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Beachley

Settlement in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Beachley

Severn Bridge and Aust Cliff The first Severn motorway bridge, looking east to Aust Cliff, with the motorway services building visible beyond the bridge tower.
Severn Bridge and Aust Cliff Credit: Martin Clark

Beachley is a small village located in Gloucestershire, England. Situated on the banks of the River Severn, it is known for its picturesque setting and rich history. With a population of around 500 residents, Beachley offers a tranquil and close-knit community atmosphere.

The village is famous for its proximity to the Severn Bridge, which connects England and Wales. This iconic suspension bridge is a major landmark and an important transport link between the two countries. Beachley benefits from its strategic location, attracting visitors who appreciate its scenic beauty and historic significance.

The natural surroundings of Beachley make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, providing ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The riverfront also offers a range of water-based activities like fishing and boating.

Despite its small size, Beachley has a rich history. It was once an important military site, housing a British Army depot during World War II. Today, remnants of the military presence can still be seen in the form of old barracks and ammunition stores. The village also played a role in the construction of the Severn Bridge, with workers and engineers residing in the area during its development.

In terms of amenities, Beachley offers a few local shops, a village hall, and a primary school. For further services and facilities, residents can easily access nearby towns such as Chepstow and Thornbury. Beachley may be small, but it possesses a unique charm that attracts both visitors and locals alike.

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Beachley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.608349/-2.647638 or Grid Reference ST5590. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Severn Bridge and Aust Cliff The first Severn motorway bridge, looking east to Aust Cliff, with the motorway services building visible beyond the bridge tower.
Severn Bridge and Aust Cliff
The first Severn motorway bridge, looking east to Aust Cliff, with the motorway services building visible beyond the bridge tower.
Welcome to England! As you leave the old Severn Bridge and turn off to join the A403, you are greeted by this sign. Its positioning is somewhat belated, since most of the bridge is, in fact, in England, the River Wye forming the border at this point. I should add that I was not breaking motorway rules - there is a foot and cycle path across the bridge.
Welcome to England!
As you leave the old Severn Bridge and turn off to join the A403, you are greeted by this sign. Its positioning is somewhat belated, since most of the bridge is, in fact, in England, the River Wye forming the border at this point. I should add that I was not breaking motorway rules - there is a foot and cycle path across the bridge.
Aust Ferry Terminal Before the (first) Severn Bridge was built - visible under construction in the background - a ferry ran from Aust to Beachley.
Aust Ferry Terminal
Before the (first) Severn Bridge was built - visible under construction in the background - a ferry ran from Aust to Beachley.
The First Severn Road Bridge Taken on the Severn View Path just before sunset.
The First Severn Road Bridge
Taken on the Severn View Path just before sunset.
The Old Severn Bridge The east tower viewed from the cycleway on the south side of the bridge.
The Old Severn Bridge
The east tower viewed from the cycleway on the south side of the bridge.
The Severn Estuary Power cable pylon and new Severn Bridge viewed from the old Severn Bridge.
The Severn Estuary
Power cable pylon and new Severn Bridge viewed from the old Severn Bridge.
Toll booths on the M48 Toll charges apply to west bound traffic only.
Toll booths on the M48
Toll charges apply to west bound traffic only.
Old Passage (Aust) 2007 The ferry has been closed now for 40 years or so and this is what is left.
Old Passage (Aust) 2007
The ferry has been closed now for 40 years or so and this is what is left.
Severn estuary: the big pylon The pylon is this big because the cables hung from it cross the Severn and have to reach the next pylon, about a mile away.
Severn estuary: the big pylon
The pylon is this big because the cables hung from it cross the Severn and have to reach the next pylon, about a mile away.
Wye Bridge, Beachley This carries the M48 over the Wye from Wales to England. The old Severn Bridge is in England. The Forest of Dean lies beyond.
Wye Bridge, Beachley
This carries the M48 over the Wye from Wales to England. The old Severn Bridge is in England. The Forest of Dean lies beyond.
Aust Ferry (Junction of A403 & Passage Road) This is where cars would turn in to the Aust Ferry area.
Aust Ferry (Junction of A403 & Passage Road)
This is where cars would turn in to the Aust Ferry area.
Aust Ferry (Gents Toilet block) This is what remains of the Gents oilet block at Aust
Aust Ferry (Gents Toilet block)
This is what remains of the Gents oilet block at Aust
Aust Ferry (Gents Toilet block) - Turnstile This is a close up of the turnstile that used to go to the Gents toilets, clearly all rusted away now.
Aust Ferry (Gents Toilet block) - Turnstile
This is a close up of the turnstile that used to go to the Gents toilets, clearly all rusted away now.
Aust Ferry (shop & refreshment building) Looking in to what was the shop and refreshments building - a sad sight.
Aust Ferry (shop & refreshment building)
Looking in to what was the shop and refreshments building - a sad sight.
Aust Ferry (Entrance to motor slipway) This is where cars would drive along to get on to the ferry along a wooden pier and slipway.
Aust Ferry (Entrance to motor slipway)
This is where cars would drive along to get on to the ferry along a wooden pier and slipway.
Aust Ferry (Looking along the pier to the slipway) Much of the wood has rotted away but the pier and slipway can be clearly seen.
Aust Ferry (Looking along the pier to the slipway)
Much of the wood has rotted away but the pier and slipway can be clearly seen.
Aust Ferry (Looking along the pier to the slipway) This is about as close as one can get to the water.
Aust Ferry (Looking along the pier to the slipway)
This is about as close as one can get to the water.
Aust Ferry (Inside the shop & refreshment area) A sad sight here.
Aust Ferry (Inside the shop & refreshment area)
A sad sight here.
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Beachley is located at Grid Ref: ST5590 (Lat: 51.608349, Lng: -2.647638)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Forest of Dean

