An Underground Sculpture Park? Yes You Read Correctly! Check Out Clearwell Caves And Be Amazed.

The Forest of Dean is full of amazing surprises and is a lot more than the nature you would expect. I never thought I’d see an underground sculpture park, and then I discovered the clearwell caves.

The cave system is a combination of iron ore mines that once dotted this landscape and powered the local economy. Underwater rivers eroded the rocks and made long cave systems that exposes the valuable ore in the rock. As the ore was mined out the cave and mine system became intertwined and expanded under the rolling hills and forests.

Clearwell caves offers a fascinating and informative look at the mining industry along with the natural history of the caves and surrounding area. As an added bonus a temporary sculpture pair has been installed in the cave system, 70 sculptures from various artists line the underground walking trail. You can pick up a numbered guide at the ticket booth with all the information you need. Such an amazing idea that creates a really surreal underground experience!

Entry costs around £12.50 for adults and £10 for children and it’s totally worth it! It’s fun for all the family. The caves are open 10-5 but are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are on site toilets and a cute cafe, be warned the caves can be very cold and damp so bring layers to keep warm and dry!

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Post by Jamie Daniel Ali | Aug 4, 2025