Living in Westbury-on-Severn

Community life in Westbury-on-Severn is defined by its supportive and neighbourly spirit. Residents regularly come together to take part in local events, such as the annual village fête, church festivals, and fundraising activities for local causes. The Westbury-on-Severn Parish Hall serves as a hub for clubs, fitness groups, youth activities, and private functions.

Weekly farmers’ markets and local produce sales provide residents with access to fresh food while promoting social connections. The scenic environment supports a range of outdoor pursuits, with walking trails leading through the Severn Vale, woodland areas, and nearby Haydon and Chaxhill hamlets.

Parks and open spaces are plentiful, with village greens and riverside walks offering tranquil spots for relaxation and recreation. The village's history, from its medieval roots to its agricultural past, is celebrated at community events and through involvement with organisations such as the local history society. Those seeking an involved, welcoming rural lifestyle will find Westbury-on-Severn an engaging place to settle.

When considering crime rates in Westbury-on-Severn, the village benefits from a reputation as a safe and peaceful rural community. Incidents of serious crime are rare, with most concerns relating to occasional petty theft or anti-social behaviour, which are typically low compared with urban centres. The community’s rural character contributes to a greater sense of security for residents, often cited as a reason families and retirees move to the area.

Neighbourhood policing is managed via the Gloucestershire Constabulary, with a particular focus on community engagement and proactive outreach. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and regular police liaison meetings help maintain low crime levels and ensure that issues are addressed swiftly. For those concerned about moving to a safe area, Westbury-on-Severn offers peace of mind and a strong community spirit that further underpins its appeal.

Parking in Westbury-on-Severn is generally straightforward and hassle-free. On-street parking is the norm throughout much of the village, with very few issues relating to congestion or competition for spaces except during major events or peak school drop-off times. Most homes possess driveways or off-street options, which further alleviates any parking concerns.

The main A48 passes directly through the village, making access by car convenient for both local journeys and longer trips. Residents benefit from quick links to major routes including the M5 for north-south connections and the A40 for east-west transit. Traffic levels remain light compared to city centres, contributing to the area’s relaxed ethos.
Nearby towns and cities and their drive times are:

• Gloucester – approx. 25 minutes via A48
• Cinderford – approx. 15 minutes via A4151
• Lydney – approx. 20 minutes via A48
• Cheltenham – approx. 40 minutes via A40
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour via M5 and A48

Westbury-on-Severn's food and drink scene is grounded in tradition, reflecting its rural character. The village is home to the award-winning Red Lion Inn, a classic country pub known for its hearty meals, local ales, and a cosy atmosphere. Traditional tea rooms and farm shops in and around the village offer fresh, locally-sourced produce and baked goods.

While Westbury-on-Severn itself does not have a bustling nightlife, neighbouring villages and towns host a variety of pubs, bistros, and restaurants. Gloucester and Cinderford offer wider options including international cuisine, cocktail bars, and occasional live music venues. For more active nightlife and theatres, Cheltenham is within a reasonable drive, offering entertainment, cinemas, and cultural events.

Westbury-on-Severn’s café culture provides a relaxed social setting, ideal for daytime meet-ups and community gatherings rather than lively night-time antics. The area caters well to those who appreciate rural hospitality, fresh food, and the slower pace of village life.

School Quality: The village primary school is well-respected and offers a supportive, community-based education. Nearby towns provide highly rated secondary options.
Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from extensive green areas, play parks, and riverside walks, allowing children space to play in safety.
Childcare: Local nurseries and childminders operate in the village and surrounding areas, with wider choices in Gloucester.
Safety: Westbury-on-Severn’s low crime rates and strong neighbourhood-watch presence contribute to its reputation as a safe environment for raising children.
Family Activities: The area hosts regular community events, and its countryside location ensures access to outdoor pursuits such as cycling, horse-riding, and family walks.

Westbury-on-Severn is highly pet-friendly, offering abundant outdoor space and access to countryside. Dog owners enjoy numerous walks along public footpaths, woodlands, and riverside paths, many of which are suitable for off-lead exercise. The Forest of Dean’s proximity is a particular benefit for those with dogs who enjoy longer woodland treks.

Local veterinary services are available within the village and in nearby towns such as Newnham and Cinderford. Pet supplies can be found at small independent shops and farm outlets, while most local pubs, including the Red Lion, welcome well-behaved dogs.
Accommodation for pets is rarely an issue in Westbury-on-Severn, with private gardens, space, and a relaxed attitude to animals being part of the area’s rural tradition. The strong community spirit also ensures lost or stray animals are well-supported and quickly reunited with their owners.

Westbury-on-Severn enjoys a countryside position with convenient links to both road and rail networks, making it an attractive base for commuters and those wanting access to urban amenities. The A48 runs through the village, providing direct routes to Gloucester to the east and Chepstow to the southwest, while the M5 motorway is a short drive away for longer north-south journeys.

The closest train station is Gloucester, around 20 minutes' drive, where direct services connect to destinations such as Bristol (approx. 55 minutes), Birmingham (approx. 1 hour), and London Paddington (around 2 hours). Nearby Lydney station also serves Cardiff and Cheltenham. Several bus services operate between Westbury-on-Severn and surrounding towns, although services are less frequent than in more urban areas.

Airports are within reasonable reach; Bristol Airport can be reached in about 1 hour by car, while Birmingham International and Cardiff airports are also accessible for domestic and international flights. For those who work in regional centres, typical commute times by car are:

• Gloucester – approx. 25 minutes via A48 (10 miles)
• Cinderford – approx. 15 minutes via A4151 (6 miles)
• Cheltenham – approx. 40 minutes via A40 (23 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour via M5 and A48 (42 miles)

Parents considering schools in Westbury-on-Severn will find a good range of options locally and in nearby towns. The village itself is home to Westbury-on-Severn Church of England Primary School, a small but well-regarded institution fostering a nurturing environment and strong links with the local parish. Ofsted last assessed the school in October 2019, rating it as 'Good'.

For secondary education, students typically attend institutions in nearby areas. The Dean Academy in Lydney is a popular choice, offering a broad curriculum and accessible by local bus routes. Another strong option is Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean, which consistently achieves 'Good' Ofsted ratings (last inspected in June 2022) and is known for its academic support and community ethos.

In terms of further education, Gloucestershire College, with campuses in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean (Cinderford), provides vocational and academic courses for school leavers and adults. Comprehensive sixth form provision is available at Ribston Hall and Denmark Road High School in Gloucester, both with excellent reputations.
For higher education, the University of Gloucestershire in Gloucester and Cheltenham offers degree programmes, teacher training, and adult education. For those willing to travel, the University of Worcester and University of Bristol are also realistically commutable.