Follow generations of miners into these spectacular caves to investigate the secret world of Freemining. Nine impressive caverns, with displays throughout. Caves, Museum, Blacksmith shop, Gift shop and Café. Ample free car and coach parking. Picnic/play area. Free guided tour; experience history, mystery and fun. Free pre-visit and risk assessment available.
Set in a beautiful valley, nine large caverns of this partly natural cave system and former iron ore mine, have been opened to the public. Large scale commercial mining ended here at the end of the Second World War in 1945, but iron ore in the form of ochre is still produced here on a small scale; Clearwell ochre is used to make artist’s pigments and gives the caverns their distinctive orangey-red colour. The Caves are enjoyed by visitors of all ages, particularly school groups who can book an entertaining and informative guided tour, free of charge, offering a great way to discover the winding passageways that open up into impressive caverns. The mine workings have a mysterious atmosphere used by the BBC who have filmed many episodes of both Dr Who and Merlin here. Be aware that the underground tour is steep in places and may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties, although there are no steps on site and there are handrails where it becomes steeper. On the surface there is a Gift shop, Café and large picnic area. Pre-visits and risk assessment/pre-visit information is available on request.
Groups enjoy ample free car and coach parking, special group rates and a 1.5 hour guided tour provided free of charge, the tours can emphasise school projects or areas of particular interest such as children in mines, iron, limestone etc. Bus drivers and couriers are also free of charge and can enjoy a courtesy drink in the Cave’s café, that easily accommodates 50 persons
Dear Sir,
...the children enjoyed the visit very much and it is an occasion they will remember with much pleasure from their time in England.
The children have now returned home to their families after their first trip abroad. For them it has been a busy time, but one they have enjoyed and we believe greatly benefitted from as regards their long term health and their new found knowledge of the outside world.
Thank you very much for your great part in this.
Yours sincerely,
James McMullen - Chairman - Chernobyl Children's Life Line
Dear Jonathan,
My name is Elliott and I am a pupil from St Andrews. We recently came to visit you at Clearwell and you were our guide I am writing to you to thank you for being our guide, you are a great guide. I enjoyed looking at the drills, shop and tools.
Yours sincerely,
Elliott - Student - St Andrews Primary School
Dear Mr Wright,
The students really enjoyed the visit and your guided tour was very entertaining. We hope to make this an annual event on the course run for our group of young people in the Sixth Form whose first language is not English.
Best Wishes
EAL Dept - St Peter's Catholic High School & Sixth Form College
Thank you all very much for the interesting and informative tour of the Caves that Gareth gave to the pupils and staff. Everyone remarked on the quality of the 'hands on experiences' which really brought to life working in the mine. A memorable and enjoyable tour.
Thank you again.
Mrs Repson + Year 5 - Kings School, Witney
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