Discover a different side to the forest
Explore a hidden world beneath the Forest of Dean.
With nine magical caverns, a visitor centre, dog friendly café, gift shop, outdoors play area, free parking, adventure caving trips and fun events all year round. Start your adventure!
faqs
Got a question or want more information?
Please check our ‘frequently asked questions’ section, or give us a call.
What is included, what can I see?
9 large caverns are open to the public, descending around 100ft underground. Exciting mining and geological displays throughout. Visitor Centre, Shop and Cafe. Picnic area. The underground visit takes around 45 minutes. Allow at least 1.5-2hrs for a show cave visit.
Do you offer guided tours?
Yes we do. Guided Tours are available for pre-booked groups, no extra charge but minimum of 15 persons. Schools and educational visits are particularly welcome. Tours take between 1-1.5 hrs, plus time in shop etc. Information can be focussed towards the particular interest of the group or be a fun overview of the mine's history.
What clothing should I wear?
You can visit wearing your normal clothing and normal footwear. However it is best to wear something warmer even in summer as the temperature is always 10 degrees underground. Please wear well fitting footwear with a good grip.
How do I change my booking time/date?
Please contact us directly to make an amendment to your booking. Call us on +44 (0) 1594 832535
How much does it cost to visit?
Please note that different prices or additional charges apply for evening trips and for some special events, including our Christmas Fantasy event; to check event prices please see our Events page for details. We reserve the right to alter prices or events at any time.
Are the caves easily accessible?
Please be aware that the Caves are real mine workings and may not be suitable for people with walking difficulties. The pathways are steep and uneven, they can be wet in places depending on the weather, there are handrails in parts where it is steeper. Please wear footwear with a good grip. You can take a single buggy through, but it is difficult for wheelchairs, and it is not suitable for mobility scooters.
Do you have a guide book?
Yes, our colour 20 page guide book gives a cavern by cavern tour of the Caves and includes interesting local geological and historical information. They can be purchaed for £3.50 each.
Are dogs allowed in the Caves?
We welcome dogs above ground, but they not allowed underground in the Caves. Dogs are welcome to go in the café and shop.There are some nice walks over the common which are easily accessible from here.
Contact Us
Quick Directions
Follow the brown tourist signs from Coleford town centre.
The Caves are 1.5 miles south of Coleford town centre in Gloucestershire.
From Coleford town centre follow the B4228 to St Briavels and Chepstow. After approximately 1 mile, turn right for Clearwell village (immediately after ‘Calico’ Lambsquay House, at Lambsquay crossroad). The car and coach park is clearly signposted after a few hundred yards.
SATNAV: GL16 8JR. When near to the Caves, for the final part of your journey, please follow brown tourism signposting to arrive at our carpark.
Nearest Railway Stations
LYDNEY – 5 miles, bus to Coleford, alight at Milkwall, three-quarter mile walk to Clearwell Caves.
GLOUCESTER – 21 miles, Stagecoach bus No.31, alight at Milkwall, three-quarter mile walk to Clearwell Caves.
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