Lydbrook is a former mining village on the edge of the Forest of Dean and the banks of the River Wye.  The B4234 runs down the steeply sided wooded Lydbrook valley and many of the houses and cottages are high up on the hillsides.

The village has a rich industrial past with mines, forges, tinplate and wire works but virtually all traces have disappeared except perhaps in the names.  The 18th century actress Sarah Siddons lived in the village.

As with many mining communities there were a large number of pubs in the past but there are still 5 today, most with restaurants and there are more in the surrounding villages.

Lydbrook is an ideal location for outdoor pursuits and is very close to the Beechenhurst at the heart of the Forest and also the Symonds Yat viewpoint.  The cycle path runs through the village and there are many good walks vailable.  During the summer the river is a hive of activity as it is one of the favourite locations for canoeing.  It is 4 miles from Coleford and Cinderford and only 7 from Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth.

Besides its pubs, Lydbrook has a very good local shop, fish and chip shop and church.  Nearby villages include Ruardean, Brierley and English Bicknor.