Clearwell Caves

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Clearwell Caves are iron ore mines at Clearwell in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England. They are now used primarily as a mining museum.

The caves are a natural formation, cut by underground streams, but were once mined for iron ore by the Romans. The mining enlarged and extended the network of natural caverns considerably. Some of the main chambers are easily accessible from ground level, and these represent the earliest and most complete workings of the mine. A network of much deeper chambers does exist, but can only be visited in the presence of a guide and with appropriate caving clothing for safety. The upper caves are open to the public without special equipment.

The caves have been used as a Santa's Grotto at Christmas time for many years, and in the summer barbecues and dancing have been hosted in the upper caves.

Parts of the Doctor Who episodes "The Christmas Invasion" (2005) and "The Satan Pit" (2006) were filmed in the caves. The nearby quarry at Clearwell has also long been used for filming science fiction scenes, such as in Blake's 7.