Arlingham is a small and isolated village, thirteen miles from Gloucester, situated in a bend of the River Severn. It is mainly a farming community, spreading out from a crossroads. At the end of a straight lane, are the banks of the River Severn. It is very wide at this point and tidal. Across the other side on a cliff, can be seen Newnham on Severn and beyond, the Forest of Dean. It is recorded that here in 604 AD, Saint Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, crossed the River Severn to meet Welsh Christians. The ford is no longer there.
Arlingham is popular with ramblers walking the Severn Way and it is known as one of the best positions to watch the beginning of the Severn Bore. Almost on the water’s edge, is The Old Passage Inn, a renowned seafood restaurant, which regularly receives commendations from good food guides.
