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 2025

Open from: Saturday 15 February 2025
Season ends: Sunday 2 November 2025

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 2025

NB: Pre-booking is advised.

• Adults: £12
• Child: £10 (4-16yrs)
• Children under 4yrs are free (no need to book a ticket for them)
• Concessions: (Students/OAP) £11
• Family: (2+2) £42 Family: (2+3) £50
• Guided tours of the Caves for parties of over 15 persons: 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

Clearwell Caves - Special Exhibitions 2025

23 May – 31 August 2025 Summer Exhibition: Back to the Cave – The Full Spectrum
In collaboration with Gallery Pangolin


Experience sculpture in a whole new light at The Caves, where the underground setting plays host to a unique exhibition of modern and contemporary works, curated by Rungwe Kingdon and Claude Koenig. With colour inspired by the ochre mined in the caves since Neolithic times, the exhibition features over fifty British and international artists.

Visitors will follow a specially planned route, spanning 550 metres and reaching depths of up to 100 feet underground, where they will encounter an array of sculptures, including several new site-specific pieces. Along the way, there will be the opportunity to explore the mine itself.

Artists featured include post-war pioneers Lynn Chadwick, Geoffrey Clarke, and William Tucker, alongside contemporary figures such as Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Polly Morgan, Tavares Strachan, Monira Al Qadiri, Ann Christopher, Merete Rasmussen, and Peter Oloya. See website for the complete list of participating artists.

This extraordinary exhibition is included with your Cave Entry ticket.

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.