📍 Coleford
Clearwell Caves
Ancient underground iron-ore mines near Coleford to explore on foot, lit and atmospheric.
✦ We visited
Going underground is a proper adventure, the dim caverns had our older ones wide-eyed. Wrap up warm, it is cool down there year round, and wear shoes with grip.
Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean are a network of ancient iron-ore mines that have been worked for thousands of years and are now open to explore on foot. A trail leads down through nine large caverns, lit and signed, where you learn about the freeminers who dug here and see the old workings, mining tools and the natural ochre that is still produced. The underground setting is genuinely atmospheric.
For families it is an unusual, hands-on history visit and a good rainy-day option since the main experience is underground and sheltered. Children enjoy the sense of adventure, the dim caverns and the stories of mining life. There are seasonal events, including a popular Christmas fantasy and deep-level caving experiences for older visitors, and a small shop selling the ochre paints.
It suits primary-age children and older more than very young toddlers, given the dim, uneven paths. Take warm layers, as it stays cool underground, and good footwear for the rocky floor.
Good for: history, sensory, rainy-day. Ages: 5–7, 8–11, 12+.
Good to know
Are Clearwell Caves suitable for children?
Yes, primary-age children and older enjoy exploring the lit caverns, though it is dim and uneven for very young toddlers.
Is it cold inside Clearwell Caves?
Yes, it stays cool underground all year, so warm layers and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Are Clearwell Caves good on a rainy day?
Yes, the main experience is underground and sheltered, making it a good wet-weather option.