Bathurst Pool Lydney
Given as a present to the inhabitants of Lydney and Aylburton by the Bathurst family in 1920. Bathurst Swimming Pool in Lydney is considered to be one of the Forest of Dean's best kept secrets.
This 38 metre outdoor pool is run by community volunteers and open for at least 14 weeks during the Summer.
OPENING TIMES:
Open for public swim 12-5pm daily. The pool closes on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Admission Fees
Adult: £4.00
Child: £ 2.50 (over 3 years of age)
For information visit their website Open Air Pool Lydney - Bathurst Pool
Lydbrook wild swim and paddle board launch
Just a short drive from Bracelands campsite is Greathough Brook in Lydbrook where you can park up for the day and launch your own paddle boards or canoes, or swim directly from the banks of the River Wye. Then enjoy a drink or meal at the Forge Hammer Inn.
This is open to the public, use post code GL17 9NJ and you'll find the small park even has a community BBQ and picnic areas, with steps down to the river.
It's also the location of a beaver enclosure introduced by Forestry England to the area from Bavaria which were released into a 6 hectare enclosure at Greathough Brook.
Court Farm Lakes
Court Farm Lakes offer outdoor swimming, cold water immersion & BYO paddle-boarding sessions as well as weekly lakeside yoga and fitness sessions.
The onsite Café is open during all swim sessions serving food, hot drinks & snacks.
Hosting monthly events, including full moon swims and charity fundraisers. These events are a great opportunity to meet new people & connect with nature at it's best.
Opening hours
Wednesday: 9.45-2.30pm & 4.15-8.45pm
Thursday: 7.45-2pm & 4.15-8.45pm​
Friday : 6.45am-3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7.15am-2pm
For more information and to book visit Court Farm lakes & Café | Open water
Feel Good Forest Trail
Designed for children aged 6-12 and their families, the trail is packed with adventures that spark curiosity, highlighting the wonders of England’s forests and how they compare to the Amazon rainforest.
The trail can be found on the Bracelands Cycle Trail loop. This circular route follows the perimeter of our campsite and follows a level to gently sloping forest track through mixed woodland, high above the Wye Valley. Trail Length - 2.8 km (1.75 miles)
For information click the button below.
Explore the rich history
Clearwell Caves
Clearwell Caves are a collection of five mines: Clearwell, Old Ham, Lambsquay, Old Bow and New Dun, covering approximately 230 acres. Now operating as a working mine museum
The interconnected cave systems were formed by underground streams from around 180 million years ago. Since the late Stone Age they were mined originally for ochre, then for iron ore from Iron Age times Circa 100BC
The Stick Man trail
This interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest wildlife.
Once you’ve helped Stick Man find his way back home, complete the rubbing in your adventure passport and take a picture with Stick Man in the family tree. You can pick up your trail pack at the welcome point, located at Beechenhurst.
Click the button below for more information.
Adaptive bikes for all
At Bracelands we believe everyone should benefit physically and mentally from enjoying the great outdoors. That's why we've partnered with "Goals Beyond Grass" (GBG) a Gloucestershire based charity that is passionate about helping disabled children and adults by engaging the whole community in accessible sport.
Available every other Tuesday 10.30 - 12.30pm - pre booking recommended
GBG bikes is a project which provides adapted bikes for all riders. Bikes for all types of disabilities are available to hire at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre
Easy walks in the forest of Dean
Take a stroll
This guide to 12 easy walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley gives you a gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring. These 12 walks are all circular and are mainly on clearly defined, wellworn paths, tracks and lanes which should be easy to locate. To find out more click the button below.
Forest bathing
Get prepared to engage your senses and embrace the natural world.
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves immersing all of one's senses while meandering through the forest..
Contact Forest Bathe on 07774695589
This visit why not see more by cycling
Get outdoors
Bracelands campsite is centrally located in beautiful forest surroundings with many walks and bike trails to enjoy right on our doorstep, for all abilities, we even have our own bikes for hire onsite, if you just want to do your own thing.
Or, why not try the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre who has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the single-track trails and demanding downhill runs. They also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.
Onsite catering
Pizza Stone Wales
Introducing The Pizza Stone, authentic wood fired pizza brought to you in our custom-built pizza van, blending traditional ingredients fired in a 600-degree wood fired stove. Great food, great service, great price.
Every Saturday from 7 April - 27 September
Fancy fish & chips ?
Our local Coleford chippy Al's Plaice offers dedicated delivery slots directly to our campsite.
Simply place your order online and your delicious supper will be delivered to you.
(the collection point is next to Reception)
Photography training school
One to One photography training on and around site.
So, why not join professional photographer David Broadbent in the beautiful Forest of Dean & Wye Valley and improve your technique. Sessions are charged per person (two or more may book) and must be prepaid.
Fun, jargon busting and on location, these courses aim to help you achieve specific goals and get you taking better pictures within a day. Cost £60/person for a 2-hour session with the emphasis on bespoke training at all levels. Dates – anytime.
Tel: 07771 664973 info@davidbroadbent.com
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Wye Adventures
📸 Wye Adventures
📸 Wye Adventures
📸 Wye Adventures
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Amie cooling
📸 Amie cooling
Count me in!!
Sign up for our mailing list so you'll be the first to know about great offers, promotions and what's on.
**we do not share your details with any 3rd parties