Clearwell Caves

Step into a Secret Underground World

Venture 100 feet beneath the Forest of Dean and explore a hidden landscape carved out over 5,000 years of iron and ochre mining. Clearwell Caves is one of the UK’s most unique family attractions — a natural cave system turned museum, art space, and adventure destination.

Wander along a self-guided 550-metre route through 10 awe-inspiring caverns (no helmets required!), each telling part of the Forest’s extraordinary 350 million-year story. It’s an unforgettable day out for families, explorers, history lovers, and curious minds of all ages.

📍 Near Coleford, Forest of Dean
🗓️ Open Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
🌐 clearwellcaves.com

Unearth a Legacy of Mining & Colour

For thousands of years, the Forest of Dean’s iron and ochre mines were a hub of industry. At Clearwell Caves, you’ll discover the dramatic story behind these minerals – and the people who dug them from the earth.

Explore 10 vast caverns, where you'll meet Forest Freeminers, whose birthright still grants them permission to mine for minerals today. See artefacts from centuries of mining, and learn how children known as “billy boys” once carried up to 70lbs of ore – test your strength on-site if you’re feeling brave!

💡 Did you know? Natural red, yellow, and purple ochres are still mined here – used by artists across the UK, including Bridget Riley and, historically, even Leonardo da Vinci.

Where Art & Geology Collide

In collaboration with Gallery Pangolin, we’re proud to present:
🎨 Back to the Cave: The Full Spectrum
🗓️ 23 May – 31 August 2025 (free with regular cave entry)

An exhibition of international Modern and contemporary sculpture, curated by Gallery Pangolin on the theme of colour, inspired by the 5,000-year history of colour mining at Clearwell Caves. See works by 60 world-class British and international artists, including Antony Gormley, Sarah Lucas, Lynn Chadwick, and Damien Hirst – alongside site-specific installations carved directly into the cave walls.

As Seen on Screen

Our atmospheric caverns have appeared in numerous film and TV productions, including:
Doctor Who, Merlin, His Dark Materials, Britannia, The Chronicles of Narnia, Da Vinci’s Demons, and more.

Relax Above Ground

Refuel after your underground adventure in the Lamproom Café, serving:

☕ Organic barista-made coffees
🍰 Fresh cakes, bakes, and light lunches
🍃 Indoor & outdoor seating
🧸 Children's play area

Pop into our Gift Shop, where you’ll find handmade ceramics, fossils, crystals, jewellery, toys — and artist-grade ochre pigment mined right here.

🐾 Dogs welcome everywhere above ground.

Feeling Adventurous? Try Adventure Caving

Book a guided Adventure Caving experience and venture deep into the untouched caverns beyond public areas. Crawl, climb, and squeeze through the darker passages of Clearwell’s wild underworld. Suitable for ages 7+.
🎟️ Pre-booking essential — check our website for available dates.

Getting Here

From Coleford, take the B4228 towards Lydney. After 1 mile, turn right to Clearwell. Follow brown tourist signs to Clearwell Caves.

🅿️ Free parking available
🧺 Picnic areas nearby
🚶‍♀️ Great walking routes across the Clearwell Meend

Plan Your Visit

🗓️ Open Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
🎟️ Adults £12.50 | Concessions £12 | Children (4–16) £10
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family tickets available
🌐 Book online and explore more at clearwellcaves.com