DISCOVER THE SECRET WORLD BENEATH THE FOREST
Our nine awesome caverns are full of exciting things for you to discover. All you need are a pair of sensible shoes and a sense of wonder to explore. The trips are self guided, descending 100ft down. A visit normally takes between 45 minutes and an hour underground, although many take longer (allow at least 2 hrs onsite). We have a cafe, shop and nice walks on the surface.
LIVING HISTORY
The caverns are a chronicle of thousands of years of mining and you can still meet the Forest Freeminers here – men whose birthright entitles them to dig for iron ores and precious ochres still found here today.
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 the Clearwell Caves mine system, provides an ideal sanctuary for them.
CHILDREN AT WORK
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 and see just what 60-70lbs feels like.
THE PIT THEATRE CHAMBER
This large cavern has been used to host some amazing events and wonderful underground theatre, even wedding parties. Please check our events page for upcoming opportunities.
SKELETON POOL
Discover a pool of tranquillity deep underground and come face to face with ancient creatures brought back to life upon the very rock walls their fossils created over 300 million years ago. You might even discover a hidden skeleton!
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DR WHO AND MERLIN
A space this unique naturally provides the kind of pure magic that works so well on film and video, which is why over the years we’ve been the backdrop for filming many programmes such as The Winter King, The Change, Willow, His Dark Materials, Cursed, Britannia, Dr Who, Merlin, Da Vinci’s Demons, Kidnapped, and many others.
THE LAMPROOM CAFÉ
A destination in its own right, the Lamproom Café sits above ground as the only marker for the adventure taking place below. With sandwiches, cakes, leaf teas and all your favourite coffees; our café is another delightful discovery hidden amongst the trees of the Forest and a perfect end to your visit with us.
