Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Christmas at Clearwell Caves: The Festive Forest
Journey 100ft underground to experience 'The Festive Forest' at Clearwell Caves. This magical Christmas event transforms the ancient caverns into an enchanting woodland wonderland, complete with animal characters preparing for the holidays. Meet Father Christmas, collect a gift, and enjoy festive treats at the unique underground café. Browse the shop for Christmas decorations and stocking fillers.
What to Expect
Christmas event in ancient underground caves
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking for visitors to Clearwell Caves, the Lamproom Café and shop. Disabled parking is available near the entrance.
- Accessibility: The pathways are steep and uneven in places and can be wet. Not suitable for people with walking difficulties. Single buggies can be taken through, but it is difficult for wheelchairs. Not accessible for mobility scooters or heavier electric wheelchairs. Call in advance for information on disabled access.
- Pets: No pets allowed underground (assistance dogs welcome). Dogs are welcome in the café and shop.
Other Christmas Events Near Clearwell
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, christmas enthusiasts
Vibe
Magical, festive, adventurous
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (event is underground)
Special Events & Promotions
- See Father Christmas and collect a small pre-Christmas gift.
- Follow the woodland animal’s antics as they prepare for Christmas Day.
- Take a break 100ft underground in our special underground Café.
- Buy Christmas decorations and stocking fillers from our shop.
Location
Event Details
Duration
45 minutes for underground visit, allow 1.5-2 hours total
Ages
All ages (children under 4 free, under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian for caving trips)
Neighborhood
Forest of Dean
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Clearwell Caves
Food & Drink
Hot drinks and delicious cakes available in the underground café. Above ground, the Lamproom café serves drinks, cakes, and light snacks.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Wear warm clothing, as the temperature underground is a constant 10 degrees Celsius year-round, even during the Christmas event.
- Opt for footwear with a good grip, as the cave pathways can be steep, uneven, and potentially wet.
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially for popular events like 'The Festive Forest'.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully enjoy the underground experience, the café, and the shop.
- Consider visiting on a weekday if possible to avoid the largest crowds, especially if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the caves open for The Festive Forest?
Opening times are shown on the calendar on their booking pages. Green dates indicate operating days. To ensure entry, booking online in advance is recommended.
What is included in the Festive Forest experience?
The experience includes exploring the underground Festive Forest, meeting Father Christmas to receive a gift, and enjoying refreshments at the underground café. The visit takes approximately 45 minutes underground, with 1.5-2 hours recommended for the total visit.
What should I wear for the Christmas event?
Wear normal clothing and footwear with a good grip. It's recommended to wear something warm as the underground temperature is consistently 10 degrees Celsius. The pathways can be steep and uneven.
Are dogs allowed at the Christmas event?
Dogs are welcome above ground in the café and shop, but they are not permitted underground in the caves.
Can I change my booking for The Festive Forest?
Yes, tickets can be refunded or transferred up to 24 hours before the booked time, subject to a £3.00 cancellation or transfer fee per transaction. Contact them directly to make changes.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.