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///strategy.redeeming.thumbnail. Near Chepstow, Monmouthshire

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Dod Rock Lyde Rock Hen and Chickens Beachley

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.608349,-2.647638
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6069106/-2.6536478
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6070046/-2.6539831
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6071353/-2.654016
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6074002/-2.6537886
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6073129/-2.6531653
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6072145/-2.6531502
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6070972/-2.6531492
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 51.6069553/-2.6533375
OpenStreetMap
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Place Of Worship
Saint Twrog
Religion: christian
Source: NPE
Wikidata: Q26631888
Lat/Long: 51.6071804/-2.6534746
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Beachley Point Pylon
Design: three-level
Height: 148.75
Manufacturer: J. L. Eve Construction
Material: steel
Operator: Babcock International
Power: tower
Tower Type: crossing
Lat/Long: 51.6102637/-2.6530182
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Seamark Light 1 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 1 Colour: white
Seamark Light 1 Height: 6
Seamark Light 1 Period: 2.6
Seamark Light 1 Range: 8
Seamark Light 1 Sector End: 284
Seamark Light 1 Sector Start: 213
Seamark Light 1 Sequence: 0.4+(2.2)
Seamark Light 2 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 2 Colour: red
Seamark Light 2 Height: 6
Seamark Light 2 Period: 2.6
Seamark Light 2 Range: 8
Seamark Light 2 Sector End: 49
Seamark Light 2 Sector Start: 284
Seamark Light 2 Sequence: 0.4+(2.2)
Seamark Light 3 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 3 Colour: white
Seamark Light 3 Height: 6
Seamark Light 3 Period: 2.6
Seamark Light 3 Range: 8
Seamark Light 3 Sector End: 51.5
Seamark Light 3 Sector Start: 49
Seamark Light 3 Sequence: 0.4+(2.2)
Seamark Light 4 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 4 Colour: green
Seamark Light 4 Height: 6
Seamark Light 4 Period: 2.6
Seamark Light 4 Range: 8
Seamark Light 4 Sector End: 160
Seamark Light 4 Sector Start: 51.5
Seamark Light 4 Sequence: 0.4+(2.2)
Seamark Light Reference: A 5541
Seamark Name: Chapel Rock
Seamark Type: light_minor
Lat/Long: 51.6072/-2.6534167
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Beachlands Sussex
Beacom Houses Cheshire

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