The Best Guide for Things to Do in Gloucestershire

Event Search

Places Search

Activites to do in the Forest of Dean days out in Gloucestershire visitor attractions

Things to do at Wye Valley Visitor Centre in the Forest of Dean days out in Gloucestershire what's on

Explore Home > Regions of Gloucestershire > The Forest of Dean > Days Out in the Forest of Dean > Days Out in the Forest of Dean

Places Search

Event Search

Clearwell Caves

Get More from Explore!

Staying int he Cotswolds hotels in Gloucestershire accommodation

Staying in the Forestof Dean hotels in Gloucestershire accommodation

Follow Explore Gloucestershire on Facebook

Follow Explore Gloucestershire on Twitter

Clearwell Caves near Coleford in the Forest of Dean

Clearwell Caves

"A trip to the Forest of Dean is not complete without a visit to Clearwell Caves!” – Tripadviser, 2024

“Amazing! A must visit!” – Tripadviser, 2024

Venture 100 feet beneath the forest floor and discover a secret world waiting to be explored. This natural cave system, mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years, offers an unforgettable, journey through 10 caverns with captivating displays.

Above ground, the Lamproom Café offers light lunches, tasty cakes, great coffee, and a small play area.

The Gift Shop is brimming with studio ceramics, handmade jewellery, ochre, gems, fossils, and toys.

Dogs are welcome everywhere but underground.

Enjoy plenty of free parking, and local walks over the stunning Clearwell Meend.

The Caves host exciting special events throughout the year, including underground music and theatre. For the adventurous, try Adventure Caving to explore the deeper levels — check the website for dates.

Discover the Wonder of Under at Clearwell Caves!

Clearwell Caves - Opening times 2024

Open from: Saturday 10 February 2024
Season ends: Sunday 3 November 2024

Weekends and School Holidays only - Check website for more details

Clearwell Caves - Special seasonal openings

Halloween
Clearwell Caves Christmas Fantasy

Clearwell Caves can open at any other times, if pre-booked.

Clearwell Caves - Admission charges 2024

NB: Pre-booking is advised.

Adults: £12
Child: £10 (5-16yrs)
Children under 4yrs are free (no need to book a ticket for them)
Concessions: (Students/OAP) £11
Family: (2+2) £40
Guided tours of the Caves: 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.

More information about Clearwell Caves booking and admission charges

IMPORTANT - Before your visit

Clearwell Caves recommend that visitors should wear stout footwear.

Clearwell Caves - Dogs policy

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.

Clearwell Caves - Disabled access

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. You can take a buggy through, but it is difficult for wheelchairs, and it is not suitable for mobility scooters.

Caving experiences at Clearwell Caves

Throughout the year 'Caving Taster Sessions' are available at Clearwell Caves and led by an experienced team of instructors in the field of caving, help make this adventure an exciting time for all to enjoy (age restrictions do apply).

Visit Clearwell Caves website for more details of Semi and Deep Caving.