THIS IS WHERE YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS
When you’re looking for things to do in the Royal Forest of Dean, think deeper, think beneath your feet; because hidden beneath the trees of the Forest is a magical world of caverns and the fascinating story of ancient iron and ochre mining history for you to discover.
OPENING TIMES
TICKETS & PRICING
Adults: £12.00
Child (4-16) £10.00
Concessions: (student, OAP) £11.00
Family: (2+2) £40
Family: (2+3) £45
Guided tours are available for parties over 15 persons, Guided visits are the normal entry price plus £50. Tours take around an hour and a half. Tours can focus on particular subjects or interests. Please telephone in advance to book.
Children 3yrs and under are free of charge. There is no need to book a ticket for them.
No dogs or other animals allowed into the mine. However they are very welcome in the Lamproom café, gift shop and around the site. There are lovely walks around the common, please ask if you would like further information.
ABOVE GROUND
Our vast natural cave system covers hundreds of acres, it has been mined for iron ore and pigment over thousands of years, to create one of the most ancient and complex cave systems in Britain. The Caves are set in a beautiful valley, on the edge of the Royal Forest of Dean, they are easy to find and fun to explore.
Above ground there is plenty of free parking for visitors. Our Lamproom café offers lovely cakes, snacks, great coffees and teas.
Clearwell Caves – Ancient Iron Mines, The Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR.
THE LAMPROOM CAFÉ
The Lamproom Café sits above ground and is the only marker for the adventure taking place below, serving delicious cakes, snacks, teas and your favourite coffees.
Gift Shop
As with everything we like to do, our gift shop is a little different; alongside exciting things for visitors, you’ll find a range of sweets and treats, a variety of artists' ochres and minerals from the mine as well as minerals from around the world. We sell bespoke ceramic creations, some coloured by our very own ochres, hand made jewelry, gifts, collectables and other geological and cave related items to continue your discovery once your cave journey ends.
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.
Free Parking
Free Parking for visitors to Clearwell Caves, the Lamproom Café and shop.
Disabled parking and access is available near the entrance to the caves, café and giftshop, please call us on 01594 832535 for more details.
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.
OUR CAMPSITE
The adventure isn’t limited to what’s below ground, why not pitch your tent on our lovely field and spend the night camping out in the Royal Forest of Dean, right at the heart of it all. The field has a tap for water and a discrete but clean, portable loo. Camping is only available for a short time during the summer, (tents only). £10 per adult, £6 per child. Please give us a call to find out dates.
VISITING US FAQs
When are the caves open?
We are open as shown on the calendar on our booking pages https://clearwellcaves.com/events/book-your-tickets/
Green dates shown are operating days and when you click the selected date, it shows the times and number of tickets available for that day.
To ensure entry, please book online in advance. You can pay at the entrance if there are places available, it may require a short wait.
What is included, what can I see?
Clearwell Caves are an amazing natural cave system, that has been mined for ochre pigments and iron ore over thousands of years. You walk through ten impressive caverns, descending around 100ft underground, with displays throughout. Caves, Visitor Centre, Pre-booked activities, Shop and Cafe. The underground visit takes around 45 minutes. Allow at least 1.5-2hrs for your visit.
Do you offer guided tours?
Yes we do. Guided Tours can be booked for groups, or are available on advertised days; there is a charge for the guide (£50) and we require a minimum of 15 persons. Schools and educational visits are particularly welcome. Tours take between 1-1.5 hrs, plus time in loos, shop/cafe etc. Information can be focused towards particular interests, as well as an overview of the mine's incredible history.
Are dogs allowed in the Caves?
We welcome dogs above ground, but they are not allowed underground in the Caves, except assistance dogs. Dogs are very welcome in the café and shop. There are some nice walks above the Caves, please ask a member of staff for details.
Can I cancel my tickets?
We will refund or transfer your ticket(s) up to 24hrs before the booked time for your visit (subject to availability). There is a £3.00 cancellation or transfer fee for refunds or booking transfer (fee per transaction, not per ticket). Refunds are made by our ticketing company, to the original purchasing card and may take a few days to show in your bank account: please see the full Terms and Conditions.
How much does it cost to visit?
See: https://clearwellcaves.com/plan-your-visit/
Please note that different prices or additional charges apply for evening trips and for some special events, including our Christmas Event, To check event prices please see our Events or the booking page for details. We reserve the right to alter our prices or events as circumstances may require.
Are the caves easily accessible?
Please be aware that the Caves are real mine workings and may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties. The pathways are steep and uneven in quite a few areas, they can be wet in places depending on the weather, there are handrails in steeper areas. Please wear footwear with a good grip and walk carefully. You can take a children's single buggy through, but it is difficult for wheelchairs, and double buggies, the Caves are not accessible for mobility scooters or heavier electric wheelchairs.
What clothing should I wear?
Visit wearing your normal clothing and footwear. However we recommend you wear something warm even in summer, as the temperature is always 10 degrees underground. Wear well fitting footwear with a good grip. Sanitiser is available at the end of your visit.
How do I change my booking time/date?
Please contact us directly if you need to change or amend your booking (subject to availability). Call us on +44(0)1594 832535 or email: info@clearwellcaves.com. Please give at least 24hrs notice, see our Terms and Conditions. There is a £3.00 admin charge to change or transfer a booking (per transaction not per ticket).
CONQUER THE UNKNOWN WITH THE CLASS, CO-WORKER, OR CREW
(SCHOOL & GROUPS)
We have taken groups underground from our very first days we opened to the public in 1968. We provide exciting guided trips and caving activities. Elements of education and entertainment are balanced to suit the group’s interests or projects.
There are four main types of visit available to groups:
SELF GUIDED VISIT
The group lead themselves through the show caverns.
Allow 40mins-1hr*
GUIDED TOUR
Groups are taken through the show caverns by an experienced guide.
Allow 1.5hrs*
SEMI-DEEP LEVEL VISIT
A part guided tour of the show mine combined with a simple caving activity. The group wear helmets, lamps and overalls. You will be crawling in places and may get a little dirty.
Allow at least 2hrs*
DEEP LEVEL VISIT
The group are kitted out with helmets, lamps, overalls and wellies and go on a full caving activity. The trip involves crawling and scrambling down to 200ft underground, through ancient cave and mine workings. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child.
Allow at least 3hrs*
* Times shown for the underground part of the visit, extra time should be allowed for your arrival, use of loos, shop, café etc. Times can be varied to your requirements, if you let the guide know when you arrive.
It is a legal requirement for any person under 18 years old (a young person) to be accompanied throughout the trip by one of their parents or their legal guardian. A short form needs to be completed before the trip.
Whatever you are thinking of...
Please contact us by email if you would like to hire the Caves for an event: info@clearwellcaves.com
LOCATION FOR FILM, TV & PHOTOGRAPHY
A place this otherworldly, this historic, mysterious and atmospheric, makes a great backdrop for an exciting story! Please call us to discuss and arrange a recce. Ample vehicle parking.
ALSO NEARBY
After you’ve unearthed the hidden world of the caves and local mining history, make the most of what the Royal Forest of Dean has to offer. Discover more nature, new adventures, more history and discover how far your legs can take you on one of many stunning walking routes. Discover:
Hopewell Colliery
Forest of Dean History
Dean Heritage
Dean Forest Railway
