Forest of Dean

Want to be one with Mother Nature? Looking for some quiet and peaceful time amongst the flora and fauna? Then the Forest of Dean is the place to be!

Iron Ore Clearwell Caves are said to be 4,000 years old! These natural caves cover 600 acres with miles of passageways so (put on good sturdy shoes or wellies, as some of the caverns might be slippery) and explore! It’s MIGHTY big so claustrophobia should not be too bad for those who suffer but it is still a cave. They do offer a deep tour if pre-booked. The regular tour is a self-guided so take your time and enjoy. Lights in the caverns are motion detective but if you want to bring your own torch (flashlight for the Americans reading this), I recommend so to see in the little nooks and crannies. The deep tours go 600 feet below the earth, the regular tour only goes about 100 feet below surface. It took approximately one hour to walk through (and by George, we didn’t lose anyone!)

 Begin by visiting the Miner's museum first, then make your way to the cool (get it?  50°F/10 °C) caverns. Temperature is the same all year round (like the rest of England-cold and damp). Check out the frozen waterfall and the human “skeleton” at the underground lake. Open from 10-5pm Feb- November. The cost is £6.50 per person. FREE parking in large carpark. Be sure to stay on the pathways as er….well, um…let’s just say it’s safer…Do look out for Ol’ Mon, the ghost of the caverns. I poked my head in everywhere I could, but never saw him…

If after you visit the Clearwell Caves, pop across the road for FREE admittance (if show your Cave tickets) to the Secret Gardens. Entry here is £3 and on an honour system if no one at the ticket window. Frolic through the magical woods that gave Tolkien inspiration for The Hobbit  and Lord of the Rings. Keep your eye out for the forest creatures as you’ll see miniature doors and houses all along the moss covered rocks, tangled vines and gorgeous untamed scenery. You’ll believe you left Earth as you know it and entered Fangorn itself.

Emerging from the eerie forest, don’t pass on the Iron Village. Here you can see how people lived in round houses those centuries ago. Watch out for wild boars!

Another great place in the Forest of Dean is Puzzlewood . Doctor Who, Arthur and Merlin were filmed here. This too, is a place of magical woodlands and mazes. www.puzzlewood.net

Where to stay? That’s easy. A quick ride from all this excitement brings you to Bracelands Campsites. Where you can pitch a tent, park an RV or for those of you who don’t like to camp (*raises hand*) prebook the log cabins (some even come with a hot tub). What better way to relax after trekking through forests and dusty caves all day? If you're wanting a quick jaunt near the camp; try the River Wye tour. You'll be surprised just how close you are to Wales when crossing the river!