Clearwell Caves

About Us

For thousands of years, iron ore mining was the main industry in the Forest of Dean. At Clearwell Caves you discover the hidden world the miners created, as they dug through impressive natural caverns to remove iron ore and ochre pigment.

Open to all ages, our nine awesome show caverns are full of exciting things to discover. All you need is a pair of sensible shoes and a sense of wonder and we'll provide the rest.

Living History

The caverns are a chronicle of thousands of years of mining at Clearwell Caves and you can still meet the local Forest Freeminers here, men whose birthright entitles them to dig for iron ores and precious ochres still found here today.

As more mined caverns have been uncovered over the years we have discovered many artefacts that record the history of the mines and show that children as young as seven, known as 'billy boys', would use a 'billy' or hod to carry 60-70lbs of ore at a time. If you're feeling strong, you can test your strength down the mine and see just what 60-70lbs feels like.

Discover a pool of tranquillity deep underground and come face to face with the ancient creatures of the area as they are brought back to life upon the very walls of the caves they went on to form 350 million years ago. You might even discover a hidden skeleton!

The Silent Cave Dwellers

The caves are home to a variety of bats including greater horseshoe, natterers and long-eared bats. It is unlikely you'll spot one of our hidden inhabitants on your adventure, as they are most active on warm evenings after they've come out of hibernation. Luckily, the constant temperature and lack of disruption in Clearwell Caves provides an ideal sanctuary for the bats, which are currently on the decline in the UK.

Like our nocturnal residents, you can now experience how sound reverberates against the cavern walls. Play an instrument crafted from an old air receiver found in the cave; create a beat and fill the cavern with sound and activity, as it was in its mining past. Press the red button to hear a standing wave, creating loud and quiet areas as you walk around the cavern, creating a sound landscape, just like bats do!

Follow in the footsteps of Dr Who and Merlin

A space this unique naturally provides the kind of magic and wonder that works so well on film and video, which is why over the years we've played host to the filming of programmes such as His Dark Materials, Cursed, Britannia, Dr Who, Merlin, The Chronicles of Narnia, Da Vinci's Demons, Kidnapped, The Changes and many others.

Our gift shop sells unusual mementos and even ochre pigment from the mine. The cafe sells a wide range of delicious food and cakes, with excellent leaf teas and organic espresso based coffees.

If you feel even more adventurous, you can book to go deeper into the workings and explore parts of the Caves well beyond the public areas. See separate listing in Activities or our website for more details. 

Free parking. Picnic and children's play area. See website for full details of activities and special events.

Venture 100 feet beneath the forest floor and discover a secret world waiting to be explored. This natural cave system, mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years, offers an unforgettable, journey through 10 caverns with captivating displays.

Above ground, the Lamproom Café offers light lunches, tasty cakes, great coffee, and a small play area. The Gift Shop is brimming with studio ceramics, handmade jewellery, ochre, gems, fossils, and toys. Dogs are welcome everywhere but underground. Enjoy plenty of free parking, and local walks over the stunning Clearwell Meend.

The Caves host exciting special events throughout the year, including underground music and theatre. For the adventurous, try Adventure Caving to explore the deeper levels — check our website for dates.

Discover the Wonder of Under at Clearwell Caves!