca for nature lovers, and is famous for its off road cycle ways and for hiking. Its the only place in England where the forest are inhabited by wild boar and all type of deer. A few miles away is Puzzlewood and the Devils chapel. The later features in many star war movies, with its strange hollows and unusually shaped trees. The Devils chapel inspired Tolkien to rite the Lord of the Rings, and the hobbit homes were inspired by the area. Whilst the river Severn is wide and notoriously fast flowing, with its many shifting sandbanks, the Wye, is slow and meanders across the landscape, through forested hills, Walk to the Devils pulpit and then head down to the picturesque Tinter abbey. Cross into Wales and the hills become mountains culminating in the bleak and windswept Brecon Beacons. The four waterfalls walk is a must here, with a chance to walk behind a raging waterfall.
Hop on the train and let it whisk you to the Welsh capital Cardiff in less then an hour. If its surf that takes your fancy, Rest Bay is 90 minutes drive away, be sure to take / hire a wet suite. A little further is the Gower peninsular one of Wales tourist hot spots.
Back into England, cross the magnificent Severn bridge to reach Bristol, famous for its suspension bridge, harbour and Great Eastern. A little further a field is the georgian city of Bath is with its Roman Hot water pools and abbey.
Our local town is Gloucester with its old cathedral and frpm their its a short hop to explore the Cotswold's.
One thing I can assure you for a holiday location is that from Lydney you will be spoilt for choice.