The Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8JR
Clearwell Caves
Cave
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
2–3 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2Beneath the Forest of Dean, Clearwell’s mined caverns preserve a long history of working underground: the official visitor information describes iron ore and pigment mining here over thousands of years, while the visitor account describes 10 caverns and mining over more than 4,500 years.
This is a substantial underground landscape with a human story written into the caverns: visitors can explore the old workings rather than just view them from outside. The steep, uneven route is part of the practical reality, so check suitability before setting out.
Atmospheric · Dramatic · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapThe Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8JR
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The experience
Explore the underground caverns and their mining story, then return above ground for the Lamproom Café and gift shop if open. Allow around 2–3 hours according to the supplied visitor listing; check booking dates and the uneven route’s suitability before you go.
Things to do
Explore the mined caverns
Follow the visitor route through the underground caverns and consider how the site’s iron ore and pigment workings shaped the passages. The visitor account describes 10 caverns.
About 2–3 hours for a visit, according to the supplied visitor listing
Take a break at the Lamproom Café
The official visitor page describes cakes, snacks, tea and coffee at the café above ground. Check whether it is open on your visit date.
Ask about walks over Clearwell Meend
The official visitor page notes walks over Clearwell Meend and suggests asking on site for further information; no particular route is specified in the supplied evidence.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick underground visit
- 01
Check the official booking calendar and reserve a visit date.
- 02
Explore the caverns at your own pace, looking for the physical traces of mining described in the visitor information.
- 03
Allow for steep and uneven sections; the official page says the route is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
Half day · About 2–3 hours
Make a half day of it
- 01
Book a date shown on the official calendar and explore the underground caverns at your own pace.
- 02
After the cave visit, take a break at the Lamproom Café for cakes, snacks or a drink if it is open.
- 03
Browse the on-site gift shop, which the visitor account describes as selling ceramics, jewellery, ochre, gems, fossils and toys.
- 04
Ask on site for information about walks over Clearwell Meend; the official page mentions local walks but does not provide a specific route.
Verified history
Clearwell’s underground workings have been mined for iron ore and pigment over thousands of years, according to the official visitor page. The supplied visitor listing describes mining for more than 4,500 years and a visitor route through 10 caverns. The evidence supports a long mining history, but does not provide specific dates, named miners or individual historic events.
Hidden details
Look for the evidence of extraction — Rather than treating the caverns as scenery alone, notice the passageways as a record of mining for iron ore and pigment. The supplied sources do not identify particular tools, carvings or named features, so no specific detail is claimed.
When to go
· Check the official booking calendar for available dates and times; no preferred time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal highlight. Visits take place on dates shown in the official booking calendar.
Underground route conditions and above-ground facilities should be checked with the operator before visiting; the supplied sources do not specify weather-related restrictions.
What to look for
Notice how the passageways and caverns reveal the scale of the old workings. The supplied visitor account describes 10 caverns, while the official page describes a vast cave system mined for iron ore and pigment over thousands of years.
The story
Historic mining; iron ore and pigment extraction
Best time to go
No season-specific advantage is established in the supplied sources. Check the official booking calendar for visit dates.
Choose a date listed on the official booking calendar. The supplied sources do not establish a best season or time of day.
How long to spend
2–3 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visitor entry is available on dates shown in the official booking calendar; advance booking is recommended. The route is steep and uneven in many places and is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. Check current dates and details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
The official visitor page states that free visitor parking is available on site. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed among the on-site facilities; check availability on the visit date.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The Lamproom Café serves cakes, snacks, tea and coffee when the caves are open, according to the official visitor page.
Dogs
Dogs and other animals are not allowed underground. The official page welcomes them in the café, shop and around the site.
Accessibility
The official page says the route is steep and uneven in many places and is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. It states that carers accompanying a full-paying disabled visitor are admitted free with evidence. Confirm access needs directly before visiting.
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Clearwell Caves
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
