Clearwell Caves
A historic iron-ore mine with underground passages, a visitor trail and Forest of Dean geology.
Opening hours
Opening times vary seasonally; check the official website before visiting.
Location: Clearwell Caves, Clearwell, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Clearwell Caves takes you into the Forest of Dean’s iron-mining story. Its visitor trail runs through nine caverns, where the rock, passages and traces of work underground make more sense than a display case alone. The caves were worked for iron ore and ochres; mining is not just a distant backdrop to the attraction.
Underground
The self-guided route is steep and uneven in places. Give yourself time to read the interpretation as you go, especially the accounts of Forest Freeminers and the children who once carried ore. The scale of the caverns is striking, but it is the smaller details of how people worked here that stay with you. Sturdy shoes are a better choice than smooth soles, even on a dry day.
Before booking
Opening dates, admission and any special underground events change through the year. Check the official visitor page for the day you want and review access information if stairs or uneven ground are a concern. This is a strong choice for anyone interested in industrial history as well as geology, though it asks for more care underfoot than an ordinary museum visit.