Clearwell Meend
Explore ancient mining galleries and discover unique underground art in this cool, magical escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Clearwell Meend
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient mining galleries and discover unique underground art in this cool, magical escape.
"This was the most unique art gallery I have ever been in. I would say it’s a must see!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cave floor is uneven and can be damp. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🥶 Natural Air Conditioning
Enjoy the consistent cool temperature inside the caves, a welcome relief on hot days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Mining Galleries
Underground
Explore 4,500-year-old galleries, walking in the footsteps of ancient ochre and ore miners.
Unique Underground Art
Various locations within the caves
Discover surprising sculptures and art installations nestled within the natural cave formations.
Cool Escape on a Hot Day
Throughout the caves
Experience a refreshing natural chill, making it a perfect retreat from summer heat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Embrace the Underground Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cave floor is uneven and can be damp. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🥶 Natural Air Conditioning
Enjoy the consistent cool temperature inside the caves, a welcome relief on hot days.
🖼️ Check for Art Exhibitions
Many visitors rave about the unique underground sculpture exhibitions.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Great for macro photography, especially for cave species like spiders.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cave floor is uneven and can be damp. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🥶 Natural Air Conditioning
Enjoy the consistent cool temperature inside the caves, a welcome relief on hot days.
🖼️ Check for Art Exhibitions
Many visitors rave about the unique underground sculpture exhibitions.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Great for macro photography, especially for cave species like spiders.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Kids often enjoy the adventure and the unique art installations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by Clearwell Caves, finding them to be a cool, beautiful, and magical experience, especially when enhanced by unique underground sculpture exhibitions. While some note a lack of extensive geological features, the art and historical mining aspects are highly praised, making it a recommended visit for families and art lovers alike.
"I didn’t really know what to expect because it was something my Husband wanted to see and I didn’t know a thing about it apart from the fact that there was some sculptures inside. I was positively surprised!
The visit was amazing because it was during a hot day and the caves are really cool. So it was pleasant! But also the caves are really beautiful and the sculptures is adding more fun to the visit.
I really had a nice time and spent around 1h30 but I took my time. It was a magical experience!"
Melanie Mengüş
"This was the most unique art gallery I have ever been in. I would say it’s a must see, even children 5 and up on my opinion would enjoy it. Most of my explorations were done on my own with no other visitors. It is a little dark with the exhibitions spot lit. If you are claustrophobic you might have a hard time. It took me about 2 hours to explore, you should also wear good shoes here. I enjoyed the museum that talked about ochre and ore mining, and likes that many of the sculptures were metal. I really enjoyed the exhibition and would definitely go again. There is a cafe, and games as well as toilets. There is an outside sitting area with a semi adventure playground. I loved it, but I also loved that here the staff say #sconeAsingone. Nice to meet you Jonathan and Sue!"
P_Addler
"Brilliant caves and even more special with the sculpture exhibition that’s on this summer.
Visited in summer holidays on a wet morning, with two children (ages 8 and 9). We all enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend! It was quite busy, but we hadn’t booked in advance and were allowed in straight away. Free parking, there’s also a cafe on site but we didn’t visit it ourselves."
Gemma Hadfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clearwell Caves are located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is free parking available on site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended if you're not driving.
The caves have uneven and damp surfaces, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. It's best to contact the venue directly to discuss specific accessibility concerns before your visit.
Opening hours can vary, especially depending on the season and any special events. It's always a good idea to check the official Clearwell Caves website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before you plan your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, advance booking is not required for standard visits, and visitors are often allowed in straight away, even during busy periods like school holidays. However, for special events or large groups, it's wise to inquire.
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally considered a reasonably priced experience. Check their official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Clearwell Caves are generally suitable for all ages, with children as young as 5 reportedly enjoying the experience. However, if you are claustrophobic, you might find the enclosed spaces challenging.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore ancient mining galleries, learn about ochre and ore mining, and discover unique underground sculpture exhibitions. The caves offer a cool escape and a magical experience.
Yes, it's a popular spot for photographers, especially for macro shots of cave species like spiders. The unique lighting and natural formations provide interesting subjects.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the caves and any current exhibitions, taking their time to soak in the atmosphere.
There are facilities including toilets, a cafe, and sometimes games. An outdoor seating area with a semi-adventure playground is also available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments. Some visitors mention enjoying the cafe facilities.
While there's a cafe, it's often possible to bring your own snacks or a packed lunch to enjoy in designated areas, especially if you're visiting with family. Check with the venue for their specific policy.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cave system offers unique photographic opportunities, from the ancient mining passages to the art installations. Macro photographers often find success capturing the cave's unique fauna.
It's generally advisable to check the specific photography policy at Clearwell Caves. While some areas might allow it, flash can sometimes disturb wildlife or damage delicate exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven. Bring a light jacket as the caves are consistently cool. The on-site cafe and playground offer further entertainment options, making it a well-rounded family outing.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Check the Clearwell Caves website for current exhibition schedules. Be prepared to explore different sections of the caves to find all the art installations. The unique lighting and atmosphere enhance the viewing experience, making it a memorable visit for art lovers.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Bring a tripod for low-light shots and a macro lens if you're interested in wildlife. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and texture of the caves. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the cave environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Clearwell Caves
The descriptions of the museum sections talking about ochre and ore mining were particularly appreciated by visitors.
Art in the Depths: Sculpture Exhibitions
Visitors have praised these exhibitions for adding an extra dimension to their visit, making it a 'unique art gallery underground.'
Photography and Wildlife
The use of specialized equipment like macro lenses and flashes has been highlighted by photographers visiting the caves.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit