The show caves are part of an extensive natural cave system, mined for iron ore to make one of Britain's most complex and oldest mine workings; dating back well over 4,500 years, when Neolithic miners dug for ochre pigments.
For Spring Bank Holiday on 27th May we have Ed Fox of Fox Historical spending a day with visitors recreating ancient sounds and music using archaeolocal evidence from the Stone Age. Watch the demonstrations and have a go! See our events page for details.
Explore nine atmospheric caverns with an ancient and intriguing past. You will see why television programmes like Dr Who and Merlin have been filmed here many times. Walk through exciting, sometimes eerie, impressive caverns and winding passageways, following in the footsteps of generations of miners; who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the 'Old Man' that miners believed haunted the Caves?
If you want even more adventure Try caving during the Half Term holiday; see our events page for details of these and other great events.
- Fun for all the family
- Nine well lit caverns open to the public
- Atmospheric mine workings and impressive caverns with winding passageways
- Displays throughout
- Visitor centre with Phyllis Lewis 'Forest Story' ceramic figures collection
- Blacksmith workshop
- For lots of great things happening - keep looking at our events page
- Fascinating and exciting for the whole family
- Guided tours for pre-booked groups
- Caving activities - see events page and Deep Level Caving
- Spectacular Christmas Fantasy event throughout December and New Year
- Free surface facilities include:
- Free car and coach parking
- Gift Shop with excellent souvenirs, gifts, crystals and minerals
- Great cafe
- Free - children's play area
- Free - picnic areas
- Free - miner's smallholding
- Surface walks around Clearwell Meend (large common) and into historic and picturesque Clearwell village, with beautiful church and impressive village well (Clearwell Castle - not open to the public) 3 good pubs and 2 good hotels.
- Dogs on leads are welcome around the site and surface facilities (not underground - except assistance dogs).
- Puschair accessible.
Reasons to visit:
When visitiing please wear stout footwear with reasonable grip. Children must be closely supervised at all times. Wheelchair access throughout, but difficult underground; two able bodied helpers necessary at some stages. Disabled parking near Caves entrance.