Clearwell Caves
For thousands of years iron ore has been mined at Clearwell Caves. You can still meet a Free Miner here: men whose ancient birthright entitles them to dig for minerals within the Hundred of St Briavels and the Royal Forest of Dean.
Clearwell Caves are now a working mining museum where visitors can see impressive caverns with geological and mining displays. Iron ore from the Caves has been used over many centuries to make tools, weapons and machinery. Some forms of the iron ore occurs in powder form, red, yellow, purple and brown ochre; they are highly valued as pigments and still mined at Clearwell Caves. The Caves are an important but secret part of the Forest of Dean's history and environment.
- Atmospheric mine workings with impressive caverns and winding passageways
- Nine impressive caverns to explore
- Visitor centre with Phyliss Lewis 'Forest Story' collection
- Deep Level adventure caving activities
- Ochre workshop
- Educational and fun for the whole family
- Guided tours for pre-booked groups
- Excellent Gift Shop with crystals, minerals and ochre to buy
- Special events throughout the year
- Spectacular Christmas Fantasy throughout December and New Year
- Great cafe
- Surface walks
- Children's play area
- Picnic areas
As well as entering an extensive natural cave system, when you visit Clearwell Caves you are experiencing some of Britain's oldest underground mine workings, dating back well over 4500 years. You walk through impressive caverns created by many generations of Forest people who made their living by mining iron ore and ochre at Clearwell Caves.
