The complex features hundreds of miles of passages running through limestone strata at a gentle 15° angle, zigzagging east to west. The tourist section includes eight caverns, locally called “churns,” which are well-lit, paved, and designed for self-guided tours. Visitors can admire natural-looking flowstone formations in a variety of colors, such as white, red, and green. There are also artificial pools and a feature called the Barbecue Churn, which includes toilets and gas barbecues. On the surface, a large two-story building made of local stone in traditional Forest of Dean style houses a café, a museum showcasing mining relics, and a gift shop selling items including caving lamps.

For cavers, special permission can be obtained to explore beyond the tourist areas and into other nearby mines such as Old Ham Gale, Old Bow Pit, New Dunn Pit Gale, Easter Iron Mine, Lambsquay Gale, Oak Pit Gale, Injunction and Belt Iron Mine (including Lea Bailey Mine Level), Wigpool Mine, Dean’s Meend Gale, and Drybrook Iron Mine.

These iron mines near Coleford have a long history of extraction, with mining extending to depths of up to 600 feet below the surface. Since the mines closed, the water level has stabilized at around 400 feet. The extensive mine complex covers approximately 600 acres.

Located just south of Coleford. To reach the site, turn right off the B4228 at the Lambsquay Hotel. For access beyond the tourist section and visits to other mines, contact Ray Wright at Clearwell Caves, Clearwell near Coleford, Gloucestershire. Phone: 0594 832535 (day) or 0594 823700 (evenings).